Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: Summary of the presidential proclamation
The White House has issued a new proclamation that significantly expands U.S. travel restrictions for foreign nationals from certain countries. This action builds on the June 2025 travel ban and is grounded in ongoing national security and public safety concerns. The government cites deficiencies in identity verification, screening, and information-sharing by some foreign governments as the reason for these measures.
The new proclamation broadens existing measures by both adding additional countries and strengthening restrictions on others. Nationals from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria, are now subject to a full suspension of entry. Additionally, individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority‑issued documents are barred. Another 19 countries, including Cuba, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, will face partial restrictions that vary by travel category.
These rules apply only to foreign nationals outside the United States seeking entry; they do not affect individuals who are already in the country. Lawful permanent residents and certain diplomatic travellers generally remain exempt. However, foreign nationals from affected countries should not assume they will be permitted to re-enter and are strongly advised to consult immigration counsel before traveling abroad.
Employers should review international travel plans for impacted employees, anticipate delays or denials in visa processing, and consider contingency arrangements such as remote work. Although waivers and national‑interest exceptions may be available, they remain discretionary and are not guaranteed. Additional guidance is expected from the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, so continued monitoring is essential.
This summary was prepared using information provided by our Service Partner.
Suspension of visa lottery
On December 19, reports indicated that the U.S. government plans to end the U.S. Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which allocates 50,000 immigrant visas annually.
The decision follows the identification of the suspect in the Brown University and MIT shootings, a Portuguese national who received a green card through the lottery in 2017.
The suspension of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program marks the latest action by the administration to limit immigration in response to recent acts of violence.
This summary was prepared using information provided by our Service Partner.
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 (Immigration Team Leader).
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Australian citizenship evidence reforms – Digital Proof now recognized
The Australian Government has introduced digital evidence of Australian citizenship from December 5, 2025 under the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Act 2025. Amendments to the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 introduce digital notices of evidence of Australian citizenship alongside traditional paper certificates, removing barriers to digital proof. This reform shifts Australia away from a paper-only system and strengthens how identity information is managed. Individuals can now use a secure digital notice or a physical certificate when proving their citizenship for passports, enrolment, employment or access to government services.
The update also supports a more accessible application process and modernises how citizenship information is managed. The changes are intended to reduce administrative burden, improve security and provide clearer pathways for people requesting citizenship evidence across different life stages.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Australian Government
Philippines: Bureau of Immigration advisory on 2026 annual report
All registered aliens must complete their Annual Reporting (AR) with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) within the first 60 days of each calendar year.
Personal Appearance
Every registered alien is required to appear in person at the BI. Representatives are not permitted unless covered by the exemptions listed below.
Virtual Annual Report Option
Registered aliens who are in the Philippines during the AR period may use the Virtual Annual Report service, available 24/7 (including weekends and holidays). To complete this process, they must:
- Register through BI’s e-services.
- Select a preferred appointment date and time.
- Pay the assessed fees after receiving the Order of Payment Slip (OPS) via the approved payment channels.
Reporting Period is January 1, 2026, to March 1, 2026.
Requirements for In-Person Reporting:
- Completely filled-out online registration from https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph for the issuance of reference number;
- Original valid ACR I-card.
- Original valid passport. For those with expired passport must submit an affidavit of undertaking to secure passport.
- Official receipt from previous year covering payment for AR.
Mandatory Annual Report Prior to Issuance of Emigration Clearance Certificate-B (ECC-B):
All departing foreign nationals are required to pay their Annual Report fees prior to the issuance of Emigration Clearance Certificate-B (ECC-B), in compliance to Section 22(a) of CA 613, as amended and Section 10 of RA 562, as amended.
Consequences for non-compliance:
Failure to comply for the Annual Report shall subject the concerned foreign national at the option of the Commissioner of Immigration to an administrative fine or to prosecution and upon conviction to be punished by a fine or imprisonment, or pursuant to Section 10 Paragraph 2 of the Alien Registration Act of 1950, as amended by Section 2, Republic Act 578 and Section 5, Republic Act 751.
This summary was prepared using information provided from our local 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 Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Denmark: New rules on exemption from work permits
Starting December 19, 2025, Denmark introduced new rules allowing certain foreign nationals to work in the country for short periods without a residence and work permit.
The exemption applies specifically to event and conference staff who are permanent members of an international event team and employed by a foreign organiser or foreign subcontractor. The employing company must be established outside Denmark.
Staff normally provided by the event venue, such as security personnel, cleaners, waiters, and drivers, are not included in the exemption.
The rules cover work linked to international, closed, indoor events such as congresses, trade fairs, conferences, or corporate gatherings with at least 400 registered participants. These events must be closed to the public and targeted at a professional or trade audience.
Under the exemption, each individual work stay may last up to 10 working days, which may take place before, during, or after the event.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the New to Denmark
Denmark introduces new pay limits for Work Permit Schemes effective January 1, 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, Denmark will introduce new pay limits for the Pay Limit Scheme, the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme, the Fast‑Track Scheme’s pay limit and supplementary pay limit tracks.
Under the updated rules:
- The new annual minimum salary for the Pay Limit Scheme and the Fast‑Track pay limit track will be DKK 552,000.
- The new annual minimum salary for the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme and the Fast‑Track supplementary pay limit track will be DKK 446,000.
These revised salary thresholds apply to applications submitted after January 1, 2026.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the New to Denmark
SIRI application fees increase from January 1, 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has set new application fees for 2026.
- The fee for SIRI’s labour schemes will increase from DKK 6,055 (2025) to DKK 6,810 (2026).
- The fee for accompanying family members will rise from DKK 2,380 to DKK 3,080.
SIRI notes that application fees reflect expected case‑processing costs in 2026. The increases are attributed to an anticipated decrease in the number of applications and more control cases.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the New to Denmark
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 (Immigration Team Leader).
We track policy changes in over 120 countries. Find out how we can help you in this short video.
