Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Reminder of the increase to Temporary Skills Income Threshold
This is the reminder that the skilled visa income thresholds will increase by 4.6% starting July 1, 2025, as previously mentioned. This adjustment aligns with changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) and follows the Migration Review recommendations included in the Migration Strategy.
Starting July 1, 2025, these indexation changes will apply to the following visas. New nomination applications must meet the higher of the new income threshold or the annual market salary rate. Please note this change will not apply to existing visa holders and nominations lodged before July 1, 2025.
| Visa Category | Previous income thresholds | New income thresholds | ||
| Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visas | AUD73,150 | AUD76,515 | ||
| Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visas | ||||
| Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa. | AUD135,000 | AUD141,210 | ||
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (subclass 494) visas | AUD73,150 | AUD76,515 | ||
| Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187) visas. |
This summary was prepared using the information from the Department of Home Affairs
Increase to department’s visa application charges
The Australian Government has announced that, effective from July 1, 2025, there will be an increase in visa application charges (VACs). This adjustment affects various visa categories, reflecting the government’s commitment to maintaining an efficient and sustainable immigration system.
Below is the updated fee table for the main visa subclasses:
| Visa Subclass | Base Application (AUD) | Dependent aged over 18yrs old | Dependent aged under 18yrs old |
| Subclass 417 (working Holiday)/Subclass 462 (work and holiday) Application | 670 | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 400 (Temporary work- short stay specialist Application | 430 | 430 | 110 |
| Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) Nomination* | 330 | N/A | N/A |
| Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) | 3210 | 3210 | 805 |
| Standard (and Overseas) Business Sponsorship* | 420 | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 186 (ENS) Nomination* | 540 | N/A | N/A |
| Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) | 4910 | 2455 | 1230 |
| Subclass 100 (Partner)/Subclass 820 (Partner) Application | 9365 | 4685 | 2345 |
| Subclass 407 (Training) Nomination* | 170 | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 407 Training visa Application | 430 | 430 | 110 |
| Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity – All Streams | 430 | 430 | 110 |
| Temporary Activities Sponsorship* | 420 | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 155/157 Resident Return Application – Each Application | 490 | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 189/190/489 (Skilled) Application | 4910 | 2455 | 1230 |
| Subclass 600 Visitor Application – Each application | 200 | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 485 Graduate (Temporary Employment) Application | 2300 | 1150 | 580 |
| Subclass 500 Student Application | 2000 | 1225 | 400 |
| Subclass 858 Global Talent Application | 4985 | 2495 | 1250 |
| Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Application | 4910 | 2455 | 1230 |
| Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa | 4910 | 2455 | 1230 |
| Subclass 864 Aged Parent (Contributory) | 5040 | 2515 | 1260 |
| Subclass 103 Parent | 5280 | 2640 | 1325 |
| Subclass 870 – Temporary Sponsored parent visa | 1215 | N/A | N/A |
| Australian Citizenship* | 575 | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 461 (New Zealand Family Relationship) | 445 | 225 | 110 |
| Subclass 020 Bridging Visa | 190 | N/A | N/A |
| The subsequent Temporary Visa Application Charge (STAC) is levied per person when certain temporary visas are lodged for a second or subsequent time while the applicant is in Australia | 700 | N/A | N/A |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) based Business Size | Skill in Demand Visa (SID) | ENS / RSMS and SESR visas | |
| Annual turnover less than $10 million | AUD1200 per year or part thereof | AUD3000 one-off | |
| Annual turnover of $10 million or more | AUD1800 per year or part thereof | AUD5000 one-off |
This summary was prepared using the information from the Department of Home Affairs
Japan: Extension of visa-free stay
Beginning July 1, 2025, the visa-free period for eligible citizens of United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be extended from 30 to 90 days.
To qualify for the extended visa waiver, the UAE nationals must hold a valid ICAO-compliant ordinary IC passports.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director, Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
France: Updates on residence permit rules
A new decree published on June 13, 2025, introduces significant changes to the French immigration framework, particularly concerning residence permits for third-country nationals seeking to live in France for professional or academic reasons. This decree implements key provisions of Law No. 2024-42 of January 26, 2024, aimed at better controlling immigration and enhancing integration.
Introduced Key Changes:
1. New “Talent” Residence Permit Structure
The decree replaces the former “Passport Talent” designation with a simplified “Talent” label. It consolidates six existing residence permit categories into two main types:
– Talent – Qualified Employee
– Talent – Project Holder
A new multi-year residence permit titled “Talent – Medical and Pharmacy Profession” has also been created to attract healthcare professionals.
