Month: January 2017

PERU: Recent Changes to Documentation Requirements

January 20, 2017

From 23rd December 2016, certain changes were made to supporting document requirements for both ÒDesignated WorkerÓ visas (temporary visas for assignees) and residence visas for locally hired foreign workers. Designated Worker Visa Employers preparing assignment letters for foreign national employees assigned to Peru must now request a duration of stay not exceeding the duration of the service agreement with the local Peruvian host company. Previously, the requested duration of assignment could exceed the duration of the service agreement. The maximum duration of an assignment remains one year. Local-Hire Work Visa For authentication of the employment contract of a foreign national hired locally by a Peruvian company, if the contract is signed by an individual other than the General Manager, the immigration authorities will now accept a notarised affidavit that the signatory is a legal representative of the company and has the authority to sign the contract on behalf of the employer. Previously, the Peruvian immigration office required a legalised copy of the power of attorney (ÒVigencia de PoderÓ) of the legal representative. No authentication document is required if the contract is signed by the General Manager of the Peruvian Company. Our advice Employers sending foreign nationals on assignment to Peru should ensure that hey request a duration of stay which does not exceed the duration of the service agreement with the Peruvian host company. Peruvian employers hiring foreign national workers should ensure that an employment contract signed by anyone other than the General Manager is supported by an affidavit that the signatory is a legal representative of the company, rather than by a power of attorney. For further information on Peruvian immigration, please contact us at [email protected].

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SWITZERLAND: Free Movement Agreement Extended to Croatians

January 20, 2017

On 16th December 2016, The Swiss Government extended the free movement of people agreement to Croatia following parliament's approval of a law on European Union immigration and jobs; this came into effect on 1st January 2017. The announcement follows the…

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PERU: Recent Changes to Documentation Requirements

January 20, 2017

From 23rd December 2016, certain changes were made to supporting document requirements for both ÒDesignated WorkerÓ visas (temporary visas for assignees) and residence visas for locally hired foreign workers. Designated Worker Visa Employers preparing assignment letters for foreign national employees assigned to Peru must now request a duration of stay not exceeding the duration of the service agreement with the local Peruvian host company. Previously, the requested duration of assignment could exceed the duration of the service agreement. The maximum duration of an assignment remains one year. Local-Hire Work Visa For authentication of the employment contract of a foreign national hired locally by a Peruvian company, if the contract is signed by an individual other than the General Manager, the immigration authorities will now accept a notarised affidavit that the signatory is a legal representative of the company and has the authority to sign the contract on behalf of the employer. Previously, the Peruvian immigration office required a legalised copy of the power of attorney (ÒVigencia de PoderÓ) of the legal representative. No authentication document is required if the contract is signed by the General Manager of the Peruvian Company. Our advice Employers sending foreign nationals on assignment to Peru should ensure that hey request a duration of stay which does not exceed the duration of the service agreement with the Peruvian host company. Peruvian employers hiring foreign national workers should ensure that an employment contract signed by anyone other than the General Manager is supported by an affidavit that the signatory is a legal representative of the company, rather than by a power of attorney. For further information on Peruvian immigration, please contact us at [email protected].

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DENMARK: Biometrics Registration Changes and Salary Increase

January 19, 2017

From 7th February 2017, foreign nationals applying for work and residence permits under the Fast-Track Scheme must book an appointment for registering their biometric data at the Danish Agency of Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) in Copenhagen. Appointments can be scheduled…

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UK: Low Skilled Immigration and Skills Levy Post-Brexit

January 19, 2017

Ministers are putting pressure on Prime Minister Theresa May to let in tens of thousands of migrants every year, even after Britain leaves the EU. Cabinet ministers have raised concerns about the effect this will have on certain industry sectors;…

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USA: New USCIS Rule Amending Several Employment-Based and Non-Immigrant Visa Programs

January 19, 2017

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has recently announced amendments to certain regulations to improve US employer's ability to recruit and retain high-skilled personnel who have been granted employment-based immigrant visas and are waiting to become lawful permanent residents.…

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China Britain Trade Expo 2016

January 18, 2017

China Britain Trade Expo 2016 will be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on 28th January 2016. Focusing on high value trade opportunities between China and Britain, supply chain opportunities and best practice, this bilateral trade event is not to be missed. China Britain Trade Expo 2016 will incorporate a high profile conference schedule comprising […]

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Brexit Update: A Summary of Theresa May’s Speech

January 18, 2017

Yesterday, the UK Prime Minister changed the landscape of Europe, clarifying her commitment to limit the free movement of European citizens to the UK. Theresa May said she wanted continued cooperation with the EU to tackle terrorism and international crime,…

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GHANA: Update regarding Annual Returns and Work Permit Applications

January 11, 2017

Deadline Imminent for Submitting Annual Returns of Foreign Workers All Ghanaian companies that employ foreign national workers must submit an annual return by the deadline of 14th January 2017. The return must state names and addresses of all foreign nationals…

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USA: Proposed Changes to H-1B Visa Programme

January 11, 2017

A new bill proposing changes to the H1B visa programme has been re-introduced in the US Congress. This bill supports one of the key changes that President-elect Donald Trump had announced during his campaign to curb "abuse" of H1B visas, with the aim…

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