Immigration Insights

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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).

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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).

Read More

MALAYSIA – ESD Will Process FKW Projection Applications Immediately

April 7, 2023

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

Read More

UNITED KINGDOM – Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules March 2023 | Non-Business Routes

March 31, 2023

The recent Home Office’s Statement of Changes includes numerous changes to non-business rules as well for students, dependents, and family members.

Read More

NEW ZEALAND – Work Authorization of Partners Retained

March 31, 2023

Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or Essential Skills visa holders will retain work rights with certain set of conditions starting from 31 May 2023.

Read More

UNITED KINGDOM – End of Offshore Wind Workers Concession

March 31, 2023

The Home Office has confirmed that Offshore Wind Workers Immigration Rules Concession will come to an end on 30 April 2023 and will not be extended. This is a temporary concession for employees involved in the construction or maintenance of offshore wind farm projects in the UK territorial waters to work without the need to obtain a work visa.

Read More

DENMARK – Immigration Changes 2023

March 31, 2023

Danish authorities have implemented updates to the Danish Alien’s Act, with changes to the Fast Track and Supplementary Pay Limit schemes.

Read More