Immigration news updates for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
Colombia: New visas in Colombia
The government of Colombia announced that a new immigration law will be implemented on October 20. This new law includes new visa types, visa processing changes and stricter requirements for certain visa holders.
The new visa types are:
- Digital Nomad visa: foreigners wishing to live and work remotely in Colombia for up to two years will be able to apply for this visa.
- Internationalization Promotion visa: this visa is eligible to foreigners with training i.e., holding a graduate degree.
The reviewing period for the visa applications has been extended from five working days to 30 days. If additional information is required, the review period could be further extended. Authorities will have 10 days to issue the visa. Applicants’ passports should have a minimum validity of six months.
Other Changes
The visa transfer process for Resident visa holders must be conducted every five years – holders of Permanent Resident visas must conduct the transfer within two years.
There will also be a distinction between the Visitor visa for short-term journalistic coverage and the Visitor visa for permanent correspondent. The Resident Investor visa will no longer be available and foreigners must apply for an Investor Migrant visa instead.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (available in Spanish).
Mexico: Visa requirements imposed on Brazilian visitors
To strengthen safe, orderly, and regular migration, and eradicate disinformation campaigns, the Mexican government has decided they will require Brazilian nationals to obtain visas to enter the country as tourists. The measure will take effect on August 18, 2022.
Brazilians arriving in Mexico by air will need to apply for a visa and obtain an appointment via Gobjerno de Mexico.
With this measure being enforced, the Electronic Authorization System is eliminated.
Brazilians who have multiple valid visas to visit, or permanent residence in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan and the Schengen Area (certain European countries), do not need to meet this requirement. Similarly, Brazilians who have permanent residence in Chile, Colombia or Peru do not need to meet the requirement either.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of Mexico (available in Spanish).
United States: COVID-19 related flexibilities
The USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) now accepts electronic signature (scanned, faxed photocopied etc.) on petitions instead of the original handwritten signature. Documents with original handwritten signatures must still be retained by applicants/petitioners as it may be requested by the USCIS any time.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Ireland: Modernization of employment permit
The Irish government will publish a new law to modernize the employment permit system. Foreigners will be eligible to apply for a new Seasonal Employment Permit. This will ensure foreign national’s wages and salary requirements will be linked to price indexes. By introducing provision, subcontractors that are registered in Ireland will also have access to the employment permits. Further detail can be found here.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
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 Director).
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