Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: Student visa policy shift
The Trump administration has ordered U.S. embassies to stop scheduling new student visa appointments as it prepares to expand social media screening for applicants. A memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that this pause will remain in effect until further notice, though existing appointments will proceed.
This move is part of a broader crackdown on U.S. universities. The administration has already frozen billions in federal funding to institutions like Harvard and revoked their ability to host international students—though some actions have been blocked by courts.
The expanded vetting will apply to all student and exchange visa applicants, though specific criteria remain unclear.
This summary was prepared using the information from BBC
Restriction of entry
US President Trump has issued a proclamation banning the entry of nationals from 12 countries into the United States, citing national security concerns.
The countries affected by the full ban are:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Republic of the Congo
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Additionally, there are partial restrictions on entry from seven other countries, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. These restrictions are set to take effect on June 9, 2025.
This summary was prepared using the information from White house
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
China: Expansion of visa-free access
China is expanding its visa-free policy to include the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia—allowing their citizens to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days starting June 9, 2025, through June 8, 2026. This move follows similar agreements with the UAE and Qatar, completing visa-free access for all GCC nations.
This policy aligns with recent announcements granting visa-free access to five Latin American countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay—starting June 1, 2025.
This summary was prepared using the information from Visas news
Philippines: Visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals
The Philippine government has introduced a visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals holding valid visas or permanent residence permits from any of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Schengen Area countries, the United Kingdom or the United States (AJACSSUK).
Under this regulation, Indian tourists may enter the Philippines without a visa through any major international airport, secondary international hub, or seaport (including cruise ship passengers) for an initial stay of up to 14 days. This stay can be extended once for an additional 7 days, allowing a maximum stay of 21 days.
To qualify for visa-free entry, Indian nationals must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid AJACSSUK visa or permanent residence permit.
- Possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
- Have a return or onward ticket to another destination.
- Have no “derogatory record” with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Embassy of the Philippines
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
Poland: Updates of labour laws
In April 2025, the Polish government issued two main laws aimed at modernizing Poland’s labour market.
The Labour Market and Employment Services Act introduces a more flexible registration for jobseekers, allowing them to register based on where they live rather than their official address. It removes age limits for accessing employment tools, ensures full unemployment benefits regardless of duration and launches a digital system for job support. Additional measures include subsidies for hiring pensioners, support for farmers and single parents and a new education loan of up to 400% of the average salary.
The Act on Employment of Foreign Nationals aims to protect both Polish and foreign workers. It replaces the outdated labour market test with a more efficient system, gives local authorities the power to restrict foreign hiring in certain sectors and enhances digital systems to prevent permit fraud. Employers must now submit contracts before employment begins and report any changes promptly.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Polish government
Update on work permits
Foreigners working in Poland under a contract with a Polish employer must obtain a work permit. This applies to all employers based or operating in Poland, including individual businesses.
Applications must be submitted online via http://www.praca.gov.pl/. Paper or email submissions are not accepted. The process involves filling out the electronic form, attaching required documents and signing with a qualified electronic signature or Trusted Profile.
Key documents include the completed application, a copy of the foreigner’s passport, proof of payment (100 PLN for employment over three months, 50 PLN for shorter periods) and employer registration documents. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of employer or job.
Employers must also meet obligations such as signing a written contract, keeping a certified Polish translation and reporting employment status changes to the Voivode. A new requirement to submit the employment contract before work begins will take effect on August 1, 2025.
Failure to provide complete documentation or resolve tax/social security arrears may result in application denial.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Małopolska Voivodeship (available in Polish)
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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