Get The Visibility Your Company Needs
Reduce compliance risks and mobility costs while managing individual and project-related travel with ImmiSMART: the solution that unifies your travel and mobility programs.
Month: June 2015
Altered Working Hours in Islamic Countries for Ramadan
June 11, 2015
Between 18th June and 17th July (this will be confirmed according to moon sighting) followers of the Islamic faith will be observing Ramadan. Ramadan has high significance in the Islamic calendar and lasts for a period of 30 days. The Islamic calendar…
Read MoreUS: Changes to H-1B Employer Protocols
June 11, 2015
On 9th April 2015 the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office made a ruling that has set a new precedent for the protocol that applies to employers of H-1B workers. This new ruling will require employers to pay careful heed to H-1B workers…
Read MoreBAHRAIN: Subsidy Cuts to Affect Expats
June 11, 2015
Bahrain has announced plans to cut subsidies for consumer goods and services across the Kingdom in order to offset government spending on subsidies that are seen to primarily benefit foreign nationals and companies. Instead, the government will redirect spending directly…
Read MoreCANADA: Tightening of Citizenship and Biometric Rules
June 11, 2015
On 11th June 2015, Canada implemented reforms to its Citizenship Act in an attempt to deter benefit tourism. To be eligible for citizenship applicants must now: have physically remained in Canada for a minimum of 1,460 days (4 years)…
Read MoreUS: Spouses of Skilled Workers Entitled to Employment
June 4, 2015
As of 26th May 2015, certain spouses (H-4 dependants) of temporary skilled workers (H-1B visa holders) are able to apply for employment authorisation in the USA. Despite this being part of an effort to simplify and attract skilled…
Read MoreJAPAN: “Residence Card” Strictly Mandatory Instead of the “Alien Registration Card”
June 4, 2015
In July 2012, the Japanese government repealed The Alien Registration Act, abolishing the alien registration system and replacing Alien Registration Cards with Residence Cards embedded with an IC chip. The Japanese government allowed a 3-year transitional period, which is coming…
Read MoreSINGAPORE: Stringent Checks on Academic Qualifications for Work Permit Applications
June 4, 2015
The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) in Singapore has announced in May 2015 that stringent checks on academic qualifications will be enforced for S Pass and Employment Pass applicants. Employment Pass and S Pass applicants are required to declare their qualifications…
Read MoreVisa-Free Travel Between the EU and 7 New Countries
June 4, 2015
On 28th May 2015, the EU signed short-stay visa waiver agreements with St Lucia, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Republic of Vanuatu, the independent State of Samoa and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.…
Read MoreQATAR: Changes to In-Country Conversions from Short Term to Work Visas
June 2, 2015
From May 2015, it should be noted that as per the new immigration regulation in Qatari Law, the following visas may not be converted in-country to Work Visas: Business Visa Arrival visa Tourist visa This will mean that employees and…
Read More
