Immigration Insights

INDONESIA – Implementation of New Bridging Visa

June 6, 2024

Immigration authorities in Indonesia announced the introduction of a new Transitional Stay Permit, also known as a Bridging Visa.

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FRANCE – New Visa Process for Olympic Games 2024 Volunteers

June 6, 2024

To support the arrival of 45,000 Olympic Games volunteers, an additional visa procedure has been put in place for these applicants.

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THAILAND – Temporary Visa-Waivers Announced

June 6, 2024

Thailand has extended visa-waivers to citizens of India and Taiwan on a temporary basis. Beginning on 10 November, passport holders from both India and Taiwan can now stay in Thailand for tourism purposes for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa.

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THAILAND – Upcoming Changes to the Visa and Travel System

June 4, 2024

New visa and travel measures aimed at boosting tourism and stimulating Thailand’s economy were recently approved.

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VIETNAM – Semi-Annual Foreign Utilization Reporting Due in July

May 31, 2024

Employers in Vietnam who have foreign employees holding valid or current work permits are required to complete a semi-annual report regarding the utilization of foreign manpower by July 5, 2024.

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AUSTRALIA – Upcoming Changes to Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold Effective July 1, 2024

May 29, 2024

In Australia, new minimum salary requirements have been announced for the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold.

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UNITED KINGDOM – Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme

May 28, 2024

The UK Home Office published a Statement of Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme. Learn more in this update.

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SWEDEN – Simplified Passport Checks

May 22, 2024

The Swedish Migration Agency has introduced a pilot scheme to allow nationals from 23 countries to complete the passport verification requirement using an application on their mobile phone or computer instead of attending in person.

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COMPLIANCE CORNER – Increased Inspections in Indonesia

May 20, 2024

There has been an increase in onsite immigration inspections in Indonesia. Foreign nationals have faced questioning over addresses provided.

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AUSTRALIA – Impact of the 2024-2025 Federal Budget on Migration Policy

May 20, 2024

On May 14, 2024, the Australian government handed down the 2024-2025 Federal Budget. In this update, we outline the key points from the Budget affecting Australia’s immigration policies.

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CHINA – New visa-waiver scheme

May 8, 2024

China is granting a visa-waiver to citizens of 12 countries, allowing them to visit China for periods up to 15 days for business, tourism, family visit, and transit purposes.

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Introducing CIBT Assure: Your pathway to complete A1 compliance for all your employees

May 4, 2024

CIBT Assure is a new platform that ensures seamless A1 compliance with ease and precision.

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MALAYSIA – New Requirement for MDEC-Registered Employers

April 23, 2024

From April 24, 2024, all new and renewal applications for the Employment Pass (EP) are required to be made through the Xpats Gateway system.

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JAPAN – Digital Nomad Visa Launched   

April 18, 2024

Digital Nomad visa allows foreign nationals to live and work remotely in Japan for up to 6 months in a 12-month period.

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INDONESIA – Introduction of Remote Worker Visa 

April 17, 2024

Indonesia has introduced a Remote Worker Visa, allowing foreign nationals to live and work remotely in Indonesia for up to one year.

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PERU – Visa Exemption Reinstated for Mexican Passport Holders 

April 17, 2024

Peruvian authorities have revoked the planned suspension of a visa exemption for Mexican ordinary passport holders.

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ITALY – Update on New EU Blue Card Application Rules  

April 16, 2024

On March 29, 2024, the Italian Government announced changes to the EU Blue Card scheme.

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NEW ZEALAND – Changes Introduced to Accredited Employer Work Visa

April 16, 2024

Changes to the AEWV took effect from April 7, 2024, specifically for positions categorized at Skill Levels 4 and 5.

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IRELAND – Update on Eligibility for Stamp 4 Permission Upgrade

April 15, 2024

Non-EEA nationals who have been employed in Ireland on a Critical Skills Employment Permit can now apply for a Stamp 4 immigration permission “upgrade”.

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SOUTH AFRICA – Recent Amendments to Immigration Regulations Withdrawn  

April 15, 2024

The Department of Home Affairs of South Africa has reversed a set of proposed amendments that were introduced without public consultation.

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