Month: October 2017

October 19, 2017

Effective 17th October 2017, Chinese nationals can enter Panama with a consular Stamped Visa, and no longer require an Authorized Visa. Stamped Visas are normally processed in under one week, while Authorized Visas can take up to 60 days to process, with more scrutiny by the immigration authorities. Chinese nationals can still qualify for a […]

October 18, 2017

Effective 1st November 2017, qualifying Philippine nationals can travel to Taiwan visa-free for stays of up to 14 days, for tourism, business, visiting relatives, or attending functions or events. The visa waiver scheme will run for an initial nine-month trial period, until 31st July 2018. Those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than […]

October 17, 2017

Effective 18th September 2017, the Hague Apostille Convention has entered into force in Guatemala. Documents for use in Guatemala will no longer require consular or embassy legalisation, if they have been affixed with an apostille. What is the Apostille Convention? The Apostille Convention (also known as the Apostille Treaty, or the Hague Convention Abolishing the […]

October 17, 2017

EIC Connect is the Energy Industries Council (EIC)'s flagship not-for-profit event designed to bring together the leading operators, developers and OEMs from across the world to support British enterprise and expertise in the global power, nuclear & renewables sectors. Representatives from at least 500 UK-based businesses are expected to attend, all with the capacity, technology and innovation to build and maintain large scale energy projects.

October 17, 2017

Newland Chase were delighted to attend a breakfast briefing on Monday 16th October with Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Chair of the Committee on Exiting the European Union. Invitees were reminded that the UK is currently facing it’s biggest political overhaul of all time, with a focus on the practicalities of moving EU law into […]

October 17, 2017

Effective immediately, foreign nationals travelling to Azerbaijan for work or business must obtain the appropriate work or business visa before travelling. What has changed? Previously, most foreign nationals travelling to Azerbaijan for work or business would enter the country on an e-visa or a visa on arrival as a visitor, and then change status post […]

October 17, 2017

Effective 9th October 2017, the immigration authorities (DGME) have reversed a recent change to the post-arrival temporary residence application process for employees of registered companies. The requirement, imposed in August, that the main applicant and any dependents submit their fingerprints and complete consular registration before submitting their temporary residence application, has been cancelled. However, it […]

October 16, 2017

In this week’s edition, we bring you news of a reciprocal suspension of visa services between the US and Turkey and announce an expedited work permit process in Shanghai, China that may benefit some foreign workers. Plus, we bring you immigration news from Switzerland, Kenya and Tanzania.  

October 11, 2017

Effective immediately, foreign national employees in Oman earning at least OMR 300 (about USD 780) per month are permitted to sponsor their family members for dependent residence permits. Previously, the salary threshold for dependent sponsorship was OMR 600 per month. Background While there is no specific ministerial decision in Oman establishing the minimum salary for […]

October 11, 2017

Effective immediately, foreign nationals employed in Abu Dhabi who wish to sponsor family members for initial or renewal dependent residence permits must submit a Tawtheeq (a residential lease registered in Abu Dhabi) in support of the application. Exceptions Employees who cannot submit a Tawtheeq because they live in another Emirate (such as Dubai) may appeal […]