Immigration news update for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Indonesia: Revocation of COVID-19-related immigration policies
Effective July 03, 2023, the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights has implemented Regulation No. 19 of 2023 to revoke Regulation No. 34 of 2021, which concerns the granting of visas and stay permits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two key changes are as follows:
- Onshore (that is where the applicant is in Indonesia during the application) application for new work permit (short term and long term) and single-entry visa are no longer permitted.
- Documents below are no longer required for visa applications:
– Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
– Letter confirming that Indonesian health protocols will be adhered to
– Proof of health/travel insurance to cover medical costs and/or letter confirming willingness to bear medical costs of COVID-19 treatment in Indonesia.
As a result, applicants of new work permit (short term and long term) and single entry visa must do so whilst they are offshore (i.e. outside Indonesia). Additionally, COVID-19-related documents are no longer required.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Directorate General of Immigration
New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
As of October 09, 2023, the New Zealand government has announced that the current visa system for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) will be replaced with a simplified points system that will offer opportunities for applicants to demonstrate their skills. Points can be gained from the following skills indicators (job offer, qualification, New Zealand occupational registration). Other changes will include new job offer requirements; the number of applications that will be accepted and processing times; and a new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. While applications for SMC is being processed and any existing temporary visa will expire, the applicant will be granted the Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa, which will allow to applicant to stay in New Zealand.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Immigration New Zealand
Accredited Employer Work Visa
The New Zealand government has announced changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). With effect from November 2023, the maximum duration of an AEWV will be extended from 3 years to 5 years. This has been amended to align with the introduction of the five-year maximum continuous stay for those AEWV holders who can demonstrate being on a pathway to residence.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Immigration New Zealand
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).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
United Kingdom: Significant increase to immigration fees announced
On July 13, 2023, the UK Government has announced that immigration fees will increase to help fund pay increases for public sector workers.
The proposed changes include:
- 15% increase for work and visit visa fees
- At least 20% increase for Student visas, certificates of sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, entry clearance and leave to remain applications
- Increase in standard Immigration health surcharge from £624 to £1,035 and discounted rate from £470 to £776, which applies to children, students and youth mobility visas
- Priority fees for in- country and out- country applications will be levelled up
The effective date of these changes has not been announced yet.
Employers with foreign nationals should be mindful of the effect of such fee increases on their budget assessments.
We are monitoring government action and announcements and will provide further update on this as it comes.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the UK Parliament
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 Operations Manager, Immigration) or Sabrina Crespo (Team Lead, EMEA).
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