Immigration news update for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Thailand: Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme
As of September 25, 2023, the Thai government has announced the temporary tourist visa exemption scheme (to enter Thailand visa free) for a period not exceeding 30 days for tourism purpose for passport holders of the People’s Republic of China and Kazakhstan. This will be effective through February 29, 2024.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Tourismthailand
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
Sweden: New salary threshold and model for work permits
Effective November 01, 2023, the new proposed salary threshold of SEK 27.360 gross/monthly for work permits will enter into force without transitional rules, which means that anyone who has already applied for a work permit (first time applications or extensions applications) but has not received their decision before November 1st, 2023 must adjust the salary if not meeting the new threshold.
The sum is based on 80% of the median salary that Statistics Sweden (SCB) publishes for Sweden each year.
The new requirement applies regardless of whether it is a part-time or a full-time employment.
Employees who are exempt from the new requirement are those who use the freedom of movement (citizens of the EU/EEA or family members of a person who is), those who have or apply for an EU Blue Card*, those who have or apply for an ICT permit, and seasonal workers.
*As of August 28th, 2023, the threshold for EU Blue card is SEK 57.450 gross/monthly.
From January, 2024, the introduction of the new model for work permits will replace the previous certification system, which will be phased out. The model will also provide better service to employers who hire highly qualified workers and shorten processing times. It includes four categories, from A to D.
The most relevant to our audience are categories A and B
- Category A: Covers work permit applications for highly qualified occupations. The term “highly qualified” is defined in the Swedish Standard Classification of Occupations (SSYK). In Category A, it applies to the three occupational areas: managerial, occupations with requirements for advanced university degree, and occupations with requirements for higher education competencies or equivalent.
This category is the agency’s way of replacing the current certification system.
- Category B: Covers applications for work permits in occupations with specific rules, such as, among others, intra-corporate transferees (ICT), permits under the EU Blue Card Directive, and researchers.
It is the Swedish Migration Agency’s goal of issuing decisions for completed submitted applications concerning highly qualified workers within 30 days, so that the passport check, when applicable, would be included in that timeframe. This said, it is imperative that applicants visit the Swedish Embassy/ Migration Agency in their country of residence (when applicable) responsible for the passport check as soon as their application has been submitted.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Migrationsverket and Migrationsverket
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 Director of Immigration) or Milena Krebs (Team Lead, Sweden).
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