Immigration news updates for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
United States: Implementation of REAL ID 
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially launched REAL ID enforcement at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints nationwide. With 81% of travellers already compliant, most passengers are unlikely to notice any changes. REAL ID is a federal standard designed to enhance security by verifying traveller identities and preventing fraud.
TSA will maintain normal wait times and screening processes for those with a REAL ID, passport, or other approved identification. Travelers presenting non-compliant IDs without an alternative will be informed and may undergo additional screening. The TSA anticipates a continued rise in REAL ID adoption and will uphold extra security measures until the risk is fully mitigated.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Homeland Security
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 Director, Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
France: EU Blue Card key changes
France has introduced significant updates to its immigration framework through Law No. 2025-391, aligning national legislation with European Union directives. These changes primarily affect the issuance and management of the EU Blue Card and related residence permits for highly qualified third-country nationals.
1. Duration of the EU Blue Card (Article L.411-4)
The multi-year residence permit bearing the mention “EU Blue Card” is now:
• Valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of four years if the contract is for at least two years.
• If the contract is less than two years, the card is issued for the contract duration plus three months, capped at two years.
2. Eligibility Criteria (Article L.421-11)
To qualify for the EU Blue Card, applicants must:
• Have been employed in a highly qualified position for at least six months.
• Hold:
• A diploma certifying at least three years of higher education, or
• At least five years of comparable professional experience, or
• Three years of relevant experience within the last seven years, per the decree.
• Meet a salary threshold of at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary.
The card is issued for the duration of the employment contract, subject to the same four-year and two-year limits.
3. Grounds for refusal or withdrawal
• The application must be refused if the employer’s business was established primarily to facilitate the entry of third-country nationals.
• The application may be refused or the card withdrawn if the employer:
• Fails to comply with legal obligations related to social security, taxation, labor rights, or working conditions.
• Has been convicted of offenses under Article L.8211-1 of the French Labor Code.
4. Long-Term Residence Eligibility (Article L.421-12)
A 10-year EU long-term resident card may be granted to individuals who:
• Have held an EU Blue Card in France for at least two years, and
• Have resided legally and continuously in France or another EU Member State for at least three years prior, under one of the following residence permits:
• EU Blue Card (Directive 2021/1883)
• National permit for highly qualified employment
• Researcher permit (Directive 2016/801)
• Refugee or subsidiary protection status (Directive 2011/95/EU)
5. Rights of Family Members (Article L.421-22)
Family members of EU Blue Card holders are entitled to automatic renewal of their residence permit if:
• They have resided legally in the EU for five consecutive years, including the last two years in France.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Legifrance (available in French)
United Kingdom: New immigration plan
The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive immigration reform plan aimed at prioritizing economic contribution and reducing reliance on international recruitment.
Key measures proposed:
- Skilled Workers: Minimum skill level raised to graduate level (RQF 6); salary thresholds increased. The Immigration Salary List will be scrapped.
- Employer Responsibility: Employers must invest in domestic training. Overseas hiring will be limited to roles with long-term shortages and workforce strategies.
- Social Care: New overseas social care visas will end. Existing workers can extend visas until 2028.
- International Students: Tighter compliance for sponsoring institutions; post-study work period reduced to 18 months.
- Family Immigration: Simplified rules and limits on legal challenges using Article 8 (right to family life).
- High-Skilled Talent: Expanded routes for top global talent, including researchers and innovators.
- Abuse Prevention: Stricter asylum rules, visa controls, and penalties for non-compliant sponsors.
- Deportation: Broader criteria for removing foreign offenders, especially in cases of violence.
- Language & Integration: New English language requirements; settlement period doubled to 10 years; citizenship tied to contribution.
Reforms will be rolled out during this Parliament and additional asylum and border security measures are to follow in summer 2025.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the UK Government
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 Operations Director, Immigration).
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