Immigration Insights

VIETNAM – 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.

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UNITED 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.

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KAZAKHSTAN – 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,

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UAE – 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.

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CANADA – 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.

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SWEDEN – 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.

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IRAQ – 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.

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JAPAN – 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.

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CANADA – 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.

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UPDATE – 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.

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AUSTRALIA – 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.

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JAPAN – 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.

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AUSTRALIA – 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.

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SOUTH 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.

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UNITED 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.

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PHILIPPINES: 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).

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CONFERENCE – 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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UNITED KINGDOM – Updates to the Sponsor Guidance

April 13, 2023

On 31 March 2023, the Home Office updated Part 3 of the Home Office’s Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors, which deals with Sponsor duties and compliance.

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SINGAPORE – Details of Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)

April 7, 2023

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has just released the following additional details on the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).

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MALAYSIA – ESD Will Process FKW Projection Applications Immediately

April 7, 2023

Malaysia's Expatriate Services Division (ESD) announced it will approve projection applications instantaneously.

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