Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Changes on Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Application Charge
Effective March 1, 2026, the Australian Government has implemented significant changes to the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The most notable update is a 100% increase in the VAC for many applicants, depending on passport eligibility and whether the application is a subsequent Subclass 485 lodgement.
These changes directly impact graduates planning to use the Subclass 485 as a bridge to skilled or employer‑sponsored visas, making cost planning and timing more critical than ever.
Four-tier VAC structure from March 1, 2026 – The revised VAC framework depends on passport eligibility and whether the applicant is a subsequent Subclass 485 applicant.
New Visa Application Charges (as of March 1, 2026)
1.Subsequent Subclass 485 – Eligible Passport Holders (No increase applies)
- Primary applicant: AUD 905
- Additional applicant (18+): AUD 455
- Additional applicant (under 18): AUD 230
2.Subsequent Subclass 485 – Non‑Eligible Passport Holders (100% increase)
- Primary applicant: AUD 1,810 (previously 905)
- Additional applicant (18+): AUD 910 (previously 455)
- Additional applicant (under 18): AUD 460 (previously 230)
3.Any Other Applicant – Eligible Passport Holders (No increase applies)
- Primary applicant: AUD 2,300
- Additional applicant (18+): AUD 1,150
- Additional applicant (under 18): AUD 580
4.Any Other Applicant – Non‑Eligible Passport Holders (100% increase)
Primary applicant: AUD 4,600 (previously 2,300)
- Additional applicant (18+): AUD 2,300 (previously 1,150)
- Additional applicant (under 18): AUD 1,160 (previously 580)
Applicants without eligible passports—particularly those applying for subsequent Subclass 485 visas—are the most affected, as well as graduates planning to use the 485 visa as a pathway to skilled or employer‑sponsored visas due to the higher upfront costs. Applicants with eligible passports are not affected and will continue paying the previous VAC rates for both subsequent and general Subclass 485 applications.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Australian Government
Hong Kong: Update on visa categories
From March 1, 2026, assignees admitted under six core visa categories—including the General Employment Policy (GEP), Mainland Talents & Professionals (ASMTP), the Science & Technology Talent Admission Scheme, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and the popular Arrangement for Non-Local Graduates—may apply to extend their stay up to 90 days before their current limit of stay expires.
Under the old rules, renewal applications could be filed only four weeks before expiry. That narrow window often left global mobility teams scrambling to gather company letters, tax returns and proof of residence while employees worried about inadvertent overstays that could jeopardise employment contracts or children’s school registration. The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) was given the 90-day benefit in late 2024; the new announcement levels the playing field for all other work-authorised categories.
Practically, the change gives HR departments and immigration service providers significantly more planning flexibility. Renewals can now be aligned with payroll cycles and international travel plans, reducing the risk that key executives are grounded while waiting for passport endorsement. For assignees on commuter arrangements between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, the longer runway also avoids a clash with PRC visa renewal peak periods.
The earlier-filing policy is another signal that the HKSAR Government is determined to retain the foreign expertise it spent the last two years attracting. Authorities estimate that more than 270,000 people have entered via various talent schemes since 2023; ensuring that they can remain in status seamlessly is critical to Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a regional headquarters hub.
Companies should update their internal calendars immediately and advise impacted staff to begin compiling renewal documentation well ahead of upcoming travel or project deadlines. Dependents may file simultaneously, but stand-alone dependent and training-visa renewals are explicitly excluded, so families should plan accordingly.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Immigration Department
India: Key duty-free allowance changes
Major updates to India’s Baggage Rules, 2026 and customs duty structures were introduced in the Union Budget 2026-27, significantly benefiting international travellers. These changes, which replace the 2016 regulations, took effect on February 2, 2026.
Key Duty-Free Allowance Changes:
The general duty-free limit for goods carried in accompanied baggage has been increased:
- Indian Residents & NRIs: The allowance is now ₹75,000 (up from ₹50,000).
- Foreign Tourists: The allowance has increased to ₹25,000 (up from ₹15,000).
- Laptop/Notebook: One laptop computer is allowed duty-free for any passenger aged 18 or above, over and above the general allowance.
- Liquor & Tobacco: Limits remain at 2 litres of alcohol and 100 cigarettes (or 25 cigars/125g tobacco).
New Gold Jewellery Rules:
The rules have shifted from value-based caps to a simplified weight-based system for passengers who have resided abroad for more than one year:
- Female Passengers: Up to 40 grams of gold jewellery duty-free.
- Male/Other Passengers: Up to 20 grams of gold jewellery duty-free.
Reduction in Customs Duty Rates:
- Personal Use Goods: For items exceeding the duty-free limit, the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) has been slashed from 20% to a flat 10%.
- Medicine & Drugs: 17 medicines, including those for cancer and rare diseases, are now fully exempt from basic customs duty when imported for personal use.
Procedural Improvements:
- Digital Declarations: The new Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026 promote electronic and advance declarations to speed up airport clearance.
- Simplified Compliance: The government has consolidated dozens of older circulars into a single master circular to reduce ambiguity.
