Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
Canada: Updated Global Talent Stream (GTS) occupation list 
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) occupation list has been updated by the Canadian Immigration Authorities, along with its associated NOC codes.
Companies who use the Global Talent Stream program and seek to fill single or limited-number positions can now enjoy an updated list of eligible occupations to request work visas to Canada.
Employers that benefit from the Global Talent Stream (GST) must show an increase in skills and training investment, along with commitments on job creation, transfer of knowledge to Canadians or enhanced company performance.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of Canada
Mexico: Corporate registration certificates to be updated 
A reminder of the annual requirement for those companies who employ foreign nationals that are required to update their corporate registration certificate with the National Immigration Institute before April 30, which follows the tax filing deadline of March 31.
A company representative may need to get to at a local office in order to complete the registration process.
Further information can be found here.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of Mexico
Panama: Changes to work permit eligibility for dependents 
Individuals holding residence permits as dependents of Executives with (Sedes de Empresas Multinacionales/ Multinational company headquarters permanent staff) visas, may request a work permit in some of the categories already existing in the Panamanian immigration-labor legislation.
The Dirección General de Sedes de Empresas Multinacionales indicated that Dependents of Executives with SEM visas will be allowed to apply for work permits according to their immigration status at the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (MITRADEL). Candidates must meet all the requirements for the specific work permit category for which they are applying.
Previously, dependents of Executives with SEM visas could not request a work permit unless they changed their residence permit category.
No source at 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 Rafael Pavanelli (Regional Immigration Manager, AMER) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director, Immigration).Â
Asia-Pacific
China: Resumption of visas for Japanese visitors 
The Chinese Embassy in Japan has recommenced issuing visas to Japanese visitors as of January 29, 2023, in an effort to increase tourism and boost the economy.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Japan (in Chinese)
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
Germany: Changes to German language skill requirement for spouses and registered partners 
Effective January 01, 2023, the requirement for German language skills as part of the visa process will be waived for spouses or registered partners joining their spouse living in Germany. Previously the spouse/ registered partner had to prove basic language skills (equivalent to level A1).
After arrival in Germany, the spouse/ registered partner may still be required to attend certain courses, which may include language classes.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge
Kazakhstan: Period of stay rules changed for visa-free nationals
The Kazakhstan authorities have amended the rules for entry and stay: effective January 27, 2023 visa-free nationals, including those from the EAEU countries (Russia, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan), will no longer be able to re-enter Kazakhstan to extend their allowed period of stay (so-called visa runs).
The total cumulative period of stay of visa-free citizens in Kazakhstan, including those from the EAEU countries, may not exceed 90 days out of the 180 days. Those who wish to stay longer must obtain a temporary residence permit.
These changes are aimed at applying the local rules of stay in a compliant manner, in line with the legislation.
Migrants who have a temporary residence registration are eligible to stay until its expiry.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Reuters website
Poland: Increase to minimum wage 
The minimum wage requirement (except for EU Blue Cards) in Poland has increased and the new minimum monthly salary is PLN 3,490.
The minimum salary amount is set to increase again in July 2023 to PLN 3,600.
The new requirement is applicable for all applications that are currently pending as well as those that have been submitted on or after January 01, 2023.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Polish Government
Romania: Delays to in-country processing 
Individuals applying for work and residence permit extensions are facing extreme delays with the authorities in Romania. The usual processing time is 3 months however, currently the timeline is 6-7 months.
Foreign nationals should initiate the extension process well in advance to avoid being at risk with their residency in Romania.
The authorities are not recognising the delays in processing or advising on the cause.
No source at time of writing, this is based on our latest experience.
Slovakia: Legislation changes to immigration processes
Act No. 5/2004 on Employment Service has been amended and several changes were implemented, affecting the immigration processes for EU and Non-EU nationals, effective January 01, 2023.
The changes are as follows:
There is a new obligation for Slovak companies who are accepting EU nationals on assignment/secondment to submit information cards to the Slovak Labour Office upon starting an assignment and at the time of termination.
There will be no labor market test needed by the Labor Office during the renewal processes for certain Non-EU nationals, namely those applying for a Single Permit Renewal or Blue Card Renewal and are not changing their job positions.
It is possible to employ Non-EU nationals who are applying for a Single Permit Renewal while their current permits have already expired, until the decision on the application is made. Applicants must make sure that the renewal application is submitted at least 90 days before expiry (in some exceptions 30 days). Employers will need to submit information cards to the Labour Office.
The government of the Slovak Republic has extended the provision of temporary refugee status to citizens of the Ukraine and their family members until March 04, 2024. The validity of the document confirming temporary shelter in Slovakia will automatically be prolonged until March 04, 2024, without the need for a new application. However, it is possible to update the document through the electronic service of the Ministry of the Interior.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Slovakia Labour Office
United Kingdom: Implementation of ETA scheme 
The United Kingdom is in the process of implementing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme which will soon be available online.
The aim of the scheme is for all travellers to the UK to seek permission in advance of travel, as currently there are certain nationalities who do not require a visa for short stays or other specific immigration status. The ETA requirement will give the UK more control over its borders.
As part of the new scheme, it is the intention that EEA nationals also be required to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.
The UK Home Office plans to have the scheme fully in place by the end of 2024. Crown will provide further updates once they are known.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the UK Home 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 Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Manager, Immigration) or Sabrina Crespo (Team Lead, EMEA).
We track policy changes in over 120 countries. Find out how we can help you in this short video.
