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Category: Immigration Insights
BAHRAIN: 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In July 2012, the Japanese government repealed The Alien Registration Act, abolishing the alien registration system and replacing Alien Registration Cards with Residence Cards embedded with an IC chip.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 MoreSOUTH AFRICA: BRICS Nationals Eligible for 10 Year Business Visas
May 28, 2015
Earlier this year, the Minister of the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has announced that business travellers from 3 of the other 4 BRICS countries - Russia, India and China - are eligible to be issued long-term multiple-entry…
Read MoreIRELAND: DJEI Trusted Partner Initiative Launch
May 28, 2015
On 12th May, the Irish government launched the "Trusted Partner Initiative" which allows registered groups of employers or contractors from the EEA to cut visa registration time and paperwork when making applications for their workforce. According to the scheme"s promoters,…
Read MoreSINGAPORE: Applications to Transfer to an Online System
May 28, 2015
As of 1st June, the immigration authorities in Singapore are switching to electronic application submission for most categories. Only the following 5 types of Work Pass applications for Singapore will continue to be considered if submitted manually: • DP/LVTP of…
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