Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
China: New visa-free policy planned for UK visitors
On January 29, 2026, following a bilateral meeting, China and the U.K. announced plans to introduce visa‑free travel for British citizens. Under the proposal, U.K. nationals visiting China for business or tourism for up to 30 days would no longer need a visa. This move aligns with China’s existing relaxed visa policies for 50 other countries.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the State Council of the People’s Republic of China
Indonesia: Global Citizenship
Indonesia has introduced major changes to its immigration system through the new Global Citizenship Indonesia (GCI) scheme, creating long‑term and permanent stay options specifically for former Indonesian citizens and their descendants. The program offers six visa types focused on ancestry rather than employment or investment, with stay permits ranging from five years to permanent residency. Dual citizenship is not permitted under these categories, and applicants must either hold only foreign citizenship based on lineage or be willing to renounce other nationalities.
Although the GCI visas are now available in the Indonesian Visa Online System, the immigration authorities have not yet finalized standard processing procedures. Applications may therefore proceed to review or be placed on hold until an official SOP is issued, and early feedback suggests that applicants might need to participate in an in‑person or virtual interview with an immigration officer.
These permits are not intended for employer‑sponsored assignments or foreign hires, as eligibility is based strictly on lineage and citizenship history rather than employment.
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 Debra Beynon (Director of Immigration Services, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Germany: EU Blue Card requirements
The EU Blue Card rules changed significantly due to Germany’s implementation of the new EU Directive, which lowered salary thresholds and expanded eligibility.
1. One of the most significant updates for 2026 concerns salary requirements. The German government adjusts these annually, and the thresholds for 2026 are:
Standard Occupations
- €50,700 gross per year (instead of €48,300)
Shortage Occupations
If the occupation is recognized as a shortage field—such as engineering, IT, mathematics, healthcare, or natural sciences—the following threshold applies:
- €45,934.20 gross per year (instead of €43,759.80)
- Employment must also be approved by the Federal Employment Agency (BA)
The detailed list of shortage occupations for the EU Blue Card can be found here.
For IT specialists without a degree, this lower threshold applies as long as the role meets the skills requirements – three years of relevant experience.
2. Regardless of the qualification pathway, a specific job offer is mandatory. In 2026, the offer must meet the following conditions:
- Employment duration: Minimum six months
- Relevance: The job must match your qualification or proven professional experience
- Regulated professions: If the job requires a professional license, it must already be granted or expected at the time of visa application
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Make It In Germany
Portugal: Update on the Investment Residence Permit
Starting February 16, 2026, all Investment Residence Permit (ARI) renewals must be done exclusively through the AIMA Renewals Portal, including fee payment (the amount is not published yet).
Existing appointments must only be kept if they are required for biometric data collection. Renewal requests will no longer be submitted in person.
If biometrics are needed after an online submission, AIMA will automatically schedule an appointment.
Key changes:
- Renewal requests and payment of fees can only be done via the Renewals Portal.
- In-person attendance will happen only when biometrics are required.
- The changes aim to speed up processing, reduce unnecessary travel, improve data security, and enhance the overall experience for residents and investors.
This summary was prepared using information provided from The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (available in Portuguese language)
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).
Sweden: Draft of legislative proposal on stricter citizenship rules
On February 9, 2026, the Swedish government published a draft legislative proposal (lagrådsremiss) outlining a series of stricter requirements for obtaining Swedish citizenship. The purpose is to strengthen the value of citizenship and encourage deeper integration into Swedish society.
Key elements in the proposal
- Longer residence requirement: The standard requirement would increase from five to eight years.
- Higher standards for conduct: Applicants must demonstrate a law‑abiding and responsible lifestyle.
- Self‑sufficiency requirement: Applicants must be able to support themselves, at a level corresponding to roughly 20,000 SEK per month.
- Language and civics knowledge: Applicants must show adequate Swedish language skills and basic knowledge of Swedish society.
- Reduced use of simplified procedures: The government plans to phase out the notification procedure (anmälan) so that more applicants fall under the stricter rules.
Most of the proposed changes are intended to take effect on June 6, 2026.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Government Offices of Sweden
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 Fortune Mugororoka (Team Leader – Immigration).
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