Category: Immigration Insights

March 10, 2017

On 6th March 2017, President Donald Trump released a revised executive order entitled ‘Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States’ (the “Order”) following legal challenges to the preceding order issued earlier this year. The new Order becomes effective as of 16th March 2017, and differs from the previous Order in several important respects. Suspension […]

March 6, 2017

In this week’s edition, we look at the new Vietnamese work permit exemptions and 30-Day e-Visa, and advise of the increase in the Belgian residence administration fee. We also bring you the latest immigration news from South Korea, Morocco and Spain.

March 3, 2017

Worldwide ERC®, established in 1964, is the premier global professional membership community for talent mobility. Our global events draw Corporate HR professionals from around the world looking for services. The 2017 Singapore Summit event is new and vibrant - and serves the local needs of the Singapore mobility marketplace. Our unique format attracts and engages Corporate HR professionals, and provides you and your company with ample time and opportunities to build relationships and business.

March 3, 2017

The Spanish authorities are currently adopting much more restrictive criteria to decide applications for residence permits for Highly Qualified Employees under the “Entrepreneurs’ Act” (Ley 14/2013). Strict Qualifying Criteria There is at present a higher risk of denial of such applications if the following qualifying criteria are not fully met: The job position offered must […]

March 3, 2017

The immigration authorities in Morocco have introduced stricter rules for residence permit applications which have come into play during the last month. There has been no official announcement, but the following changes have nevertheless been introduced: Reduced tolerance for late renewals of Resident Permits – the border authorities can prevent foreign nationals from exiting Morocco […]

March 3, 2017

Work Permit Exemptions for Intra-Company Transfers From 1st February 2017, new rules have been implemented relating to intra-company transfers to Vietnam. Specifically, Operating Offices (“Văn phòng điều hành”) operating in one of the 11 sectors specified by Vietnam’s World Trade Organisation (WTO) commitments are now eligible to apply for a work permit exemption (WPE) instead […]

March 3, 2017

Effective 1st March 2017, the Belgian federal government has increased the mandatory administrative fee for first-time residence permit and long-term D visa applications. In addition, a new law allows municipalities to charge an administrative fee also for renewal, extension or replacement residence permit applications. The fee for work permit holders has increased to 350 EUR […]

March 3, 2017

From 1st March 2017, foreign nationals qualifying for a five-year multiple-entry visa as frequent visitors to South Korea now have to apply for this visa at a Korean consulate before travelling, rather than receiving it at the port of entry on arrival, as previously. To qualify, applicants must be nationals requiring a visa to visit […]

February 24, 2017

There are currently severe delays in the processing of Employment Permits and in obtaining appointments for GNIB Registration in County Dublin. There has also been a tightening up of border controls, causing longer security clearance times at ports of entry into Ireland. Employment Permit Processing Times There have been significant delays in the processing times […]

February 24, 2017

The Supreme Court has upheld the minimum salary threshold of £18,600 per year for settled residents of the UK who wish to sponsor a foreign spouse. Despite a legal challenge from families who claim the wage threshold is a breach of their human right to a family life, Judges ruled that the minimum income requirement […]