Immigration news updates for the EMEA region
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Malta: Second phase of Labour Migration Policy implemented
Malta officially implemented the second phase of its Labour Migration Policy, introducing significant changes to the employment process for Third-Country Nationals (TCNs).
Employers are required to advertise job vacancies on the Jobsplus portal and EURES for three weeks within the two months preceding any application for new TCNs, whether they were still abroad or submitting a new application. For applicants under KEI, SEI, EU Blue Card, and the Skilled Occupation List, the advertisement period was reduced to two weeks.
Certain categories are exempt from this requirement, including applicants in the health sector, elderly and disability care, regulator-endorsed cases, sportspersons, and change-of-employer applications.
The updated rules also clarify application procedures for TCNs from visa-exempt countries. Those who applied within 60 days of entering the Schengen Area receive an application receipt and are allowed to remain in Malta while their Single Permit is processed. However, applicants who submit their request between days 61 and 90 are required to wait outside the Schengen Area until a decision is reached. In such cases, an Approval in Principle (AIP) letter is issued once processing was complete.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Identita
Netherlands: Expansion of sponsor rules
Starting January 1, 2026, recognised sponsors in the Netherlands will face stricter documentation requirements under Article 4.35 of the Aliens Regulation. In addition to payslips, sponsors must now provide proof that highly skilled migrants and European Blue Card holders have actually received their salary. Acceptable evidence includes company bank statements or batch payment overviews showing that the salary was transferred to a payment account in the employee’s name.
This change addresses a critical gap in the current system, where payslips alone do not confirm that payment has occurred. By expanding the list of required documents, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) aims to prevent abuse of the highly skilled migrant and Blue Card schemes and strengthen compliance monitoring.
Employers should prepare by reviewing payroll processes and ensuring they can produce the necessary financial records during audits. Failure to comply may lead to penalties or loss of recognised sponsor status.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Ministry of Asylum and Migration
Switzerland: Permit quota numbers for 2026
The Swiss Federal Council has decided upon the following permit quota numbers for 2026:
Work permit quotas for assignees from EU/EFTA:
-L permits: 3,000
-B permits: 500
Work permit quotas for non-EU/EFTA nationals:
-L permits : 4,000
-B permits : 4,500
As in previous years, the Swiss Federal Council has decided on separate quotas for employed UK nationals to enable companies in Switzerland to recruit skilled workers from the UK
-L permits: 1,400
-B permits: 2,100
Lastly, the Federal Council has extended the Services Mobility Agreement with the UK until December 31, 2029. The Agreement provides Swiss companies with easy access to British service suppliers and regulates Swiss service suppliers’ access to the UK market.
This summary was prepared using the information from our supplier Blue Lake.
United Kingdom: Legal migration reforms
Following recent measures to limit illegal migration, the migration reforms will prioritize migrants who support the economy and public services. Key proposed changes include:
- Extended Settlement Periods: The qualifying period for permanent settlement will double to ten years, with reductions for high earners, skilled workers, and those demonstrating strong integration.
- Stricter Conditions: Migrants must be in work, speak English to a high standard, maintain a clean criminal record, and avoid reliance on benefits.
- Tiered Pathways:
- NHS doctors and nurses: eligible after five years.
- Global Talent and Innovator visa holders: eligible after three years.
- Low-paid workers: baseline of 15 years.
- Migrants dependent on benefits: 20 years.
- Illegal migrants and overstayers: up to 30 years.
- Access to Public Funds: Benefits and social housing will be restricted to British citizens, not granted upon settlement.
- Criminality Threshold: Settlement contingent on a clean criminal record, with deportation rules strengthened.
The reforms once implemented will apply to nearly two million migrants who arrived since 2021. They are still subject to consultation and decision  on transitional arrangements. Existing settled status holders are unaffected.
The new system, based on character, integration, contribution, and residence, aims to create the most selective and controlled settlement regime in Europe, restoring fairness and public confidence.
This summary was prepared using the information from the UK Government
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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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