Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: Registration requirements enforced 
On February 25, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reaffirmed the enforcement of the alien registration requirement under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). DHS launched an online registration system on April 11, 2025. Failure to register or report a change of address can result in fines or incarceration. The same applies for carrying proof of registration along with a valid personal document. While this had always been the rule, we are noticing more and more checks happening.
Who Is Already Registered?
- U.S. visa holders (non-immigrant and immigrant)
- DACA recipients
- TPS holders
- Green card applicants
- EAD holders
- Other lawfully present individuals
Who Is Not Registered and should act accordingly?
- Those who entered the U.S. without inspection
- Minors who did not re-register at age 14
- Overstayed foreign nationals
- Certain Canadian visitors
For more information please check Alien Registration Requirement | USCIS.
This summary was prepared using the information from our service partner.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
India: New immigration bill
On March 11, 2025, the Lok Sabha (the House of the People), introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025. This bill aims to regulate the immigration, entry and stay of foreigners in India.
Key Features of the Bill
- Designated Immigration Posts and stricter entry requirements: Foreigners require to have a valid visa along with a passport or other travel documents, which will be examined by immigration officers. The bill designates specific immigration posts for entry and exit, staffed by immigration officers. The bill mandates the development of an Integrated Immigration Management System (IIMS). This system will employ biometric identification, artificial intelligence-based monitoring tools, and inter-agency databases to track and manage the movement of foreign nationals. It will be integrated with airport immigration counters, land border checkpoints, and registration offices, facilitating real-time verification and enhanced mobility control.
- Mandatory Registrations: Foreigners must register with a Registration Officer upon arrival in India. Foreign nationals residing in India for more than 180 days will be required to register digitally with the National Foreigners Registry (NFR). This new digital registry is intended to replace the current Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) system offering a more streamlined and accessible platform for compliance.
Additionally, six new visa types were introduced:
- Business Visa Plus: Designed for long-term business travellers, offering fast-track clearance and simplified compliance.
- Startup Visa: Targeted at entrepreneurs aiming to establish innovation-driven enterprises in India.
- Skilled Talent Visa: For professionals in key sectors such as AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy.
- Investor Visa: For foreign nationals investing substantial capital in Indian businesses or infrastructure projects.
- Transit Visa and Digital Nomad Visa: Catering to the evolving trends of global travel and remote work.
This summary was prepared using the information from the PRS Legislative Research and India briefing
Thailand: Digital Arrival Card
As of May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors to Thailand, whether arriving by air, land, or sea, are required to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online prior to their arrival. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is the electronic form of the paper-based arrival card that visitors must use to provide their entry information and health declaration details, as mandated by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand. The TDAC application should be completed up to three days prior to arrival in Thailand. The link for application is Arrival Card.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Tourism Thailand
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Belgium: Family reunification visas changes
The Belgium Immigration Office (DVZ) recently received inquiries about embassies no longer issuing family reunification visas to the dependents of migrant workers automatically.
Previously, the Immigration Office allowed embassies to issue these visas immediately if the conditions for family reunification were clearly met, bypassing the standard nine-month procedure. This was a favorable policy practice, not a mandatory one. DVZ has now confirmed a change in their policy.
If the main applicant’s monthly gross salary is less than 5000 EUR, the embassy will no longer automatically grant visas for family members. Instead, these applications will be forwarded to the Ministry of Interior (IBZ) in Belgium.
Processing applications through IBZ can take up to nine months before a decision is made.
This does not apply to family members of EU Blue Card holders, ICT permit holders, and researcher permit holders. For these cases, European directives require that family members’ applications be processed simultaneously, provided the conditions for family reunification are met and the visa applications are submitted at the same time.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Immigration Office
South Africa: Digital business visa system
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has launched the Business Visa Recommendation System (VRS), an online platform for business visa recommendation applications. This system is designed for foreign business owners applying for initial, extension, or permanent residence recommendations under the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
The platform replaces the previous email application process with a digital version, improving accessibility for global investors. The system also helps collecting, managing, and reviewing applications online, eliminating incomplete submissions and providing real-time tracking and automated notifications.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration)
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