Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: Expansion of Visa Bond Program for FIFA World Cup 2026 travellers
The U.S. Department of State has updated its guidance on the Visa Bond Program, introducing expanded exemptions for certain travellers in connection with the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Players and official delegations (athletes, coaches, staff, and immediate family) are exempt from visa bond requirements if they meet standard visa eligibility criteria.
- Certain spectators may qualify for a conditional waiver if they:
–Â Purchased FIFA World Cup tickets by April 15, 2026
– Registered through FIFA’s PASS system
– Apply for a B‑1/B‑2 visa and successfully complete the visa screening process
All applicants remain subject to standard U.S. immigration review. A visa is not guaranteed, and eligibility requirements must be fully met.
For non‑World Cup travellers, the guidance clarifies:
- Visa bonds are imposed only if instructed by a consular officer
- Payments must be made via official systems
- Travel is restricted to commercial airports
- Non-compliance may lead to bond forfeiture
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This summary was prepared using information provided by our Service Partner.
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).
Asia-Pacific
India: Revised OCI rules
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced key updates to the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) framework, effective April 2026. These changes aim to streamline application processes, enhance compliance, and improve immigration efficiency through digital integration.
1.Removal of Minimum Stay Requirement – Eligible foreign nationals can now apply for an OCI Card without completing the earlier mandatory six-month stay in India.
- Applicants holding a valid long-term visa and required documentation can submit their OCI application immediately upon arrival in India
- Applications may be filed through the jurisdictional FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office)
Impact: This significantly reduces onboarding timelines for expatriates and improves flexibility for employers and assignees relocating to India.
2.Mandatory Passport Update Compliance – A new compliance requirement has been introduced for OCI cardholders:
- OCI holders must update their passport details within three months of issuance of a new passport
- Failure to comply will result in a penalty of USD 25 (or equivalent in local currency)
Impact: Strengthens documentation accuracy and aligns OCI data with immigration systems. Employers should ensure assignees are aware of this requirement to avoid penalties.
3.Expanded Eligibility for Sri Lankan Applicants – The eligibility criteria have been broadened for individuals of Indian origin from Sri Lanka:
- Fifth- and sixth-generation Indian Origin Tamils are now eligible to apply for OCI cards
- Previously, eligibility was limited to fourth-generation descendants
Impact: This expansion allows a broader segment of the Sri Lankan diaspora to benefit from OCI status, particularly individuals with limited ancestral documentation.
4.Enhanced Biometric Integration & Faster Immigration Processing – The revised framework is aligned with upgraded biometric verification systems:
- Enables real-time matching of passport and OCI data
- Supports faster e-gate immigration clearance at major Indian airports
Impact: Improves traveller experience by reducing wait times and enhancing security through automated identity verification.
Key Takeaways for Employers & Assignees:
- Faster OCI processing enables quicker deployment of expatriates
- Increased compliance obligations require proactive monitoring of passport updates
- Expanded eligibility may benefit a larger talent pool from Sri Lanka
- Improved airport processing enhances overall mobility experience
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Ministry of Home Affairs
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
Denmark: New GL2 online application for family members of applicants in Greenland
As of May 11, 2026, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has launched a new digital application (GL2) for people applying for a residence permit in Greenland as accompanying family members. Applicants can now submit applications online.
Key points:
- The application is intended for family members of individuals working or studying in Greenland who hold a temporary residence permit or have obtained permanent residence within the past three years.
- It can be used for both initial applications and extensions.
- Applicants have access to an online platform to track the status of their applications (active and completed cases available for up to 30 days).
- A printable application option remains temporarily available.
- A separate digital form (GL1/5) is available for the main applicant (worker), including extensions.
This summary was prepared using information provided from The Danish Immigration Service
Iceland: Updated financial requirements for residence permits and citizenship
Effective May 18, 2026, Iceland has increased the minimum income requirements for residence permit and citizenship applicants. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial independence based on the following updated gross monthly income thresholds:
- Individuals (18+): increased from 247,572 ISK to 259,951 ISK
- Married couples: increased from 396,115 ISK to 415,922 ISK
The new thresholds apply to applications submitted on or after May 18, 2026.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Directorate of Immigration
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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