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Immigration Insights
EUROPEAN UNION: Reminder of Upcoming Schengen Visa Code Amendments
December 20, 2019
The amended Schengen visa code will come into effect on 2 February 2020. Changes include more flexible procedures, longer visa validities, and fees.
Read MoreBREXIT: Majority Conservative Government Expected to Pass Withdrawal Agreement Bill
December 18, 2019
In the 12 December 2019 United Kingdom general election, the electorate gave the Conservative party a substantial majority. This makes it almost certain that the Withdrawal Agreement Bill will be passed by parliament (although it is not certain that this can be achieved by 31 January 2020 without a further extension) and all but eliminates the risk of a cliff-edge no-deal Brexit with no transition period.
Read MorePHILIPPINES: All ACR I-Card Holding Foreign Nationals to Report to Immigration By 29 February 2020
December 18, 2019
29 February 2020 is the deadline for all registered foreign nationals in the Philippines to report to the immigration office. The Annual Report (“AR”) 2020 period begins on 1 January 2020.
Read MoreSOUTH KOREA: Stricter Policy for Illegal Stay
December 17, 2019
The Korean National Assembly is debating tougher penalties for the employers of illegal residents. For those voluntarily reporting illegal residence by 28 February 2020, penalties will be reduced or exempted.
Read MoreSINGAPORE: Lower Dependency Ratio Ceiling in 2020
December 17, 2019
Effective 1 January 2020, the Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) and S Pass Sub-DRC for companies in the services sector will be lowered.
Read MoreGlobal Immigration Weekly Roundup – 16 December 2019
December 16, 2019
The latest global immigration news and insights in your weekly newsletter from Newland Chase.
Read MoreAUSTRALIA: Traffic Light Bulletin – Skilled Migration List Review
December 16, 2019
Following consultations with various stakeholders, including the Newland Chase Australia team (read our blog from 28 November here), the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business has released their Traffic Light Bulletin outlining their proposed changes to Immigration’s skilled occupation lists.
Read MoreRUSSIA: Reminder – Upcoming Deadline for Employers to Confirm Measles Vaccination of All Foreign Employees [UPDATED]
December 12, 2019
Employers engaging foreign labour in Russia have until 31 December 2019 to confirm the vaccination against measles of all foreign nationals they currently employ.
Read MoreCZECHIA: New Appointment Booking Lottery at New Delhi Consulate Allows Only 33 Applications
December 12, 2019
The Czech embassy in New Delhi, India, has implemented a new appointment booking system for nationals of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives applying for employee cards. Under this system, only 33 employee card applications will be accepted between January and March 2020.
Read MoreFRANCE: Decree to Extend Rights of Posted Workers from July 2020
December 12, 2019
Ministerial order 2019-116 of 20 February 2019, which will come into effect on 30 July 2020, transposes into French law European Directive 2018/957 of 28 June 2018, extending the employment rights of posted (seconded) workers.
Read MoreSAUDI ARABIA: Ministry of Labor Cancels Yellow Nitaqat Band
December 12, 2019
Effective 26 January 2020, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development (MLSD) has announced it will cancel the yellow band in its Saudization programme, Nitaqat.
Read MoreSWITZERLAND: Reminder that Job Advertisement Threshold to Change from January 2020
December 11, 2019
Effective 1 January 2020, employers wishing to hire foreign nationals for occupations with an unemployment rate of 5% or above will have to test the Swiss labor market by advertising.
Read MoreUNITED STATES: Electronic Registration Required for Upcoming H-1B Cap Season
December 10, 2019
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will implement its new electronic registration process for H-1B applications for the upcoming H-1B lottery.
Read MoreARGENTINA: Police Clearance Certificates Required for Certain Visas
December 10, 2019
Holders of 30-day Technical visas or Technical visas valid for 30 days who apply to renew the visa for a sixth time must now submit police clearance certificates from their country of origin and/or all countries where they have lived during the previous three years.
Read MoreGlobal Immigration Weekly Roundup – 9 December 2019
December 9, 2019
The latest global immigration news and insights in your weekly newsletter from Newland Chase.
Read MoreKUWAIT: New Business Visit Visa Regulations Extended to All Nationalities
December 5, 2019
In an attempt to crack down on forged degree certificates submitted in support of business (commercial) visit visa applications, the Kuwait Ministry of Interior has introduced new regulations for all nationalities.
Read MoreCANADA: Biometrics Now Required for Certain In-Canada Applications
December 5, 2019
Applicants within Canada for work permit, study permit and visa extensions, as well as for permanent residence, must now give their biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated Service Canada location.
Read MoreVIETNAM: Upcoming New Labour Code and Amendments to Immigration Law
December 5, 2019
Amendments to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam will come into effect on 1 July 2020.
Read MoreMALAYSIA: MDEC Foreign Knowledge Worker Projection for 2020 Opens 3 December 2019
December 3, 2019
MSC/ICT status companies who are registered with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) can start to apply for their 2020 Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) projection for Employment Passes from 3 December 2018.
Read MoreNETHERLANDS: New Minimum Salary Levels for 2020
December 3, 2019
The Dutch immigration authorities (IND) have announced new minimum salary levels for knowledge migrant workers (aka Highly Skilled Migrants), graduates and Blue Card applicants coming to the Netherlands.
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