Immigration news update for the EMEA region
Europe, Middle East and Africa
European Union: Visa-free travel for citizens of Kosovo
The European Parliament has approved visa-free short-stay travel for citizens of Kosovo. This is expected to come into effect by 2024, together with the operation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Citizens of Kosovo will be able to travel visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the European Parliament
Ireland: Update on extension of Temporary Protection Certificate
The Irish government has announced the extension of its Temporary Protection Certificate (a permission that allows beneficiaries to reside in Ireland for a period of 1 year) for foreign nationals living in Ireland until March 04, 2024. As of February 16, 2023, expired certificates are considered as proof of the protection and re-applying for a new certificate is not needed.
Ukrainian nationals and nationals of countries that do not require a visa to enter Ireland and plan to travel with the expired Temporary Protection Certificate, do not need to take any action in order to travel and re-enter the country.
Nationals of countries that do require a visa to enter Ireland and plan to travel with the expired Temporary Protection Certificate, need to ensure they have all necessary documents.
This varies by nationality so everyone needing a visa should contact temporaryprotection@justice.ie to check which documents may be needed.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Department of Justice
Portugal: New immigration agency
The Portuguese government has confirmed the establishment of a new agency, the Agency for Minorities, Migration and Asylum (APMMA), by the end of the year. The aim of APMMA is to assume of administrative affairs such as the integration of migrants, job offers and help with obtaining the documents and more. Its other responsibility is to supervise the migration and asylum policies at European level to ensure the regulation and security of migration in the European Union.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the ePortugal portal
Serbia: Visa requirement introduction for Cuban nationals
Effective April 15, 2023, citizens of the Republic of Cuba will need to apply for a visa to enter Serbia. Previously, the travellers could enter Serbia for tourism and business without a visa for up to 30 days. This is valid for individuals without temporary or permanent residence or without a long-term visa. Aside from general requirements, Cuban nationals are required to provide: a certified letter of invitation, proof of sufficient financial records, proof of paid health insurance in the Republic of Serbia and paid return air ticket.
This requirement is put in place to align Serbian visa policy with the European Union visa requirements.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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 Operations Manager, Immigration) or Sabrina Crespo (Team Lead, EMEA).
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