Immigration news update for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
Brazil: Visa requirements reinstated
Effective April 10, 2025, citizens of Australia, Canada and the United States need to obtain a visa to enter Brazil. This change, implemented by presidential decree, restores the principle of diplomatic reciprocity and ends the unilateral visa exemption that had been in place since 2019.
Travelers from these countries must now obtain an eVisa prior to boarding a flight to Brazil. The eVisa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Brazilian government, designed to simplify the visa application process. It replaces the need for in-person consulate visits and is issued digitally after the online submission of required documents.
This summary was prepared using the information from our service partner.
United States: Reorganization of State Department
The Trump administration has unveiled a comprehensive plan to restructure the U.S. State Department. The reorganization plan will result in the closure of 132 domestic offices and the reduction of approximately 700 positions in Washington, D.C. The goal is to ensure that the department is “structurally in line” with the administration’s objectives. The number of offices at the department’s headquarters will be reduced by 22%, from 734 to 602. Additionally, 137 offices will be relocated within the department to enhance efficiency.
Detailed plans for each part of the department are to be developed by July 1.
The proposed organizational changes include the elimination of the Office of Global Criminal Justice and the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. Offices focusing on refugees, religious freedom, and combating human trafficking will be moved under the Office of the Coordinator of Foreign Assistance and Humanitarian Affairs. Furthermore, the reorganization plan introduces a new position: an assistant secretary for emerging threats.
This summary was prepared using the information from CNN and Reuters
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).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Croatia: Changes to labor law
The Croatian Parliament implemented changed to enhance legal protections for foreign workers. Key proposals include:
- Equal Pay: Foreign workers must be paid the same as Croatian employees in similar roles.
- Longer Work Permits: Residence and work permits will be extended to three years, and seasonal permits to nine months.
- Employer Financial Guarantees: Employers must provide financial security if they cancel a hire after obtaining a work permit.
- Housing Standards: New regulations will set clear requirements for worker accommodations.
- Employer Eligibility: Companies must have employed at least one Croatian citizen for a year, paid all public dues, and met a minimum turnover threshold.
Additionally, Croatia is improving its EU Blue Card policy to attract highly skilled professionals with changes such as:
- Longer Validity: The Blue Card will be valid for 48 months.
- Experience-Based Qualifications: Workers in fields like IT can qualify based on proven skills rather than formal education.
- Higher Salary Requirements: Blue Card holders must earn at least 1.5 times Croatia’s average gross wage.
These changes align with broader European efforts to regulate migration and labor access, impacting foreign workers, short-term visitors, long-term residents, and those planning to move to the EU. The upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require non-EU nationals from visa-exempt countries to get pre-authorization before visiting Schengen states, including Croatia.
This summary was prepared using the information from ETIAS
Germany: Stricter immigration policies
Germany’s newly formed coalition government, has unveiled its policy plans for the next four years. The finalized coalition agreement outlines a series of measures aimed at tightening immigration controls and making it more challenging for individuals to secure asylum and German citizenship.
Tighter Border Controls
One of the key aspects of the new policy is the continuation and planned expansion of tighter border controls. This measure will effectively deny entry to individuals seeking international protection upon arrival in Germany from another European Union or Schengen country. The rationale behind this decision is Germany’s geographic position within the EU, which means that asylum seekers are legally required to lodge their claims in the first EU member state they reach. Given Germany’s location, it cannot be the first point of entry for these individuals.
Repatriation Offensive
The Christian Democratic Union leader and chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has announced a “repatriation offensive” aimed at expediting the deportation of rejected asylum seekers. This initiative includes plans to increase the capacity of detention facilities to hold individuals who are required to leave and are considered likely to abscond or pose a danger to society. Additionally, federal police will be granted the authority to apply for the temporary custody or detention of individuals obligated to leave the country to facilitate their deportation.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Info Migrants
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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