2. Implementation of EU Directive on Highly Qualified Workers
The decree transposes Directive (EU) 2021/1883, replacing the earlier Blue Card directive. It updates the conditions for issuing and renewing “Talent – EU Blue Card” permits, including:
– Shorter notification and issuance deadlines
– Temporary work authorization within 30 days of application for mobile Blue Card holders
– New annotations on EU Blue Card and long-term resident cards
3. Administrative and Regulatory Adjustments
– Authorities must now request missing documents from applicants within a reasonable timeframe.
– Salary thresholds for “Talent” permits are reinstated at the regulatory level.
– Prefects are empowered to verify compliance with professional licensing requirements.
– Economic viability must be demonstrated for liberal professions and entrepreneurial activities.
– Reinstated provisions from the 2020 Research Programming Law, previously repealed.
Who Is Affected?
- Third-country nationals applying for professional or student residence permits
- Employers in both public and private sectors
- Academic and research institutions hosting foreign students and researchers
- French administrative services managing immigration and residence
This summary was prepared using the information from the Legifrance (available in French)
Saudi Arabia: Extension of expired visit visas
The General Directorate of Passports in Saudi Arabia has announced a new initiative aimed to facilitate the final exit process for individuals holding expired visit visas. Effective from June 26, 2025, the initiative allows for the extension of all types and names of expired visit visas for a period of 30 days.
To benefit from this extension, applicants must pay the required fees and penalties as stipulated by current regulations. Requests for extension can be submitted through the “Tawasul Service” available on the Ministry of Interior’s Absher electronic platform.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Saudi Press Agency
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).
United Kingdom: Key changes in immigration
The UK government has announced significant changes to the Skilled Worker and related work visa routes, effective July 22, 2025, as outlined in its 2025 Immigration White Paper.
Skill level threshold raised
One of the most notable changes is the increase in the minimum level required for Skilled Worker visas. Previously set at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3, the threshold has now been raised to RQF Level 6, which corresponds to degree-level occupations. This move reverses the 2020 policy that had lowered the threshold to help businesses adjust after the end of free movement with the EU. This change removes around 180 occupations from eligibility unless they are on the Immigration Salary List or the new Temporary Shortage List or the applicant is already in the visa route before the changes take effect. Existing visa holders can continue working in lower-skilled roles and renew their visas under temporary arrangements, but these will be reviewed.
Salary threshold updates and occupational lists
Salary thresholds have also been updated based on 2024 wage data, with no transitional relief.
As a result, the minimum salary thresholds have increased. The salary that must be paid is whichever is higher between the general salary threshold and the going rate for the occupational code.
The general salary threshold increases are now as follows:
From £38,700 pa to £41,700 pa – Skilled Worker visa salary (new applicants)
From £45,800 pa to £52,500 pa – Global Business Mobility visas
From £34,830 pa to £37,500 pa – PhD STEM / Immigration Salary List
From £30,960 pa to £33,400 pa – New Entrant route
From £29,000 pa to £31,300 pa – Pre April 2024 extensions
The minimum hourly rate has been set at £17.13.
The Immigration Salary List is being temporarily expanded but will be phased out and replaced by the Temporary Shortage List, which includes only time-limited, reviewed roles below RQF Level 6. Workers in these roles will no longer be allowed to bring dependants unless they were already eligible before the changes (except for dependent children who were born in the UK or where the Skilled Worker has sole parental responsibility for them).
Adult social care
The UK is closing new overseas visa applications for care workers and senior care workers due to concerns over exploitation and non-compliance. However, in-country applicants can still switch to the Skilled Worker route until July 22, 2028, if they’ve worked for their sponsor for at least three months.
The requirement for sponsors to recruit from existing visa holders has been removed, and misuse of related job codes is being addressed. Transitional rules will allow current visa holders and those who switch before the deadline to remain eligible. The government will continue monitoring the sector for compliance.
Impact of key changes
These changes are expected to indirectly affect businesses, charities and voluntary organisations that sponsor overseas workers in roles below RQF Level 6, as they may face increased costs and operational adjustments. Updates to salary thresholds could also impact those sponsoring workers in higher-skilled roles, though to a lesser extent.
The closure of visa applications for adult social care roles (occupation codes 6135 and 6136), is likely to significantly affect care providers across multiple areas. Additionally, the public sector may see reduced revenue from Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge, along with changes to the overall fiscal contribution of affected migrant groups.
Given the scale of these changes, the government is preparing an Impact Assessment to provide further detail, which will be published soon.
This summary was prepared using the information from the UK Government
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 (Immigration Team Leader) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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