China New 144-hour visa-free policy for Hong Kong and Macau tourist groups in Hainan provinces Effective 30 July 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has implemented a new policy allowing foreign tourist groups from Hong Kong and Macao to enter and stay for 144 hours in Hainan province without visas. From that date, individuals can […]
Immigration updates – 2nd of August Read More »
Belgium Upcoming changes to work authorisation rules in Brussels region From 1 October 2024, the regulations governing work permits and professional cards will change for non-European nationals in the Brussels Capital Region. The changes mainly concern work permits for salaried workers, but also to the self-employed. For these specific categories, it will amount to at
Immigration updates – 26th of July Read More »
Belarus Visa-free overland entry for citizens of 35 European countries Effective 19 July 2024, citizens of 35 European countries are permitted to enter Belarus visa free via all international road and rail checkpoints and remain in the country for up to 30 days. This is in addition to the existing visa waiver program permitting entry
Immigration updates – 19th of July Read More »
Ireland New visa requirement for nationals of Botswana and South Africa Effective 10 July 2024, holders of South African and Botswanan passports, previously permitted to enter visa free, are now required to obtain an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland. South African and Botswanan passport holders who have booked travel to Ireland before 10 July
Immigration updates – 12th of July Read More »
Denmark New rules for family reunification of spouses come into effect On 1 July 2024, new rules for family reunification of spouses came into effect. The rules also apply to certain applications submitted before the rules came into effect. Among other changes, there is now a requirement that the spouse in Denmark needs to have
Immigration updates – 5th of July Read More »
European Union Temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees extended until March 2026 On 25 June 2024, the European Council adopted a decision to extend the temporary protection until 4 March 2026 for Ukrainians refugees. The temporary protection mechanism was triggered on 4 March 2022 – only a few days after Russian armed forces launched a large-scale
Immigration updates – 28th of June Read More »
Australia Government changes certain visa conditions The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced that, from 1 July 2024, visa conditions 8107, 8607 and 8608 are changing in response to the government’s Migration Strategy. These changes address worker exploitation and productivity and support the labour market mobility of temporary migrants who have the following visas: Holders
Immigration updates – 21st of June Read More »
Australia Closure of Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) subclass 188 visa As part of the Migration Strategy, the government announced that it would not provide any new allocations for the Business Innovation and Investment program (BIIP) (provisional) subclass 188 visa while a new talent and innovation visa was considered. The new National Innovation visa will
Immigration updates – 14th of June Read More »
Denmark Upcoming amendments to rules for residence permits in healthcare sector On 4 June 2024, the Danish parliament passed a bill based on recommendations from the task force on foreign labour in the healthcare sector. The changes, which come into effect on 1 July 2024, are explained by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and
Immigration updates – 7th of June Read More »
Australia Increase in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold The Department of Home Affairs has announced that, effective 1 July 2024, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from AUD 70,000 to AUD 73,150. New nomination applications from this date will need to meet the new TSMIT of AUD 73,150 or the annual market salary
Immigration updates – 31st of May Read More »
