Belarus: Visa-free travel implemented
Citizens of 74 countries are now able to enter Belarus for up to 30 days visa-free through the State border checkpoint of the Republic of Belarus (Minsk National Airport). The 30 calendar days are counted from the date of arrival to the date of departure.
This regime is for private, business and tourist travel, or other purposes not related to employment, commercial activity and education.
Key considerations
The visa-free movement is not extended to individuals flying to Belarus from the Russian Federation, as flights are considered internal with no border control.
It also does not extend to holders of diplomatic, service or special passports.
Individuals who wish to use the visa-free regime should carry a valid ordinary passport, proof of financial means and proof of a medical insurance policy. Proof of a return ticket within 30 days of arrival will be required for certain individuals.
Foreign citizens are required to register with the territorial divisions on citizenship and migration of the internal affairs bodies of the Republic of Belarus if staying for more than five working days. Registration is carried out upon check-in if staying in a hotel or hostel.
This summary was prepared using information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.
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 Michele Giordani, Regional Immigration Manager, EMEA.
Germany: U.K. nationals’ legal status during Brexit transition
The Federal Foreign Office of Germany has presented a draft law in an effort to provide confirmation of the legal status of U.K. nationals during the Brexit transition.
Starting in March 2019 and ending in December 2020, the draft advises that, wherever there is a reference in Federal law to the EU Member States, it will include the United Kingdom.
Next steps include Länder, associations and other stakeholders commenting on the draft, with a view for it to be adopted by the Federal Cabinet and parliamentary procedures started.
Key considerations
British nationals who apply for German citizenship before the end of the transition period can retain their British citizenship, providing the U.K. is still treated as a member of the EU during this time.
This summary was prepared using information from the Federal Foreign Office.
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 Michele Giordani, Regional Immigration Manager, EMEA.
India: Free e-Visa for Indonesian nationals
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) category, operational for citizens of 113 countries, was renamed in April 2017 to e Visa with three subcategories: e Tourist Visa, e Business Visa and e Medical Visa. While a visa fee is charged for obtaining an e-Visa, Indonesian nationals are now exempt. 
Key considerations
Document requirements and processing times for all e-Visa categories will remain the same. The e-Visa under Tourist, Business and Medical categories will be issued for a validity of 120 days with double-entry facility, and a duration of 60-day stays per visit from the date of arrival in India.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Indian Embassy in Jakarta.
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 Bopanna Nanjappa, Immigration Manager for India or Debra Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager, APAC.
Nigeria: Immigration services go digital
Nigeria is planning to expand its online immigration services – moving the Business Permit/Expatriate Quota to the eCitBiz online portal.
The portal aims to provide a central interactive database for citizenship and business department services, as well as facilitate online payments.
Key considerations
Migration is set for August 31, 2018, with full automation before September 3, 2018.
The Ministry of Interior has informed all affected companies to begin migration to the new online portal.
This summary was prepared using information from Famsville Solicitors and the Nigerian Ministry of Interior.
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 Michele Giordani, Regional Immigration Manager, EMEA.
U.S.: Workplace investigations increase
The number of workplace audits and investigations conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in 2018 has tripled compared to 2017.
This is part of a two-phased nationwide operation. In January to March 2018, 2,540 I-9 audit notices were served and 61 arrests made. From July 16-20 a staggering 2,738 audit notices were served and 32 arrests made.
These notices inform businesses that ICE will be auditing their hiring records for compliance. After a notice is issued, the employer has three days to provide its I-9 employment eligibility verification forms. After which, ICE will perform a compliance inspection.
Key considerations
Civil and criminal penalties will apply to employers that violate I-9 rules and knowingly employ or hire unauthorized workers.
Employers are urged to ensure their immigration paperwork is in line with the requirements.
This summary was prepared using information from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Â
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 – Immigration.
