Immigration news updates for the EMEA region
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Ireland: IRP card renewals ahead of Christmas travel
The Immigration Services Registration Office at Burgh Quay, Dublin is currently facing a high volume of renewal applications for Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards, with a processing time of 3–4 weeks. Once approved, delivery of the new IRP card may take an additional two weeks by regular mail.
To avoid travel disruptions over the Christmas holiday period, Non-EEA nationals legally residing in Ireland are strongly advised to submit their online renewal applications by October 31, 2025, especially if their current permission expires before or during their planned travel.
Although efforts will be made to accommodate late applications, renewals submitted after October 31, 2025, may not be processed in time to ensure card delivery before Christmas.
The validity of the renewed permission will be based on the original expiry date, regardless of when the application was submitted.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Irish 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 (Immigration Team Leader) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Sweden: Suggested changes to permanent residence permits
The Swedish government has received the final report from the “Miniminivåutredningen,” an inquiry tasked with proposing measures to encourage more individuals with permanent residence permits to apply for Swedish citizenship. The report also examined whether it is legally possible to change already granted permanent residence permits and, if so, under what conditions.
The inquiry proposes a new law that would allow permanent residence permits to be converted into temporary ones for certain groups. The goal is to motivate more people to become Swedish citizens by making permanent residence less secure unless citizenship is pursued. The proposal will now be sent out for consultation and further analysis within the Government Offices.
The Migration Minister emphasized that breaking social exclusion in Sweden requires setting expectations for long-term residents to become part of Swedish society, with citizenship being a natural step in that process.
The proposed law would apply to individuals who have received permanent residence as refugees, persons in need of subsidiary protection, quota refugees, long-term residents or those granted residence due to exceptionally distressing circumstances or certain enforcement obstacles. It also includes their family members.
If a permanent residence permit is revoked under the proposed law and the individual cannot be granted a temporary permit, the default position is that the person no longer has the right to stay in Sweden and should be deported. However, exceptions are proposed for those who have applied for citizenship and are awaiting a decision, or if there are compelling reasons against revocation and the individual is deemed to have good conduct.
The inquiry concludes that the proposals will significantly impact both individuals and government authorities, with implementation suggested for January 1, 2027.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Swedish Government (available in Swedish)
United Arab Emirates: Passport cover page now mandatory
Visitors applying for entry permits to the United Arab Emirates must now include the outer cover page of their passport as part of the application process, according to updated guidelines received.
The new requirement, which came into effect in September, adds to the existing list of mandatory documents: a passport copy, a clear passport-size photograph, hotel booking confirmation and a round-trip ticket.
The rule applies to all categories of entry permits.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Economic Times
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).
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