The validity period of the business and tourism visa exemption for nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for nationals of Armenia, has been reduced to 30 days (down from 90 days)...

The National Immigration Administration has extended the stay duration for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit from 72 hours and 144 hours, to 240 hours (10 days).

The Indian government implemented a change to the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019 that allows individuals who entered India on or before December 31, 2014...

Effective immediately, employers of quota-subject work permit applicants must sign their contract of stay digitally instead of in person.

Effective August 1, 2024, several regions in Kazakhstan (including Astana City) will start accepting 2025 foreign worker quota applications. The deadline for submission is September 27, 2024.

Work permit renewal applications for foreign workers age 60 and above who do not possess post-secondary school education qualifications...

The Malaysian Immigration Department is requiring employers whose foreign nationals are changing Employment Pass categories to submit a "change of category letter" at the approval stage of the application...

The Malaysian government has recently commenced issuing an Interim Endorsement Slip (IES) for holders of a long-term pass issued by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation.

Foreign nationals seeking to enter Mauritania for any reason must now apply for an e-visa through the National Agency for Population and Secure Titles Registry's website.

Effective immediately, school-aged children of eligible foreign students (who are studying for level 7 or 8 bachelor's or bachelor's (honors) degrees specified on the Green List)...

Portugal has introduced stricter Social Security Enrolment Number (NISS) application requirements. Applicants must now first apply for a residence permit (while for EU nationals, this may be a town hall registration.

The Saudi Council of Ministers has approved labor law amendments which are expected to be implemented in February 2025

Recent staffing changes and new processes at various Saudi consular posts in Egypt have led to significantly longer visa processing times...

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower clarified that Employers of Record are not allowed to apply for a work pass for a foreign national to be based in Singapore while they are employed by an overseas company...

The Department of Home Affairs has implemented a temporary concession until March 31, 2025, allowing applicants to select the earliest available appointment date on the Global VFS online system ...

The Swedish Migration Agency has commenced a pilot scheme that allows work permit and student permit applicants to submit necessary passport information (including facial recognition) via an online application.

The waiver for employers to be exempt from the foreign worker to local worker quota requirement has been expanded, with new exemption options...

The Abu Dhabi Global Market Authority (ADGM) has proposed employment law amendments that are expected to come into effect in the fourth quarter of 2024.

On April 15, 2024, the Zambia Department of Finance reviewed all government fees in accordance with inflation.

The government has expanded the visa waiver for tourism and business travelers to nationals of 53 countries, up from the previous 43 countries.