Immigration weekly update: December 16, 2021

Immigration update for AMER, APAC and EMEA regions


Americas

Mexico: Online appointment system

From December 1, 2021, the National Immigration Institute (INM) expanded its online appointment system to include all immigration filings such as initial Temporary Residence Visas for Remunerated Activities and Corporate Registrations. This change has also implemented all INM branches in Mexico.

Due to the current backlogs for online appointments, employers and foreign nationals should expect delays in work start dates and an increase in the general processing time for all immigration applications in Mexico during the next few months.

In addition, INM will be closed for the last two weeks of December 2021 due to the holiday season.

This summary was prepared using information obtained from the  Instituto Nacional de Migración (in Mexican).

Visa requirements for Brazilian visitors

To slow down a wave of U.S.-bound migration from Brazil, Mexico will require Brazilians to obtain visas to enter the country also as tourists. The measure is already in effect.

Brazilian nationals arriving in Mexico by air will then need to apply for an electronic visa and those who arrive by land or sea will need to obtain a regular visa. The electronic visa must be processed within 30 days before departure.

Brazilian nationals who have multiple valid visas to visit or permanent residence in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan and the Schengen Area do are exempt from this new requirement.

Also, Brazilian nationals who have permanent residence in Chile, Colombia or Peru do not need to meet this requirement.

This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Mexican Government.

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.


Asia-Pacific

India: Travel restrictions

The Indian government decided to suspend incoming and outgoing international flights until January 31, 2022. The restrictions do not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). On a case-to-case basis, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority.

This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Hindustan Times.

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

Russia: Changes in quarantine and PCR test

The Russian government announced some changes to the quarantine and PCR testing requirements. Travelers arriving from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, Eswatini, Tanzania and the Hong Kong SAR are subject to 14-day self-isolation. Foreigners must provide a negative PCT test result before arrival (PCR test is valid for 48 hours).

This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Moscow Times.

United Arab Emirates: Changes to public sector work week

The UAE announced to reduce the working days from five to four-and-half days, i.e. from Monday to Thursday and half working day on Friday. This will be effective from January 1, 2022. This is to enhance its global competitiveness across economic and business sectors and improve the employees live.

This summary was prepared using information obtained from Aljazeera news.

New law on foreigner’s entry and residency

The UAE has implemented a new law regarding foreign nationals’ entry and residency. This is to create a framework for the visa issuance, renewal and cancellation process and focus on penalties for violations of the immigration regulations.

Some updates are expected regarding the following agenda:

  • Enforcement – the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (FAICCPS) is given enforcement responsibility and can cancel any visa for public security reasons.
  • Conditions – general conditions for detention and deportation, as well as a list of conditions for entry and residency
  • Penalization – the law describes the penalties for violation of immigration regulations, such as unauthorized recruitment of a foreign national to work for a third party, usage visa for any other purposes than given.

No source available at the time of writing.

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 Laxmi Vikraman, Regional Immigration Manager (EMEA).


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