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Indian nationals are now required to apply for a pre-approved entry permit to obtain a visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates. Key Points: Indian nationals who hold valid status in the U.S., U.K. or EU are required to apply for a pre-approved entry permit to be granted a visitor
Changes to the Employment Act will go into effect on July 1. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the Czech government previously announced changes to the Employment Act. Officials have now outlined details on the upcoming changes, including: A labor market test will no longer
The government of Sri Lanka has published regulations for a new permanent residence visa scheme. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, government officials have announced several policy updates recently that are designed to simplify the visa system and attract more investors and tourists. The government has
The Italian government clarified the requirements for the new digital nomad visa and issued important updates for the new online work permit application, family reunification and work rights for citizenship candidates. Key Points: The Italian government recently introduced the digital nomad visa, which allows third-country foreign
The U.S. State Department released the July Visa Bulletin, showing advancement in key employment-based categories. However, all countries under EB-3, excluding China and India, will retrogress by almost a year. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed that in July it
The Labor Department has posted updated processing times for permanent labor certification (PERM) applications and prevailing wage determination (PWD) requests. PERM Processing Times: As of June 1, the department was adjudicating applications filed in May 2023 and earlier, conducting audit reviews on applications filed in December
The Department of Labor received more than 2,000 comments in response to its Request for Information on whether to revise its list of Schedule A job classifications that do not require permanent labor certification. Key Points: Schedule A has not been updated since 2004. Comments from
Swedish authorities have introduced a new pilot program for individuals from certain countries to have their passport checked digitally. Key Points: Students and workers from 22 countries and territories are the first to be eligible to use the Freja identification app to show their passports. The new passport check procedure is
Israeli officials announced that its new electronic travel authorization system (Marom ETA-IL) will be implemented as of Aug. 1. Key Points: The system is designed to streamline the entry process for visa-waiver nationals seeking short-term visits for purposes other than work, volunteering or studying. Once approved, the multiple-entry status is valid
The Finnish government updated EU Blue Card regulations, including new salary requirements. Key Points: The European Union issued a directive in 2021 that updated the existing EU Blue Card process, and Finland’s new regulations are intended to comply with that directive. The new rules update key provisions, including: The minimum salary
The government of Portugal is requiring certain applicants to submit a 300 euro (about US$325) fee ahead of their application for residence permits. Key Points: Foreign nationals that have submitted an expression of intention in the old SAPA portal prior to April 30, 2023, will now be required to submit a
The Department of Homeland Security published a proposed regulation today to amend and clarify regulations on the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee (9-11 Biometric Fee) for H-1B and L-1 visas. The 9-11 Biometric Fee only applies to petitioning employers with 50 or more employees,
The Malaysian government announced all initial professional visit pass applications will now require pre-approval from the Department of Labor Peninsular Malaysia online portal. Key Points: Companies registered under the Expatriate Services Division must now obtain pre-approval from the online form all initial professional visit pass applications.
Philippine officials have recently implemented key changes, including the suspension of filing fees for motions for reconsideration and changes to the process for downgrading applications. Key Points: The Bureau of Immigration directed that, effective immediately, the receipt of filing fees for motions for reconsideration is suspended. This policy change applies to
Chinese officials announced the extension of its visa-free policy to nationals of 12 countries through 2025. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, in December 2023 the Chinese government initially opened a unilateral visa-free policy to six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Spain. Officials
The Emirati government has provided additional details on the new Gulf Cooperation Council tourist visa as well as announced a new gaming visa to boost tourism. Key Points: The new tourist visa will be called the GCC Grand Tours visa and will be available by the end of 2024. The visa
The Thai cabinet approved an extension of the visa-free policy that allows Indian and Taiwanese tourists to enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa. Key Points: The extension is effective from May 11, 2024, to Nov. 11, 2024. The Immigration Bureau stated that visa holders are allowed an extension for
U.S. business leaders tell BAL it has become easier to meet foreign talent needs. A new report examines the human and economic costs of ending DACA. And Lynden Melmed, the head of BAL’s government strategies team, joins us to discuss one organization’s vision
BAL ranked in the highest tier of Chambers USA Guide for 12th consecutive year BAL has been recognized as a Band 1 immigration law firm in the newly released Chambers USA Guide 2024, marking the 12th consecutive year of this achievement. Described by Chambers as a “powerful force in corporate immigration
USCIS announces a trial launch of E-Verify Plus. A new study finds that immigrants are strongly linked to economic growth and innovation. And more from the head of BAL’s sports and entertainment practice on the stalled WNBA debut of basketball star Nika Mühl