Immigration news update for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Changes to the Working Holiday maker programme for UK passport holders
With effect from May 31, 2023 the Australia and UK free trade agreement will provide a more generous working holiday/youth mobility scheme. Under the new arrangements UK passport holders travelling to Australia will be able to:
- Apply for a Working Holiday Maker visa (WHM) if they are aged between 18 and 35 (inclusive). This is an increase from the previous age limit of 35.
- Be granted up to three WHM (one year validity) without having to meet any specified work requirements from July 01, 2024, – to be eligible for a second or third WHM visa applicants must currently show that they have completed at least 3 – 6 months of “specified work”. From July 01, 2024, UK passport holders will not be required to meet this requirement.
- WHM visa holders can currently remain in Australia for three years (three separate visa periods of 12 months). From July 01, 2024, UK passport holders, including those individuals already holding subclass 417 visas will not need to meet the specified work requirement for subsequent applications.
- UK passport holders can apply for a WHM visa if they meet the eligibility requirements. The maximum period of stay on this visa is three years but the 12 month periods do not have to be consecutive. Applications can be made either on or offshore.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of Australia
Changes to Labour Market testing requirements for UK passport holders
The labour market testing requirement for subclass 482 employment visa applications will no longer be required for the recruitment of UK passport holders.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from Visa Executive
Hong Kong: New visa requirement for specific groups
The new requirement is applicable for entry visa and entry permits for dependents, foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, students, and people who are travelling to Hong Kong for training or working holiday purposes.
As of June 19, 2023, applicants will be required to provide a criminal convictions declaration when they apply for entry visas or permits.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the news.gov.hk
Malaysia: Introduction to platform Xpats Gateway
Effective June 15, 2023, the Ministry of Economy in Malaysia will launch the Xpats Gateway system as a centralized platform for expatriates’ support letter applications, sent by approving agencies or regulatory bodies. The aim of the system is to shorten the work permit application process to five days.
The list of the sectors and approving agencies can be found here. For sectors which are not under any approving agency, the employer can submit the application directly to ESD Online portal.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from The Expatriate Services Divisions
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
Sweden: Two tests to pass to obtain permanent residency
A government report in Sweden proposes that foreigners seeking permanent residency must pass language and social tests effective July 01, 2027.
Each module will cost SEK 700 and the language part will consist in passing an A2-level Swedish Language test, according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)The total fee for applying for permanent residence will increase to SEK 3,400 per person after the test is implemented. The current application fee for permanent residence is SEK 2000.
No source at time of writing.
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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