Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Introduction of Ministerial Direction 119 for skilled visa processing
Australia introduced Ministerial Direction 119 (MD119) on July 25, 2026. While the Direction does not change eligibility requirements for skilled visas, it significantly changes the order in which skilled visa nominations and applications are processed by the Department of Home Affairs.
MD119 replaces Ministerial Direction 105 and introduces a new priority framework based on an applicant’s occupation and whether they lodged their application onshore or offshore. Priority is given to law enforcement and defence occupations, followed by eligible healthcare, teaching, and construction occupations. In addition, onshore applications will generally be processed ahead of offshore applications.
The Direction also expands priority processing to include Skills in Demand (subclass 482) nomination and visa applications for the first time.
Key updates include:
- New processing priorities based on occupation and applicant location.
- Skills in Demand (subclass 482) applications are now included.
- Law enforcement, defence, and construction occupations have been added to priority processing.
- Law enforcement and defence occupations receive the highest priority.
- Priority processing for regional and accredited sponsor applications has been removed.
- Onshore applications are prioritised over offshore applications.
For sponsoring employers, MD119 means:
- Onshore applicants will generally receive faster processing than equivalent offshore applicants.
- Employers in the construction, healthcare, and education sectors may benefit from improved processing times.
- Visa processing resources will be directed towards occupations identified as critical to Australia’s economic and national interests.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Australian Government, Australian Government and Direction 119
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
Hungary: Closure of guest worker permit route for new applicants
As of June 6, 2026, Hungary no longer accepts new guest worker residence permit applications. Following amendments introduced by Government Decree 92/2026 and the withdrawal of the list of eligible third countries, there are currently no nationalities eligible to apply for a new guest worker permit.
Applications submitted before June 6, 2026, remain valid, provided the administrative fee was paid by June 5, 2026. Existing guest worker permit holders may continue to apply for permit extensions or reissuance under the previous rules.
The changes apply only to guest worker permits and do not affect other residence permit categories. Further legislative changes are expected as the Hungarian government continues to review the framework for the employment of third-country nationals.
This summary was prepared using information provided by our Service Partner.
Norway: Simplification of work permit renewals for eID holders
Effective May 5, 2026, Norway introduced a simplified renewal process for work-related residence permits for individuals holding an electronic ID (eID), such as BankID or Buypass.
Eligible applicants can now complete their renewal application entirely online by registering the application, paying the fee, uploading the required documents, and submitting the application electronically. In most cases, an appointment with the police is no longer required, although authorities may request one in specific circumstances.
For applicants aged 18 and over, the application is considered submitted once the fee has been paid, all required documents have been uploaded, and the online form has been submitted. To maintain their rights while awaiting a decision, applicants must submit their renewal application no later than one month before their current permit expires. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) recommends applying two to three months before expiry whenever possible.
The previous process remains in place for individuals who do not have an eID or whose employer submits the application on their behalf. These applicants must continue to attend a police appointment as part of the renewal process.
The new digital solution is expected to streamline residence permit renewals, reducing administrative steps and limiting the need for in-person appointments.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration
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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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