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Category: Immigration Insights
CANADA: All Visitors Required to Apply for Prior Approval
June 16, 2015
From 15th March 2016, due to the high number of inadmissible visitors that are stopped at Canada"s borders every year, even visitors from countries who do not require visas will have to apply electronically for permission to enter Canada. In…
Read MoreSOUTH AFRICA: Workers Now Able to Study Part Time
June 16, 2015
Since 1st May 2015, work and business visa holders in South Africa have been permitted to study part-time at registered universities and colleges. Previously workers would be required to apply for additional permissions to study whilst working, however under the new guidelines…
Read MoreUK: Restricted Sponsorship Cap Reached
June 12, 2015
It has emerged that the cap for Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship (RCoS) allocations, set by the government, has now been reached for the month of June. This is unprecedented as the quota for allocation had never been reached since the…
Read MoreAltered 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…
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