Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Malaysia: Implementation of MIDA Expatriate System (MES)
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has launched a new one‑stop digital system to streamline expatriate applications for companies in the manufacturing and selected services sectors. This initiative significantly reduces administrative complexity and improves processing transparency for employers and foreign professionals.
- A Single Digital Platform
All expatriate‑related processes are now handled through the MIDA Expatriate System (MES). Companies no longer need to move between multiple platforms or agencies.
The system covers the full process, including:
- Company registration (where applicable)
- Expatriate post approval
- Employment Pass approval
- ePass endorsement
All steps are managed using one login and one set of submitted documents.
- Faster and More Transparent Processing
By digitising and integrating previously separate processes, MES:
- Reduces duplication of submissions
- Shortens processing time
- Allows companies to track application status end‑to‑end
This provides clearer visibility and fewer delays for both employers and expatriates.
- Direct Integration with Immigration
The MES platform is fully integrated with the Immigration Department’s system (MYIMms) and works in coordination with MyXpats Centre. This enables smoother data flow, consistent evaluations, and centralised processing nationwide.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority
New Zealand: Employment conditions clarified for open work visas
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced an important update regarding employment conditions for open work visas in New Zealand, which will come into effect on 20 April 2026. INZ has now clarified the requirements for open work visa holders, which should bring more certainty for both visa holders and employers moving forward.
The update specifically addresses the long-standing uncertainty around self-employment and contracting. The new rules align visa conditions with immigration definitions of employer and employee, helping establish clearer boundaries for what open work visa holders can do in terms of employment, contracting, and business activity. This means more transparency for everyone involved.
It’s important to note that these changes apply only to open work visas. Employer-specific visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa and Student Visa holders, remain unaffected by these updates.
Key employment conditions will now be attached to each open work visa, based on the approved visa category. Some visa holders, such as those with a Post Study Work Visa, will be permitted to undertake any work, including business ownership. In contrast, others, like Working Holiday Visa holders, must only work for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services. In addition, open work visa holders are not allowed to employ other people.
Current open work visa holders may continue existing work arrangements until their visa expires, except for prohibited activities. Any future visa application must meet the employment conditions linked to the approved visa category.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Immigration New Zealand
New and updated post-study work visa options
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced a new Short Term Graduate Work Visa and an extension of Post Study Work Visa eligibility to Graduate Diplomas at NZQCF level 7.
Eligible international graduates who have completed study in New Zealand will be able to apply for the new Short Term Graduate Work Visa from late 2026. This visa provides up to six months of open work rights, allowing time to look for work and, where appropriate, transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
To be eligible, applicants must have:
- have a minimum of NZD 5,000 available for personal support;
- has not held a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or Post Study Work Visa before;
- written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Education New Zealand, if their study was supported under the New Zealand Scholarship Program;
- a valid medical certificate and chest X-ray, dependent on their intended length of stay in New Zealand.
The candidate must also hold a qualification at NZQCF level 5 to 7 that:
- had studied full‑time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand
- The qualification is not an English language, foundation, or bridging qualification
Applications must be submitted within three months of the individual’s New Zealand student visa expiring.
Short Term Graduate Work Visa holders must work for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services. Business ownership is not allowed. Short Term Graduate Work Visa holders cannot support a partner for a work visa or children for a Dependent Child Student Visa. Short Term Graduate Work Visa holders cannot also apply for a second Short Term Graduate Work Visa or extend the initial visa granted.
Someone who holds, or has held, a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will not be granted a subsequent student visa unless their proposed study is a:
- bachelor’s degree or a program of study at a higher NZQCF level than the level of the qualification or qualifications that their Short-Term Graduate Work Visa was based on, and
- qualification that makes them eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.
Student visa holders who previously held a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa cannot change their program of study or education provider unless they meet the above requirements.
Extension of eligibility for Post Study Work Visa
From late 2026, eligibility for a Post Study Work Visa will be extended to graduates who:
- have completed a Graduate Diploma at NZQCF level 7
- studied full‑time in New Zealand for the full duration of the qualification
- have been enrolled in that qualification for the full duration (cross crediting or recognition of prior learning is not eligible)
- hold a bachelor’s degree, completed in New Zealand or overseas (with no time limit on when it was awarded).
Along with evidence of the Graduate Diploma, applicants will need to provide:
- a copy of the bachelor’s degree certificate (showing qualification type and awarding institution); and
- an official academic transcript.
The Post Study Work Visa can be issued for the duration the student spent studying the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand, up to a maximum of one year. An individual can only be granted one Post Study Work Visa. Anyone who has held a Post Study Work Visa in the past is not eligible for another, even if the study is at the same or higher level.
This summary was prepared using information provided 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 (Director of Immigration Services, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Hungary: New requirements for submitting employment licensing documents after AVDH elimination
The Budapest Metropolitan Government Office has introduced stricter requirements for document submission in both non‑consolidated and consolidated licensing procedures for employing third‑country nationals. In these procedures, the government office either issues a work permit or provides a position statement supporting the issuance of a consolidated permit.
Mandatory Use of Fully Probative Private Documents (AVDH)
Effective now , only private documents with full probative value will be accepted in all related procedures. As a result:
- When employers respond to a request for missing documents or submit a labour demand via their own company portal, all attachments and forms must be signed by the employer’s legal representative using a qualified or certified high‑security electronic signature with a timestamp.
- An authorized person may submit documents only if their authorization explicitly covers these actions.
Requirements for Power of Attorney (PoA)
If a PoA is granted solely for submitting missing documents or the labour demand:
- The legal representative’s qualified or certified high‑security e‑signature and timestamp will create the required fully probative private document.
- When signing on behalf of a business entity, the signature or document must clearly indicate:
- the business entity’s name
- the representative’s name and position
- the fact and legal basis of representation
If the PoA authorizes the representative to act fully on behalf of the employer, the authorized person may sign the supplementary documents or labour demand form themselves, provided they use a qualified or high‑security e‑signature with a timestamp based on a qualified certificate.
Note on eSignatures in DÁP
The DÁP in‑app eSignature cannot be used in these cases, as the authorized person is not acting as a private individual initiating a personal case.
This summary was prepared using information provided by Crown’s Service Partner.
United Kingdom: Increase to visa fees
The Home Office has published new immigration and nationality fees, which will come into effect from April 8, 2026.
For the main sponsored work visa routes this represents just a slight increase as per the table below:
| Application type | Current fees in GBP | New fees from 8 April in GBP |
| Outside the UK | ||
| Skilled worker visa ( entry clearance up to 3 years duration) | 769 | 819 |
| Skilled worker visa ( entry clearance over 3 years duration) | 1,519 | 1,618 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker ( entry clearance up to 3 years duration) | 769 | 819 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker ( entry clearance over 3 years duration) | 1,519 | 1,618 |
| Inside the UK | ||
| Skilled Worker (in country application up to 3 years duration ) | 885 | 943 |
| Skilled Worker (in country application over 3 years duration ) | 1,751 | 1,865 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker ( in country up to 3 years duration) | 885 | 943 |
| Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker ( in country over 3 years duration) | 1,751 | 1,865 |
| Settlement | ||
| Indefinite Leave to Remain | 3,029 | 3,226 |
There are no changes to fees for the following:
- Certificate of Sponsorship fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Immigration Skills Charge
- Priority services
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Government of UK
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 (European Client Services Manager – Immigration).
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