Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand: Two new seasonal visas
Starting December 8, 2025, applications will open for two new seasonal visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework:
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
- Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
These visas aim to make it easier for accredited employers to hire workers for genuine seasonal roles while maintaining safeguards against misuse.
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
Designed for roles that are genuinely seasonal, this visa offers:
- No labour market test: Employers do not need to advertise locally before hiring internationally.
- Visa duration: Up to three years.
- Requirements:
- Applicants must have three seasons of relevant experience within the last six years.
- Must spend three months outside New Zealand each year.
- Health and character checks required; English testing not required.
Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
Intended for short peak periods, this visa includes:
- Labour market test required: Employers must advertise locally and engage with Work and Income or obtain PSV endorsement.
- Visa duration: Up to seven months.
- Requirements:
- At least one season of relevant experience within the last three years.
- Comprehensive health insurance if the job exceeds three months.
- English testing not required.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Immigration New Zealand
New business investor visa
The New Zealand Government has confirmed that applications will open for the Business Investor Work Visa to support investment in established New Zealand businesses on November 24, 2025. The aim is to reflect the Government’s focus on long term economic contribution and sustainable growth. The visa is valid for up to four years and allows applicants to include their partner and dependent children.
The category replaces the Entrepreneur Work Visa. Investors can choose between two investment pathways, each leading to the ability to apply for residence once the required business operations and compliance obligations are met.
There are two investment options:
- NZD $1 million: offers a three-year work-to-residence pathway.
- NZD $2 million: offers a fast-track pathway to residence after 12 months.
Eligibility for Business Investor Work Visa
To qualify for a Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must:
- invest in a business that has been operating for at least five years
- meet the minimum investment amount of either NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million
- show they have at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support themselves and their family
- demonstrate business experience, such as owning a business with at least five full-time employees or generating NZD $1 million in annual revenue
- be 55 years or younger
- meet English language requirements, and
- pass health and character checks.
Eligibility for Business Investor Resident Visa
Once the business has been successfully operated for the required period, applicants may be eligible for the Business Investor Resident Visa.
To qualify, an individual will be required to:
- be actively involved in running their business in New Zealand
- continue to meet the same level of ownership
- maintain at least five full-time equivalent jobs
- create and maintain at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident that lasts at least 12 months
- show the business is solvent
- meet time-in-New Zealand requirements (184 days in each of the previous three years), and
- meet health and character requirements.
This summary was prepared using the information 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 (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Germany: Digitalization of the visa application process
The German Federal Government is advancing the modernization of migration and visa processes through artificial intelligence (AI). A joint initiative by the Foreign and Interior Ministries aims to streamline skilled worker immigration, reducing processing and waiting times while improving security. Visa applications have already been digitalized, with over 70,000 processed online.
The next step is integrating AI to handle growing application volumes efficiently and assist in case-by-case evaluations, ensuring faster and more secure procedures for employers and qualified foreign workers.
This summary was prepared using the information from The Federal Government
South Africa: Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme
The Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES), a new visa reform aimed at positioning South Africa as a top destination for film and creative projects. STAGES offers a fully digital platform for visa applications, reducing turnaround times to as little as 24 hours and eliminating traditional paperwork and delays.
Eligible international production companies can apply via the TTOS Portal, following a model similar to the Trusted Employer and Trusted Tour Operator schemes. A dedicated governance team will oversee applications and ensure smooth processing.
This initiative addresses past inefficiencies that cost South Africa major projects, such as a R400 million Netflix production lost to Mexico. STAGES reflects Home Affairs’ commitment to digital transformation and economic growth, aligning with other reforms like the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
This summary was prepared using the information from the Department of Home Affairs
Sweden: Transition of Swedish Migration Agency services
By the end of this year, all Migration Agency service centres will close for drop-in visits. Locations such as Stockholm/Sundbyberg, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Västerås, Örebro, and others will gradually shut down.
Instead, services will be offered through digital channels, by phone, and at 35 National Government Service Centres across the country—covering most of the areas where the Migration Agency is currently present. This means the agency is moving from 11 locations to 35, creating a broader network under one roof alongside other authorities like the Employment Service, Social Insurance Agency, Pensions Agency, and Tax Agency.
During the transition period until year-end, the applicant can still book appointments at both Migration Agency centres and service centres. After that, visits will only occur if the applicant has been summoned, for example, for fingerprinting, photographs, or identity checks related to residence permits or travel documents.
Service centres cannot handle individual case questions, the applicant should contact the Migration Agency via phone or through “My page” online. These changes do not affect asylum applications or related inquiries.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Swedish Migration Agency
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).
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