Finland Pilot of automated decision-making for residence permits for study Effective 19 October 2023, the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has started using automated decision-making in the processing of residence permits for study. Negative decisions and decisions that require individual consideration are not issued automatically. Migri issues an automated decision if the application meets all the […]
Immigration Updates – 20th of October Read More »
Finland Extension of temporary protection Finland is implementing the extension of the temporary protection mechanism agreed by the Council of the European Union on 28 September 2023. The temporary protection mechanism was originally activated on 24 February 2022 and will now be extended until 4 March 2025. According to the decision of the Council of
Immigration Updates – 13th of October Read More »
Belgium Updated shortage occupation list in Wallonia Effective 1 October 2023, the shortage occupation list in Wallonia has been updated, with seven occupations removed: carpenter, cook, chef cook, credit analyst, fountain maker, glass maker and speech therapist. Applicants for work permits in occupations on the list are not required to fulfil labour market testing requirements.
Immigration Updates – 6th of October Read More »
European Union Extension of temporary protection The Council of the European Union has agreed to extend the temporary protection for people fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine from 4 March 2024 to 4 March 2025. The temporary protection mechanism was activated on 4 March 2022 – only a few days after Russian armed forces
Immigration Updates – 29th of September Read More »
Czechia Updated medical insurance requirements Effective 20 September 2023, foreign national applicants for a long-term visa or stay are permitted to arrange comprehensive travel and medical insurance with any insurance provider authorised in Czechia. Previously, insurance could only be obtained from Pojišťovna VZP. Moreover, the contracted limit for one insured accident must now be at
Immigration Updates – 22nd of September Read More »
European Union More favourable Schengen visa rules for Kuwaiti nationals On 8 September 2023, the European Commission adopted more favourable rules for Kuwaiti nationals on the issuing of Schengen multiple-entry visas with longer validity. Kuwaiti nationals, including first-time travellers, can be issued with new multiple-entry visas valid for five years, if the passport validity allows.
Immigration Updates – 15th of September Read More »
Denmark Effective 6 September, a new Health Agreement has taken effect in Greenland, affecting “healthcare persons” (those with a healthcare education) who have been offered employment in the Greenlandic Health Care System. Those who apply for a residence and work permit according to the Health Agreement are not required to send their authorizations or documentation
Immigration Updates – 8th of September Read More »
Czechia Effective immediately, the government has approved a fast-track digital nomad visa procedure, focused on highly qualified IT professionals from eight countries or regions. Eligible applicants must be nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom or United States. They must also be one of the following: Interested individuals must submit
Immigration Updates – 25th of August Read More »
Germany The German Missions in India have announced that longer waiting times for appointments and longer visa processing times currently apply, due to increased demand. Appointments are booked with the external service provider, VFS, and availability can be checked on their website. Appointments can be booked and Schengen visa applications can be submitted in all
Immigration Updates – 18th of August Read More »
Canada/Iceland The governments of Canada and Iceland have announced the signing of a new Canada–Iceland Youth Mobility Arrangement. Under this arrangement, which will be implemented in 2024, Canadian and Icelandic youth aged 18 to 30 will benefit from reciprocal work opportunities in each other’s country, for up to 12 months (renewable for an additional 12
Immigration Updates – 11th of August Read More »
