Immigration news update for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
United States: Temporary ban on foreign student entry to Harvard
The government of the U.S. issued the proclamation which suspends the entry of any foreign national into the United States under the F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa categories to pursue studies at Harvard University for a period of six months.
Key Points:
1. Suspension of Entry:
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- Foreign nationals seeking to enter the U.S. as non-immigrant students (F, M visas) or exchange visitors (J visa) specifically to attend or participate in programs at Harvard University, are temporarily barred from entry.
- This suspension lasts for six months from the date of the proclamation, unless extended.
2. Scope:
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- Applies only to those beginning their studies or programs at Harvard after the proclamation date.
- Does not apply to:
- Students attending other universities.
- Individuals whose entry is deemed to be of national interest.
- The Secretary of State may also consider revoking visas of current Harvard students already present in the U.S.
3. Implementation:
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- The Secretaries of State, Homeland Security, and the Attorney General are directed to coordinate enforcement.
- They may also consider limiting Harvard’s participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and related systems.
4. Review and Extension:
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- Within 90 days, a recommendation must be made on whether to extend or renew the suspension.
5. Legal and Administrative Notes:
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- The proclamation does not create any enforceable legal rights.
- It must be implemented in accordance with existing laws and budgetary constraints.
This summary was prepared using the information from the White house
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Estonia: Update on hiring foreign specialists
The Estonian government is planning to ease restrictions on hiring foreign specialists by introducing new exemptions related to wages and skills. This move comes in response to labor shortages identified in a recent OSKA report, which highlights the need for about 1,400 top specialists and 700 skilled workers annually—numbers that cannot be met by Estonia’s education system and local workforce alone.
Key points:
- New rules will be proposed by the Ministry of the Interior by autumn, targeting sectors with the most critical labor shortages.
- Nine sectors will be prioritized, and up to 1,300 residence permits may be issued under the new exemptions, potentially increasing to 2,600 if the economy grows by at least 2% annually.
- Strict background checks will be enforced to ensure the suitability of foreign workers for Estonian society and the broader EU.
- The government emphasizes targeted immigration control to maintain internal security and societal stability.
- Industry leaders have long advocated for these changes, arguing that foreign specialists are essential for boosting productivity and supporting local employment.
This summary was prepared using the information from EER News
European Union: Update on Schengen visa appointments
Securing a Schengen C visa appointment with a Consulate has become increasingly difficult for prospective travelers applying during the summer period. The months from May through August represent the peak period for tourism in Europe, leading to a significant strain on visa processing systems across the Schengen Area.
Since 2021, Schengen embassies and visa centers have been experiencing a sustained increase in visa applications. This trend has never stopped, with appointment backlogs becoming a persistent challenge. The high volume of applications, particularly during the summer months, is part of the reason for the limited availability of appointment slots.
Several factors contribute to this bottleneck:
- Post-Pandemic Travel Resurgence: As international travel rebounds following the COVID-19 pandemic, more tourists are seeking to visit Europe, driving up demand for Schengen visas.
- Limited Staffing: Many visa centers continue to operate with reduced personnel, affecting their capacity to process applications efficiently.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing global conflicts and regional instability have led to increased visa demand from certain “safer” countries, further straining the system.
Travelers planning to visit Europe during the summer months are advised to apply for their visas well in advance and to monitor appointment availability closely. Authorities are urging applicants to remain patient as efforts are made to address the backlog and improve processing times.
This summary was prepared using the information from Travelobiz
Italy: More stringent regulations on Italian citizenship by descent
A new law has recently come into effect, bringing substantial changes to the eligibility criteria for Italian citizenship by descent. It imposes a generational limit on the transmission of Italian citizenship. From now on, individuals born abroad with Italian ancestry will only be granted Italian citizenship if they meet one of the specified requirements or exceptions outlined below:
- Applications submitted before March 27th, 2025.
- Applications submitted after March 27th, 2025, if the appointment was confirmed before this date.
- The applicant has a parent or a grandparent who holds or held (if deceased) exclusively Italian citizenship.
- The applicant has a parent who resided in Italy for at least two continuous years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the applicant’s birth or adoption.
Different rules apply to non-adult (under 18 years of age) children of Italian citizens, as follows:
- The child was under 18 years old on May 24, 2025.
- The child is up to one year old and the application is submitted within the first year of birth.
- The child is over one year old and has resided in Italy for two consecutive years following the application for citizenship by their parents.
Minors who have been granted Italian citizenship may renounce it upon reaching the age of 18, provided they hold another citizenship.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Italian “Gazzetta Ufficiale”
Slovakia: Reforms to business residence permits
Starting July 1, 2025, Slovakia will introduce new rules for business residence permits, affecting entrepreneurs, freelancers and business owners. Applications must now be submitted through Slovak consulates, and a new quota system will be introduced — details pending.
While the process becomes stricter, some requirements are being simplified: applicants no longer need to provide physical photos or proof of financial coverage.
Additionally, Slovakia plans to extend national visa validity from 90 to 120 days to help foreign workers secure appointments more easily. These changes aim to attract skilled workers while curbing misuse of business permits.
This summary was prepared using the information from Schengen
Sweden: New Rules for Residence and Work Permits
On June 10, 2025, the Ministry of Justice released a memorandum introducing significant immigration updates, effective May 21, 2026:
- A single application procedure will be applicable for third-country nationals seeking work permits, replacing the 2011 framework.
- Work permits will no longer be tied to a specific employer. Changing jobs will only require a notification, not a new application.
- Individuals with over two years on a work permit can remain in Sweden for up to six months during unemployment.
- Applicants using the extended transition period must meet new financial criteria.
The amendments are proposed to take effect on May 21, 2026, and are intended to simplify the application process and enhance Sweden’s attractiveness to international professionals.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Government Offices of Sweden
Sweden: Updated Salary Requirements for Work Permits
On June 17, Statistics Sweden (SCB) will update the median salary in Sweden, impacting the salary level requirement for work permit applicants.
To qualify for a work permit, one’s employment must provide sufficient income, meaning the employee must have a monthly salary of at least 80% of the median salary published by SCB at the time of the application.
As part of a broader reform, the Swedish authorities are considering raising the salary threshold to 100%.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Swedish Migration 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).
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