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Month: February 2018
RUSSIA: New Work Permit Regulations Bring Administrative Changes
February 8, 2018
Effective 4th February 2018, new regulations on issuing work permits bring some administrative changes to the work permit rules. What are the changes? For the purpose of obtaining a work permit, including for Highly-Qualified Specialists (HQS), the passport of a foreign national must now be valid for at least eighteen months, as of the date […]
Read MoreNIGERIA: Executive Order Brings Stricter Labour Market Rules
February 7, 2018
On 2nd February 2018, the President of Nigeria signed an executive order (EO5) aimed at promoting local Nigerian expertise in science, engineering and technology. What does the executive order say? EO5 prohibits the federal Ministry of Interior (FMI) from giving visas to foreign workers whose skills are readily available in Nigeria. Where local expertise is […]
Read MoreSOUTH AFRICA: Update on Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) Applications
February 6, 2018
On 31st January 2018, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) extended to 15th February 2018 the closing date for payments and submission of supporting documents and biometrics for applications for the new Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP), at one of the ten designated Visa Application Centres. This deadline had previously been extended to 31st January 2018. […]
Read MoreGlobal Immigration Update – Monday 5th February 2018
February 5, 2018
In this week’s edition, we bring you news that in the UK, the Tier 2 General category has been oversubscribed for a second month, and the health surcharge is set to double. Thailand has introduced a four-year SMART Visa for top talent and there is a new foreign recruitment law in Taiwan. Plus, there are updates from Austria, Switzerland and Oman.
Read MoreUNITED KINGDOM: Immigration Health Surcharge To Double
February 5, 2018
The government has announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) will increase from £200 to £400 per year. The discounted charge, payable by Tier 4 students and those on the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) will rise from £150 to £300 per year. Introduced in 2015, the IHS is payable by those from outside the […]
Read MoreTHAILAND: Four-Year SMART Visa for Top Talent Now Available
February 2, 2018
Effective 1st February 2018, the Thai Board of Investment has introduced the previously-announced SMART Visa for highly-skilled foreign workers and investors in certain industries. What are the Benefits of the SMART Visa? The SMART Visa is valid for up to four years (non-immigrant visas are usually valid for up to one year only) for qualifying […]
Read MoreAUSTRIA: Authentication of Diplomas Now Required for Initial Red-White-Red Card Plus Applications for Dependents of Red-White-Red Card Holders
February 2, 2018
Effective immediately, university diplomas and school leaving certificates submitted in support of initial Red-White-Red Card Plus (RWR Card Plus) applications by dependent family members of Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card) holders must be legalised and then authenticated under the ENIC-NARIC framework. Previously, ENIC-NARIC recognition of university diplomas was not required for these applicants. Who is affected […]
Read MoreOMAN: Six-Month Ban on Hiring Foreign Nationals in 87 Professions
February 1, 2018
Effective immediately, Oman’s Ministry of Manpower has suspended the recruitment of foreign nationals in 87 professions, across ten sectors, for six months. Who is Affected? The affected sectors are as follows: Information systems Media “Technical professions” Engineering Air transport Accounting and finance Engineering Insurance Sales and marketing Management and human resources Medicine A full list […]
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