Immigration news update for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand: Accredited Employer Work Visa holder – update
Partners of those holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are eligible for an Open Work Visa. This allows partners to work in any role or start their own business, allowing flexibility and no limits around the type of employment, salary range or hours worked. Authorities had advised that they will be re-considering this policy and an announcement was made on December 05, indicating that the changes would be deferred until April 2023.
Based on the information available, once in effect, AEWV holders can no longer support partners for Open Work Visas. There are exceptions, including if the AEWV holder meets Green List requirements, or earns at least twice the median wage (currently $55.52 per hour, increasing to $59.32 in Feb 2023).
Authorities have yet to provide any formal framework around this and there may still be further changes, however if these exceptions do not apply, then partners seeking full time work will be required to apply for an AEWV in their own right based on employment with a New Zealand based company and the usual salary minimums etc will be considered.
Instead of a Partnership-based Visa, INZ (Immigration New Zealand) are indicating that partners not meeting the above exceptions, will be issued with a Visitor Visa which does allow work rights, but for a maximum of 30 hours per week.
Further information will be provided as it is released by the authorities in New Zealand.
This summary was prepared using information obtained 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 Jane Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Czech Republic: Extension of temporary protection
The government of Czech Republic has decided to extend the Temporary Protection (TP) for Ukrainian nationals until April 2024. Currently, Ukrainian nationals may extend their TP until March 31, 2024. To be eligible, they must register electronically before the deadline (March 31). After the registration is completed, individuals will be granted an appointment scheduled no later than September 30, 2023.
The extension will not be granted to Ukrainian nationals without registration or those who don’t show up for their appointment.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic.
Ireland: Irish Residence Permit extension
Due to the processing backlog, foreign nationals may be eligible for an extension of their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. Generally, processing times for IRP card renewals take six weeks but due to the backlog, foreign nationals should expect to wait an extra two weeks. Authorities will send an email to the applicant once the renewal application is approved and the email could be used as a proof of registration. Individuals with an expired IRP who are unable to renew it, can stay in the country for eight weeks.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Department of Justice.
Slovakia: National visa employment
Non-EU nationals are now able to work and be employed locally under the National Visa scheme. Non-EU nationals transferring from their home company and being employed by an employer belonging to the same corporate group in Slovakia can apply for this visa.
The following is required to be eligible:
- A university degree (in Slovakia or Czech Republic)
- A higher education institution listed in Annex 1 of Regulation 521/2021 of the Government of Slovakia or of an equivalent education according to the European Qualification Framework from a research institution listed in Annex 1
- A second or third cycle of higher education and who will be employed by an employer in the Slovak Republic in the occupations listed in Annex 2 of Regulation 521/2021 of the Government of the Slovak republic
The average processing time is expected to be from one to three months.
This summary was prepared sing information obtained from the Government of Slovakia.
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).
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