Immigration news update for Americas and APAC regions
Americas
Argentina: Electronic application process for short term work permit
An online application service has been put in place for visa-exempt foreign nationals wanting to apply for a short term work permit, valid for 30 days. The service allows applicants to submit their documents electronically, which eliminates the need to schedule a visit to a consular post. Foreign nationals will still be required to attend an interview to receive their actual work permit.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Argentinian Ministry of Interior
United States: New process for Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans 
From January 06, 2023, qualifying Cuban, Haitian and Nicaraguan nationals who are outside the United States and lack U.S. entry documents can now benefit from a new lawful and streamlined process.
The new process allows air travel to the United States, reside there temporarily and the opportunity to apply for work authorization, provided individuals have U.S.-based support and meet other eligibility criteria.
The process is completed online and therefore individuals should not approach the border to access this process. Applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The numerical cap for Venezuelan nationals has also been eliminated.
Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan nationals who do not have and are not eligible for a visa are encouraged by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to seek entry via this process, as it will be the safest and most effective way to pursue a temporary stay in the United States.
Further information can be found on the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans page.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Department of Homeland Security
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, Americas) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Manager, Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Temporary closure for New Zealand stream visa 
The New Zealand stream visa (subclass 189) is temporarily closed, meaning that no applications can be submitted until July 01, 2023. The visa allows eligible New Zealand citizens to temporarily live and work in Australia permanently, provided they have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia.
Applications submitted before December 10, 2022, will continue to be processed.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Australian Government (Department of Home Affairs)
Update on COVID-19 testing for entry to Australia
As of January 05, 2023, a COVID-19 test (and proof of a negative result) is required for travelers entering Australia by air from China, Hong Kong and Macau.
This new requirement also applies to all individuals who have travelled to China, Hong Kong and Macau.
In addition to meeting Australia’s other border entry requirements, individuals are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result, as follows:
- A negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or other Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) test taken within a 48-hour period prior to the day of the scheduled departure, or
- A negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) taken by or under the supervision of an authorized person within a 48-hour period prior to the day of the scheduled departure.
The negative test result is to be shown to airline staff prior to boarding. Further information on requirements can be found here.
Exemptions to this new testing requirement are as follows:
- Airline crew.
- Children under the age of 12.
- Those who hold evidence from a medical practitioner in the last 30 days that they have a medical condition preventing them from undertaking the test.
- Those who have had a COVID-19 infection in the last 30 days who hold evidence from a medical practitioner, including confirmation that they are no longer infections or symptomatic and the day of the first positive test result.
- Emergency evacuation flights and those accompanying people on these flights.
- Travelers entering Australia via the sea.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Australian Government (Department of Health and Aged Care)
Bangladesh: Visa on arrival for Saudi Arabian nationals
Saudi Arabian nationals can now obtain a 15-day visa on arrival to Bangladesh, for business or tourism purposes.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from The Business Standard news website
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).
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