Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand: New roles added to the National Occupation List and change to immigration median wage
The Government of New Zealand has confirmed the recognition of 47 additional skill level 1, 2, and 3 occupations under the National Occupation List (NOL). This update forms part of New Zealand’s gradual transition away from the Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and toward the NOL, which is intended to provide clearer and more accurate descriptions of roles that better reflect the New Zealand labour market.
As part of these changes, three occupations—Kennel Hand, Pet Groomer, and Nanny—will be reclassified from skill level 3 to skill level 4. This shift means that future Job Check applications and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications for these roles will need to meet skill level 4 requirements.
These updates come alongside an increase to the immigration median wage, which will rise to NZD 35.00 per hour. Job Checks for the 47 newly recognised skill level 1, 2, and 3 occupations can be submitted from March 9, 2026. AEWV requirements, including the 14‑day advertising period and the need to demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts, will remain in place. Current AEWV visa holders may benefit from the new NOL settings and could potentially extend their maximum continuous stay under the updated framework.
With the reclassification of certain roles, new applications must now comply with the relevant skill level 4 criteria. Additionally, any thresholds linked to the median wage—such as Green List pay requirements, partner support income levels, and residence pathway wage criteria—will automatically adjust in line with the increased median wage.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Immigration New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand and Immigration New Zealand
Singapore: Changes to qualifying salaries for Employment Passes
The Singapore Government has announced in its budget statement, on February 12, the revision of the Employment Pass (EP) Qualifying Salary for New and Renewal Applications, to benchmark the top one-third of local Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) wages.
Effective January 1, 2027, the minimum qualifying salary for new Employment Pass (EP) applications will be increased from SGD$ 5,600 to SGD$ 6,000 whereas for the financial sector from SGD$ 6,200 to SGD$ 6,600. The minimum qualifying salary will continue to increase progressively with age of the applicant. The minimum salary for those who are aged 45 and over will increase to SGD 11,500 and 12,700 for those working in the finance sector. The revised salary requirements will be applicable for renewals from January 1, 2028.
The requirements of Eligibility for an employment pass under the COMPASS requirements remains the same in 2-stages:Â Stage 1:Â EP Qualifying Salary and Stage 2:Â Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) score points.
The minimum qualifying salary for new S Pass applicants will also be increased from January 2027, and for those who are renewing it the year after. The minimum qualifying salary will be raised to SGD$ 3,600 from SGD$ 3,300. For the financial services sector, this will be raised to SGD$ 4,000 from SGD$ 3,800. The minimum qualifying salary for candidates aged 45 and above will also rise to up to SGD$ 5,100, and up to SGD$ 5,650 for those in financial services.
Work permit levies will also be adjusted, but these changes will take effect from 2028 to give businesses time to adjust. For the marine shipyard sector, the monthly levy rate for basic-skilled work permit holders will be raised by SGD$ 100. There is no change to the levy rate for higher-skilled work permit holders. For the process sector, the monthly levy rate for basic-skilled work permit holders will be raised by SGD$ 150. There is no change to the levy rate for higher-skilled work permit holders. For the manufacturing and services sector, there are currently three tiers where companies pay progressively higher levies as the proportion of their foreign workers in their total workforce increases. The tiers will be reduced to two from 2028.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Ministry of Manpower and The Straits 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 Jasmin Lora or Debra Beynon (Director of Immigration Services, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Ireland: Immigration update 2026
The government has released a new Roadmap that gradually raises salary thresholds for employment permits, with the first increases starting on March 1, 2026. The plan aims to:
- Phase out lower salary thresholds in the agri‑food and healthcare sectors
- Support early‑career graduates with adjusted entry‑level rates
- Implement changes gradually until 2030, instead of the original plan to complete all increases by 2026
Key Salary Changes Effective March 1, 2026:
- General Employment Permit (GEP):
€34,000 → €36,605 - Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) – with relevant degree:
€38,000 → €40,904 - CSEP – recent graduates (Level 8+, within 12 months):
New threshold: €36,848 - CSEP – without relevant degree:
€64,000 → €68,911 - Intra‑Company Transfer (ICT):
€46,000 → €49,523
Processing times for Employment permits
Additionally, current employment permit processing times continue to vary, with some categories experiencing delays:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP): 2–3 weeks
- General Employment Permit (GEP): 6–8 weeks
- Intra‑Company Transfer Permit (ICT): 4–6 weeks
- GEP & ICT renewals: 12–14 weeks
Delays in Irish Residence Permit renewals
The Immigration Services Registration Office is currently processing high volumes of IRP renewal applications, resulting in extended timelines. The current estimated timelines are:
- Processing of IRP renewal applications: 10–12 weeks
- Postal issuance of IRP cards: 5–15 working days after approval, adding up to 2 additional weeks for delivery
Applicants are strongly encouraged to renew their IRP early. Applications can be submitted up to 12 weeks before the expiry date. All permissions will be renewed from the current expiry, not from the date of application.
Importantly, applicants are legally permitted to remain in Ireland under their existing conditions as long as they have submitted their IRP renewal before the expiry date.
This summary was prepared using information provided by our Service Partner.
Malta: Immigration update
Beginning January 2026, Malta has launched a new mandatory Pre‑Departure Course for all Third‑Country Nationals applying for a Single Permit for the first time. This initiative aims to ensure that incoming employees meet Malta’s minimum standards in workplace readiness, English‑language communication, and cultural integration. A valid Pre‑Departure Course Certificate is now a required document for all first‑time Single Permit applications.
The course is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on national integration and is mandatory for all applicants. It consists of two online modules—Living and Working in Malta and Rights and Obligations in the Workplace—each requiring 10 to 12 hours of study and concluding with assessments. After completing the modules, applicants must participate in a 20‑minute online interview to confirm their English proficiency and verify their understanding of the material. Interviews are conducted either at ITS Malta or at an authorised Global Assessment Centre. Candidates have up to 42 days to complete this stage.
The second part applies only to specific occupations in sectors governed by their own legislation, such as tourism and hospitality. These roles require additional sector‑specific skills validation. This may involve extra online modules, assessments and a specialised interview, all overseen by the relevant sector authority and aligned with national occupational standards.
The entire application pathway, including coursework and assessments, is managed through the Skills Pass Portal. Once the online components are completed, applicants attend an in‑person verification interview at a designated global assessment centre. The fee for the Pre‑Departure Course is €250.
This summary was prepared using information provided from Identita
United Kingdom: Stricter enforcement of ETA from February 25, 2026 – British dual nationals
The Home Office has been advising British dual nationals to travel on a British passport or with a certificate of entitlement for many months. But in practice it hasn’t been strictly enforcing the ETA requirement for non-visa nationals, to allow people time to adjust. Those transitional arrangements are now ending.
From February 25, 2026, the Home Office will be fully applying the ETA requirement. The Home Office is advising British dual citizens to make sure they have a valid UK or Irish passport or certificate of entitlement if they will be travelling on or after that date. If they don’t, they may not be able to board their transport to the UK as carriers are required to fully implement ETA rules. Before boarding, they must ensure passengers have a valid ETA or proof they do not need one.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the House of Commons Library
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).
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