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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization provided a reminder to employers of 50 or more workers to meet their Emiratization targets for the first half of 2024, as compliance monitoring began as of July 1. Key Points: Noncompliant employers will face a 42,000 AED (about US$11,400) fine for each Emirati
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided updated guidance and a detailed FAQ on the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER). Key Points: IER grants foreign national entrepreneurs who have a startup business and meet certain qualifications a period of stay, or parole, of
Chinese officials announced the expansion of the country’s visa-free policy to nationals of Australia, New Zealand and Poland. Key Points: Nationals of these countries with ordinary passports may enter visa-free for business, tourism, family visits or transit purposes for up to 15 days effective July 1
The Indian government has opened an Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) in Seattle. Key Points: The new IVAC in Seattle offers consular services including visa, passport, Overseas Citizen of India card and other travel- and immigration-related appointments and services. An IVAC facility accepting drop-off consular applications
Finnish authorities have introduced an automated post-decision monitoring system for specialist residence permits. Key Points: The new system verifies whether the holder of a specialist residence permit still meets the requirements for the permit, including whether the salary meets the income threshold as well as maintaining work duties and education requirements.
The government of Portugal again extended the validity of immigration documents and visas, now to June 30, 2025. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the government announced a similar extension last year. The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) said that 410,000 immigrant cases are
The Canadian government announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit at the border, effective immediately. Key Points: Foreign nationals will now need to apply for a post-graduation work permit online before their study permit expires after arriving in Canada under
According to the recent publication of the Spring 2024 regulatory agenda, the Biden administration has the H-1B modernization rule, adjustment of status proposal and seasonal/temporary worker regulations targeted for publication by the end of 2024. The next step toward Schedule A reform will occur this
New Zealand announced a policy change for certain Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders who want to bring family to New Zealand. Key Points: Individuals in roles at Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) levels 4 and 5 without a pathway to residency are no longer able to
Indian authorities announced the opening of a new Fast Track Immigration — Trusted Traveler Program (FTI-TTP) for Indian nationals and foreign nationals holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. Key Points: FTI-TTP allows OCI cardholders to utilize e-gates and bypass regular immigration lines free of charge
The Irish government has signed the Employment Permits Act 2024 into law, bringing new changes to the employment permit system. Key Points: The new act, signed into law on June 25, aims to consolidate and modernize existing law on the employment permit system within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The U.S. State Department released the August Visa Bulletin, showing that most key employment categories remained the same, with only India advancing under EB-2 and EB-3. Final Action Dates Movement: EB-1 China EB-1 will remain the same. India EB-1 will remain the same. All other countries under
The number of migrants seeking to enter the U.S. at the Mexico border reached historic levels in 2023, with a record 2.5 million land border encounters with individuals lacking proper authorization to enter the U.S. In addition, a less publicized situation occurring within our borders is a shortage of workers
In this week’s episode, we examine a recent H-2A report, discuss the new Farmworker’s Protection Rule and outline the Biden administration’s Spring regulatory agenda updates. We also kick off our Olympics-focused series with a look at what it takes
BAL was named one of the most diverse law firms in the United States by The American Lawyer on its 2024 Diversity Scorecard for Minority Representation. BAL ranked No. 3 out of 208 law firms included in the report. More than 55% of BAL attorneys are racially or ethnically diverse, including 62%
BAL continued its streak of success in recruiting and promoting women in the legal profession, earning No. 1 on the Women in Law Scorecard for the sixth year running. “This streak of No. 1 rankings is well-deserved recognition of BAL’s ongoing, strong support of women in the legal profession,” said Frieda
In this week’s spotlight, BAL’s Josiah Curtis and Shane Andrews discuss hot topics from this year’s SHRM conference, from a potential H-1B second lottery to Kelly Clarkson. Top immigration news clips include the Supreme Court’s overturn of the Chevron doctrine