Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Japan: Working Holiday Agreement ratified with Italy
Italy and Japan have ratified a Working Holiday Agreement (Law No. 136 of September 17, 2025), which entered into force on April 1, 2026.
The agreement allows Italian and Japanese citizens, aged between 18 and 30, to reside in the other country for up to a year and to carry out professional activity without a work permit, for a period of up to six months.
To qualify, applicants must not have previously benefited from the Agreement, are required to have a clean criminal record, hold valid health insurance, and have sufficient resources to support themselves while residing in the host country.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Gazzetta Ufficiale
New Zealand: Family visa applications moving to Immigration Online
New Zealand is continuing their transition to a fully digital immigration system, with further updates taking effect from June 1, 2026. From this date, a range of visitor, work, and student visa pathways linked to a primary temporary visa holder will move into the updated platform. Applications for family members will be managed within a single system, with submissions automatically linked where they relate to the same family unit.
The enhanced platform also introduces a more structured application process, with clearer guidance and dynamic forms that adjust based on individual circumstances. These improvements aim to reduce incomplete applications and support more efficient processing.
During the transition, applications already lodged will continue to be processed as usual. Draft applications may either be completed in the current system or restarted in the new platform, depending on the applicant’s preference.
For employers managing workforce planning and family movements, this change supports a more integrated approach, particularly where multiple applications are submitted together.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Immigration New Zealand
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 (Director of Immigration Services, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Ireland: Temporary bridging permission for English language students
The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has announced a temporary bridging permission for English language students who have successfully completed either a second or third English language course and have progressed to a Higher Education Programme commencing by the end of October 2026.
The bridging permission will be granted as a short-term Stamp 2 permission, valid from the expiry date of the applicant’s current Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card until September 30, 2026. It is intended for students who can provide documentary evidence that they have secured and paid in full for a Higher Education Programme listed on the Interim List of Eligible Providers (ILEP) starting in September 2026.
Students who have completed a third English language course (the maximum permitted) and who have enrolled in and fully paid for an eligible ILEP-listed Higher Education Programme starting by the end of October 2026 may apply through ISD’s online portal, subject to meeting all other conditions. The same applies to students who completed a second English language course on or after July 1, and who have secured and paid in full for an eligible Higher Education Programme commencing by the end of October 2026. Students who completed their second English language course before July 1 are not eligible for the bridging permission and may instead opt to undertake a third English language course and renew their permission on that basis.
To qualify, applicants must hold a valid IRP card, or one that expired no more than one month prior to application and must have complied with all conditions attached to their existing permission. Applicants must also have successfully completed the relevant English language course listed on the ILEP, secured and paid in full for an ILEP-listed Higher Education Programme, and submitted their application via ISD’s online portal. Standard renewal criteria apply, and documentary evidence of enrolment and payment will be required.
Students whose second or third English language course finished on or after July 1 will be exempt from the registration fee, with any fee paid online refunded upon processing. Students whose third English language course finished before July 1 will be required to pay the standard €300 registration fee.
All students granted the bridging permission must renew their immigration permission before September 30, 2026. This measure applies to applications submitted between May 1, 2026, and August 31, 2026 only.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Irish Immigration
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 Joanna Sogeke (European Client Services Manager- Immigration).
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