Immigration Insights

MALAYSIA – Expat Authorizations Digitized

September 15, 2023

Malaysia is working to simplify the process for Malaysian companies hiring expatriate workers by launching an electronic system. The Xpats Gateway is part of the Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to digitize government functions and position itself as a business-friendly nation.

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UNITED KINGDOM – Review of Recent Rule Changes

September 13, 2023

Adjustments to UK Immigration Rules were recently released and have brought about some key changes. The main bulk of the amendments simply address minor technical issues and provide clarity and consistency. They go into effect on 28 September.

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UNITED KINGDOM – Transit Visa Requirement for Russians, Georgians

September 11, 2023

On 8 September, an amendment to the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014 went into effect, adding Georgia and Russia to the list of countries or territories whose nationals need transit visas in order to pass through the United Kingdom without entering while transiting to another country.

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SLOVAKIA – Foreign Police Closures

September 11, 2023

The Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic announced all Foreign Police offices in the country will be closed as of 11 September and will remain closed for the remain closed for the rest of September.

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COSTA RICA – Increased Stay Periods

September 11, 2023

The government of Costa Rica has increased the amount of time passport holders from “Group One” visa-exempt countries can stay in Costa Rica for purposes of business or tourism. The Group One countries include the United States and Canada.

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ISRAEL – Upcoming Immigration Office Closures

September 11, 2023

Because of several upcoming high holidays, the Israeli government sent out a reminder of pending Immigration Office closures.

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UNITED STATES – TPS Reregistration Period Extended

September 11, 2023

The US Department of Homeland Security announced an extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) reregistration period for citizens of six countries. The period was extended from 60 days to 18 months.

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ICELAND – Work and Residence Permits Loosened

September 1, 2023

In an effort to ease a tight domestic labor market, and to attract more potential migrants from outside the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), Iceland has made changes to several work and residence permits.

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NEWLAND CHASE – New Services in Belgium, Colombia

September 1, 2023

As the world continues to return to global travel and mobility following the COVID pandemic, Newland Chase is expanding our service offerings in both Belgium and Colombia, part of CIBT's ongoing expansion plans.

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HONG KONG – CIBT Expands Service

August 29, 2023

CIBT, a leading global provider of immigration, visa and document services for businesses and consumers, is proud to announce an expansion to our services in Hong Kong under our CIBTvisas brand.

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NC INSIGHT – 10 Ways to Keep Global Employees Safe Amidst Political Unrest

August 25, 2023

Political unrest can present a serious risk to travelers abroad. In this Insight post we look at ways companies can reduce the risk to employees abroad.

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CANADA – Recognized Employer Pilot Program Launched

August 25, 2023

The Government of Canada announced the launch of the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) program as part of the larger Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The goal of the REP is to ease some of the administrative burden for Canadian companies looking to hire foreign workers for specific roles.

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SINGAPORE – Intern Exchange Scheme with China

August 25, 2023

Singapore and China have struck a bilateral agreement with China to allow graduates from universities and polytechnic schools to engage in six-month internships in each other’s countries.

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VIETNAM – Changes To E-Visa Process

August 25, 2023

Vietnam is now offering evisas on arrival for foreign travelers at more than 50 entry points. The program went into effect on 15 August.

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NEW ZEALAND – Updates to AEWV Visa Standards

August 17, 2023

Immigration New Zealand announced changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), effective 27 November 2023. The changes primarily affect the term of stay period for AEWV holders.

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TAIWAN – Review Changes for Special Professional Work Permit

August 17, 2023

Taiwan is changing the review process for Foreign Special Professional work permit applications. In turn, the processing time to issue a work permit will likely become longer.

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PHILIPPINES – COVID Travel Restrictions Lifted

August 17, 2023

The public health emergency caused by COVID-19 has been lifted in the Philippines. This means international travelers will no longer have to present a vaccination certificate to enter the country.

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BRAZIL – Resumption of Visitor Visas (UPDATE 2)

August 16, 2023

Brazil has again updated its recent e-visa plan, pushing back the date when visitors from Australia, the UK and US will need visas.

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UNITED KINGDOM – Late EU Settlement Scheme applications to face further scrutiny from UKVI

August 14, 2023

The UK is implementing a number of changes to the EU Settlement Scheme for EU citizens in the UK, effective from 09 August 2023.

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JAPAN – eVisa Extended to 11 Countries

August 11, 2023

The JAPAN eVISA system for short-term tourist visits to Japan, has been extended to foreign nationals residing in 11 countries:

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