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Immigration Insights
UNITED KINGDOM – Changes to Student Visa Route
June 9, 2023
Last week the UK government highlighted changes to the student visa route in hopes they will reduce net migration, with the main focus being on the dependents on the student route.
Read MoreUNITED KINGDOM – Shortage Occupation List New Addition; Seafood Sector
June 5, 2023
The UK fishing sector has been given a boost by adding a range of Skilled Occupations to the Shortage Occupation List. As of this summer, share fisherman, trawler skippers, and experienced deckhands (large vessels) will be all be on the Shortage Occupation List.
Read MoreKOSOVO – Visa-Free Travel with the EU
June 5, 2023
Starting in January 2024, citizens of Kosovo will no longer need a visa to travel to the countries of the European Union and stay for periods of up to 90 days within in a 180-day period.
Read MoreVIETNAM – Foreign Utilization Semi-Annual Mandatory Reporting
June 5, 2023
Employers in Vietnam who have foreign employees holding valid or current work permits are required to complete a semi-annual report regarding their utilization of foreign manpower by 7 July 2023.
Read MoreUNITED KINGDOM – Hybrid and Remote Reporting
May 26, 2023
In lieu of the Covid-19 pandemic there is no need for sponsors to report on hybrid and remote working changes to the Home Office.
Read MoreKAZAKHSTAN – Visa-free Travel with China
May 26, 2023
The governments of Kazakhstan and China have announced the signing of an agreement between the two countries to allow for visa-free travel,
Read MoreUAE – Unemployment Insurance Expanded
May 26, 2023
The United Arab Emirates has expanded the categories of workers who are required to enroll in the country’s unemployment insurance system.
Read MoreCANADA – To Join the Apostille Convention
May 23, 2023
Global Affairs Canada announced on 16 May that Canada is adopting the Apostille Convention. The Apostille Convention simplifies the process of legalizing documents for use in other countries who are members of the Convention.
Read MoreSWEDEN – Immigration Process Changes Announced
May 19, 2023
Sweden’s Migration Agency continued to announce changes to the country’s immigration process, including a proposal to raise the minimum salary threshold, and a phasing out of Sweden’s “Fast Track” certification.
Read MoreIRAQ – KRG Seeks Registered Company Reports
May 19, 2023
The Companies Registrar Directorate of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is asking all registered companies within the KRG to publish their records and files with the Directorate by 31 May.
Read MoreJAPAN – Immigration Framework Review for Digital Nomads
May 15, 2023
The Japanese Government laid out its plans to attract highly skilled foreign talent and is considering implementation of an immigration framework for digital nomads.
Read MoreCANADA – New Passports Unveiled
May 15, 2023
A new design for Canadian passports have been unveiled. The new passports will be more secure with a number of enhanced security features.
Read MoreUPDATE – UK Virtual or Remote Working Reporting Responsibility
May 4, 2023
The Home Office has changed reporting requirements for sponsored international employees with remote or hybrid working arrangements. The HO is now requiring sponsors to log the physical location of these workers.
Read MoreAUSTRALIA – Immigration System Overhaul
April 27, 2023
The Australian Immigration system is set to undergo a major overhaul in the coming months. This announcement is based on an extensive report highlighting increased labour shortages and the absence of policy for lower paid workers.
Read MoreJAPAN – New Visa System Launched
April 27, 2023
To attract individuals with highly specialized skills, Japan has created a new two new entry regimes: J-Skip and J-Find.
Read MoreAUSTRALIA – NZ Direct Pathway to Citizenship
April 27, 2023
The Australian government announced a direct pathway for citizenship to current citizens of New Zealand. This decision reverses a policy from 2001 which made attaining Australian citizenship more difficult. Special Category Visa holders from New Zealand would now be able to apply directly for citizenship.
Read MoreSOUTH AFRICA – Radiological Report and Police Record Waivers
April 21, 2023
The South African Department of Home Affairs has issued a new directive providing relief to visa and permit applicants from April 11, 2023. It does not apply to those with applications which have already been filed and are currently under adjudication.
Read MoreUNITED KINGDOM: Sponsorship Management Guidance Updates from the Home Office
April 21, 2023
The Home Office of the UK has updated its sponsor guidance in relation to general information for sponsoring workers. The updates should streamline requests and improve the process on certain immigration routes.
Read MorePHILIPPINES: eTravel System Requirement
April 14, 2023
With effect from 15 April 2023, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will start requiring all inbound and outbound travelers, regardless if they arrive by air or sea, to complete a declaration form through the eTravel system (etravel.gov.ph).
Read MoreCONFERENCE – CIBT at 2023 ITM Conference
April 13, 2023
CIBT will be at the 2023 @ITM Conference, 26-27 April in Brighton. Please join us to learn more about developments in business travel for 2023 and hear directly from some of our experts.
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