Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
Canada: Recognized Employer Pilot to add new occupations
After the first wave of the Recognized Employer Pilot with only agriculture sector that opened in September 2023, the second wave of the program has been started by the Employment and Social Development of Canada. Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, 84 more occupations have been added in various industry sectors. All these occupations have been deemed in shortage for the Canadian domestic labour needs.
This summary was prepared using Canadian Immigration
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 Director of Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
Indonesia: Visa reclassification
For a more effective visa system and alignment with the purpose of a visit, Indonesia has changed the visa classifications. These changes came into effect January 09, 2024.
The key changes are as follows:
Limited Stay Visa: E (former C312, C313, C314, C315, C316, C317, C318)
Single Entry Visa: C (former B211)
Multiple Entry Visa: D (former D212)
Visa on Arrival: B, F (former B213)
To apply for an e-visa online, applications must be submitted through the new website https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
Multiple entry visas are now unavailable until further notice. Visas that have already been issued will remain valid until their expiration. Activities that are permitted under the Single Entry Visas and Multiple Entry Visas have been expanded. For Single Entry Visa it includes providing after-sales services, internships and installing and repairing machines. For the Multiply Entry Visa it includes audits, production quality control and inspections of Indonesian branches of employer.
This summary was prepared using information from our local service partners.
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 Director of Immigration) and Debra Jane Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
New Zealand: Resident visa applications online
Immigration New Zealand is streamlining the application process for Permanent residence visas. At the end of January 2024, applicants for permanent resident visas will newly be able to submit their applications electronically.
One of the reasons for the change is to enable applicants to track the progress of an application online without the need to call the INZ tracking centre. The need to physically submit certain documents will now also reduce, as applicants will now be able to submit these online.
To be eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, the applicant must have a resident visa for minimum of two years and complied with the conditions of that visa, be of good character and show a commitment to New Zealand.
This summary was prepared using information from New Zealand Immigration
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 Director of Immigration) and Debra Jane Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
United Kingdom: Increased Immigration Health Surcharge starting February 06, 2024
The UK Parliament has now approved the increase of the Immigration Health Surcharge, and it will come into effect on February 06, 2024.
The increase will be from current GBP 624 to GBP 1,035 for adults per each year of sponsorship. For children and student applicants (and their dependants) this will increase from GBP 470 to GBP 778 per each year of sponsorship.
Where possible, employers are encouraged to submit immigration applications for their overseas workers sooner to benefit from current fees.
This summary was prepared using information from the Government of UK
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 Director of Immigration) and Joanna Sogeke (Team Leader, UK)
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