Immigration news update for all regions
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Americas
United States: Changes to U.S. visa interview requirements
The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant reduction in the availability of interview waivers for non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicants, effective September 2, 2025.
Key Policy Changes
- Mandatory In-Person Interviews: Most non-immigrant visa categories—including H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-1, E-2, F-1, and J-1—will now require in-person interviews.
- Elimination of Waivers: Interview waivers will no longer be granted for visa renewals, repeat applicants, or individuals under the age of 14 or over the age of 79.
Interview waivers may still be granted under the following conditions:
- B-1/B-2 or Border Crossing Card Renewals, provided that:
- The application is submitted within 12 months of the visa’s expiration;
- The previous visa was issued when the applicant was 18 years of age or older;
- The application is filed in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence;
- There is no history of visa refusal or ineligibility.
- Diplomatic and Official Visas: Categories A, G, NATO, and TECRO E-1 remain eligible for waivers.
Please note: Consular officers retain the discretion to require an interview in any case, regardless of eligibility for a waiver.
Implications for Employers
- Anticipated delays in visa processing and appointment availability
- Reduced flexibility for international assignments and travel planning
- B-1/B-2 visa renewals must be processed in the applicant’s home country
Recommended Actions
- Proactively adjust travel and assignment timelines to accommodate potential delays
- Monitor updates from relevant U.S. consular posts
- Communicate these changes promptly to impacted employees and stakeholders
This summary was prepared using the information from our service partner Maggio Kattar Nahajzer + Alexander P.C.
- 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
India: Resumption of tourist visas for Chinese citizens
India started issuing again tourist visas to Chinese nationals from July 24, ending a five-year pause triggered by a 2020 border clash and COVID-19 restrictions. Chinese nationals will be able to start submitting Indian visa applications in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai by submitting an application to a designated visa application centre.
This summary was prepared using the information from the BBC
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 Jane Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Belgium: Changes to residence application requirements for EU nationals
Starting September 1, 2025, EU citizens applying for residence in Belgium must present proof of EU nationality and all required documents (e.g. employment, student status, financial means), during their first visit to the local municipality.
Applications will not be accepted without complete documentation. Once approved, an EU residence card will be issued.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Immigration Office
European Union: Update on rollout of Entry/Exit
As previously mentioned, the European Union is expected to launch a new automated IT system, the  Entry/Exit System (EES) to register third-country nationals— those with short-stay visas and the  visa-exempt ones—each time they cross an EU border.
If there are no further delays, the launch is set for October 12, 2025.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Migration and Home Affairs
Malta: Update on Labour Migration Policy
Malta has introduced a new Labour Migration Policy, effective from August 2, 2025 and rolling out in stages through July 2026, aimed at better aligning third-country national (TCN) migration with the country’s labour market demands. The policy outlines 32 measures that will be rolled out in phases, focusing on fair employment practices, worker protections and integration support.
The first phase, which begins in August, will bring stricter monitoring of employers with high staff turnover, mandatory job advertising before hiring TCNs and restrictions on rehiring into redundant roles. Permit fees have been revised, with first-time applications now costing €600, while renewals are reduced to €150 annually. TCNs who lose their jobs will have up to 60 days to find new employment before having to otherwise leave the country.
Also, salary thresholds for fast-track permits under the Key and Specialist Employee Initiatives have been raised. In addition to that, employers must also meet a 2% quota for hiring people with disabilities or face restrictions on hiring TCNs. Additionally, all incoming TCNs will be required to complete a pre-departure integration course on Maltese language and culture.
From October, new rules will require all TCN salaries to be paid electronically and eligible applicants will be allowed to remain in Malta while their visa applications are processed.
This summary was prepared using the information from our Service Partner Principal Relocation
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).
Poland: Changes for EU Blue Card holders
As of June 1, 2025, the government has introduced several key changes aimed at making the immigration application system more flexible and attractive for highly qualified workers. These changes simplify the process of obtaining and changing employers, enhance mobility within the EU and open new opportunities for professional development and entrepreneurship.
Shorter Required Contract Period
The minimum duration of the employment contract required to obtain an EU Blue Card has been reduced from 12 to 6 months. This change provides greater flexibility for both employers and employees.Updated Professional Experience Requirements
The required duration  of professional experience needed now depends on the type of profession:- three years for occupations listed by the Ministry of Interior and Administration (e.g., IT professions).
- five years for all other professions.
Facilitations for mobile EU Workers
Workers already holding an EU Blue Card from another member state will benefit from easier relocation procedures, making cross-border career moves within the EU more accessible.Entrepreneurial Opportunities
EU Blue Card holders are now allowed to conduct business activities alongside their employment, opening the door to entrepreneurship and freelance work.Simplified Employer Change Process
One of the most significant changes is the elimination of the requirement to amend the residence permit when changing employers. This repeals the previous EU Blue Card amendment procedure, streamlining the transition between jobs.This summary was prepared using the information from the Migrant WSC
Poland: Specifics of employment of Ukrainian citizens
Entities entrusting work to Ukrainian citizens are reminded of their obligation to maintain up-to-date employment records in accordance with applicable regulations.
The entity entrusting the work is required to resubmit the notification within seven days of the occurrence of any of the following circumstances:
- A change in the type of contract between the entity and the Ukrainian citizen.
- A change in the position or type of work being performed.
- A reduction in working hours or in the number of working hours per week or month as originally specified in the notification.
- A reduction in the monthly or hourly rate of remuneration stated in the notification.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in administrative consequences and could affect the legal standing of the employment relationship. Entities are encouraged to monitor employment conditions closely and ensure timely updates to maintain compliance.
Key responsibilities
Every Ukrainian citizen must inform the entity entrusting work of receiving a decision granting a uniform temporary residence and work permit within seven days of receiving such a decision.
– If a temporary residence and work permit was granted subject to the requirement to send a notification of entrusting work, the entity entrusting work is obligated to send this notification within seven days of the date the Ukrainian citizen receives notification of the decision granting a uniform temporary residence and work permit
– The Ukrainian citizen’s work during the notification period, is considered legal.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Migrant WSC
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).
Spain: Implementation of airport transit visa
Starting July 12, 2025, Spain has required Russian citizens with ordinary passports to obtain an airport transit visa (TAP) to pass through the international zones of Spanish airports. This rule does not apply to Russians holding valid Schengen or other visas, EU/EEA residence permits, or diplomatic passports. The transit time must not exceed 24 hours and applicants must submit several documents and pay a consular fee. Visa processing typically takes up to 15 days but may extend to 45 days if additional documents are needed. Similar measures have also been introduced by Czechia and other EU countries.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Schengen Visa Info
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).
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