This summary was prepared using information provided from The Hindu and The Times of India
Conversion of PIO cards to Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards
The Bureau of Immigration in India, along with Indian missions worldwide, has discontinued the acceptance of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards as valid travel documents for entering or exiting India, even when accompanied by a valid passport.
PIO cardholders are required to immediately convert their PIO cards to Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards before undertaking any travel. Failure to complete this conversion will require them to obtain a visa from the relevant Indian Mission or Post abroad for travel to India. Additionally, PIO cardholders currently residing in India will need to apply for a ‘New Visa’ service through their jurisdictional FRRO office using the e-FRRO online portal, if they do not convert to an OCI card.
It is important to note that PIO-to-OCI conversion is not automatic. Cardholders must submit a formal application to receive an OCI card, which is issued as a physical, machine-readable document. Applicants must provide a completed online application (Part A and B), valid foreign passport, 2×2 inch photos, and the original PIO card. After completing the online form at OCI Services, physical documents are submitted to the Indian High Commission or VFS. A fee for conversion, may apply depending on the jurisdiction and specific service, with some variations noted.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Overseas Citizen of India
New Zealand: Changes to employment conditions for people with open work visas
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that, effective April 20, 2026, it will introduce new employment conditions for holders of open work visas. These changes aim to clarify the types of work permitted under open work visas.
Open work visas allow individuals to work for almost any employer in New Zealand, in any role or location, without needing a job offer. Employer-specific work visas are not affected by these updates. From April 20, 2026, open work visas will contain one of two employment conditions.
1.Open work visas allowing any work
Some open work visa holders will be able to undertake any work in New Zealand. This includes working for an employer, sole trading, or owning and operating a business.
This employment condition applies to the following visas:
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa
- Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Partner of a Student Work Visa supported by a New  Zealand Scholarship funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Post Study Work Visa
- Partner of a New  Zealander Work Visa
- Partner of a Military Work Visa
2.Open work visas requiring work for an employer
Other open work visa holders must work for an employer, either under an employment agreement or a contract for services. This employment condition applies to the following visas:
- Victims of Domestic Violence Work Visa
- Victims of People Trafficking Work Visa
- Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
- Asylum Seeker Work Visa
- All working holiday visas
Conditions that apply to all open work visas
Regardless of the specific employment condition, open work visa holders must meet the conditions of their visa and comply with New Zealand’s employment and business laws. Holders of an open work visa cannot employ other people—either directly, or indirectly through a business they operate as an owner (including where the business is the named employer).
Transitional arrangements and support
Open work visa holders who have been carrying out work that will no longer be permitted may continue doing so until their current visa expires. For any future visa applications, they will be required to meet the employment conditions of the specific visa category they apply for.
Working holiday visas
The primary purpose of a working holiday visa is to allow visitors to travel within New Zealand. While in New Zealand, working holiday visa holders may undertake temporary work to support their stay. All work must be performed for an employer, either as an employee under an employment agreement or through a contract for services. Working holiday visa holders are not allowed to operate a business.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Immigration New Zealand
Singapore: Increased compliance for short term visitors
Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has strengthened border security measures across all entry points, resulting in a 38.3% increase in foreign visitor refusals in 2025 according to ICA’s latest annual report. In 2025, ICA refused entry to approximately 45,700 travelers, up from about 33,100 in 2024. Individuals were denied entry after being assessed to pose:
- Immigration risks, such as the likelihood of overstaying or seeking illegal employment
- Security risks, including potential criminal activity
ICA attributes the increase not to higher levels of attempted violations, but to more effective detection and targeting capabilities including the Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC) which now uses advanced passenger information and data analytics to identify high‑risk travelers before arrival and officers conducting expanded profiling and investigative interviews at checkpoints, as passport‑free entry clearance for some travellers has freed officers to focus on enforcement and risk assessment.
ICA now also issues no boarding directives to airlines, preventing high‑risk travelers from boarding flights to Singapore before they reach the checkpoint. This measure is consistent with Singapore’s ongoing strategy to intercept inadmissible travelers as early as possible.
Businesses should expect stricter pre‑arrival vetting, particularly for business visitors and short‑term assignees. Importantly, entry into Singapore is always discretionary, even when a visa is not required and boarding is permitted.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority and Immigration and Checkpoint Authority
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
Middle East: Potential immigration and travel disruptions
Ongoing developments in the Middle East may lead to temporary disruptions to immigration and mobility services across parts of the region.
Key potential impacts include:
- Delays in visa and residence permit processing
- Suspension or reduced availability of consular and immigration authority services in certain locations
- Travel disruptions, including flight cancellations, airspace restrictions, and limited routing options, which may affect entry, exit, and return travel
- Challenges with in‑country procedures, such as post‑arrival formalities
- Increased scrutiny at borders and possible changes to entry or re‑entry requirements on short notice
Assignees, business travelers, and employers are advised to plan for additional lead time, closely monitor official government and consular communications, and avoid non‑essential travel to affected areas where possible.
Immigration authorities and diplomatic missions may update their operating status with little notice. Further guidance will be shared as more information becomes available.
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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