Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
Brazil: Immigration update
Effective October 8, 2025, the Brazilian authorities have expanded the coverage of the business visa to include short-term assignments of technical assistance and technology transfer.
Before, the business visa (VIVIS) only allowed participation in meetings, events and auditing. Now, it will also include technical assistance services if the individuals travel to Brazil to work for less than 90 days a year. To enter Brazil and stay compliant, it is recommended that the traveller brings a detailed invitation letter outlining their scope of work.
For nationalities exempt from business/tourism visa, this means that no visa will be required for short-term technical assistance or technology transfer assignments.
Although the worker won’t have to apply for a visa, it is key to keep track of entry and exit stamps  not to overstay.
The new coverage for the business visa/visa exemption, is on Article 29, paragraph 3:
‘’For the purposes of the provisions of this article, the activities related to Business includes participation in meetings, fairs and events, journalistic coverage or filming and reporting, prospecting for commercial opportunities, signing of contracts, auditing or consulting, as a crew member of an aircraft or vessel and the provision of service of technical assistance or technology transfer resulting from contract, cooperation agreement or agreement signed between a person foreign legal entity and Brazilian legal entity, provided that observing the provisions of paragraph 1 and that the activity carried out has not a period longer than that provided for in article 20.’’
This summary was prepared using the information from the Government of Brazil (available in Portuguese)
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).
Asia-Pacific
India: New way of identification
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has recently clarified and updated the rules regarding Aadhaar card issuance and validity for foreign nationals residing in India. An Aadhaar card is a unique identification document issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It serves multiple purposes across government, financial, and private sectors. Attached below is a summary of the main points:
Foreign nationals can apply for Aadhaar if they:
- Have resided in India for 182 days or more in the 12 months immediately preceding the application.
- Hold a valid Indian visa, OCI card, or are citizens of Nepal or Bhutan.
Validity of Aadhaar for Foreign Nationals
- Linked to Visa Validity: For most foreign nationals, Aadhaar is valid only until the expiry of their visa or passport.
- 10-Year Validity: For OCI card holders and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, Aadhaar is valid for 10 years from the date of enrollment.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Government of India
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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 Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director, Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Switzerland: Introduction of Entry/Exit System
Switzerland is gradually introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital platform that registers third-country nationals when they enter or leave the Schengen area. The system officially launched across the Schengen zone on October 12, 2025, with Basel and Geneva airports being the first in Switzerland to implement it. Zurich Airport will follow on November 17 and smaller airports such as Lugano, Dübendorf and Bern-Belp will adopt the system between mid-November and the end of March 2026.
The EES replaces manual passport stamping with electronic registration and collects biometric data like facial images and fingerprints. It helps authorities monitor the duration of stays, identify overstays, and improve visa processing. Law enforcement agencies may also access the system under strict conditions to combat serious crime and terrorism.
The system applies to third-country nationals staying in the Schengen area for up to 90 days, whether they need a visa or not. Swiss citizens, EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals with valid residence permits are not affected. While the basic entry requirements remain unchanged, first-time entrants from third countries must provide biometric data. From April 9, 2026, manual passport stamping will be fully replaced by digital registration.
During the rollout, travellers from third countries may experience longer wait times at airports and are advised to arrive early.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Government of Switzerland
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).
United Kingdom: Temporary Shortage List
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recently published Stage 1 report on the Temporary Shortage List. It provides recommendations for the design of the Temporary Shortage List, as well as a list of occupations for further consideration at stage 2.
It identifies medium-skilled occupations that are essential to the UK’s industrial strategy or critical infrastructure and are experiencing temporary shortages. The report highlights 82 occupations linked to infrastructure and industrial strategy, but only those backed by strong workforce development plans—like domestic training and anti-exploitation measures—will be considered in the next stage. Jobs on the TSL may receive targeted immigration benefits—such as lower salary thresholds or faster visa processing—to help fill gaps while the UK develops domestic workforce solutions. It’s designed to be a short-term measure, not a permanent fix, and only applies to roles with credible plans to reduce reliance on migration over time.
This summary was prepared using the information from the UK Government
Statement of changes to the immigration rules
The UK government has published a new Statement of Changes to the immigration rules effective October 14, 2025:
1.Visit Visa Requirements
– Botswana: Nationals now require a visit visa due to high asylum claims. ETA eligibility removed.
– Palestine: Following UK recognition of Palestine, nationals must obtain a visa to visit the UK.
2.German School Groups
– Eased travel for German school groups aged 19 and under, allowing travel without a visa or ETA and using national ID cards.
3.Stateless Persons
– Dependants (partners and children) of stateless individuals can now apply under Appendix Statelessness or Appendix FM, depending on when the family unit was formed.
4.English Language Requirements
– Raised from B1 to B2 CEFR level for Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual, and Scale-up routes (effective from January 8, 2026).
5.High Potential Individual Route
– Expanded list of eligible institutions.
– Capped at 8,000 applications per year.
6.Graduate Route
– For Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees duration reduced from 2 years to 18 months (effective from January 1, 2027).
– PhD graduates retain three-year stay.
7.Student to Innovator Founder Route
– Students can now switch to this route after completing their course to start a business.
8.Seasonal Worker Rules
– Workers can now spend up to six months in the UK within any rolling 10-month period (previously 12 months).
In a separate announcement the Government has also indicated that the Immigration Skills Surcharge, which is paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers is being increased by 32% ( from £1,000 to £1,320 for large/medium sponsors and from £364 to £480.48 for small sponsors per each year of sponsorship. The effective date for that change is yet to be confirmed.
This summary was prepared using the information from the UK Governmentand 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 Director of Immigration).
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