Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
Canada: Ontario launches new round of REDI initiative for skilled workers
Ontario has launched a new round of the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative, which will run until the end of 2027. Through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), nomination spaces will be allocated to selected communities with a demonstrated need for newcomer talent and strong potential for immigration uptake.
The initiative provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers seeking to live and work in participating communities, including Greater Sudbury, Kenora District, Nipissing District, Rainy River District, Renfrew County and Thunder Bay. There is no separate application process for REDI; applicants must meet OINP eligibility requirements to be considered.
This summary was prepared using information published by The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
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 (European Client Services Manager – Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
India: Higher Employment Visa salary requirement introduced
The Government of India has introduced a significant change to its Employment Visa requirements, increasing the minimum annual salary threshold for foreign nationals from INR 1,625,000 to INR 2,400,000. The change, confirmed by the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs , is expected to impact employers recruiting international talent and may lead to higher employment costs for organizations sponsoring foreign professionals in India.
The revised threshold has been reflected in recently issued residence permits by local Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), and immigration authorities have verbally confirmed the change. However, at the time of writing, a formal notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs has not yet been published.
The increase represents a substantially stricter eligibility requirement for Employment Visas and may affect both ongoing workforce planning and future international hiring strategies. Employers with compensation packages structured around the previous salary threshold may need to review and adjust remuneration arrangements to ensure compliance.
The new INR 2,400,000 annual salary requirement is expected to apply to new Employment Visa holders registering with the FRRO in India. Foreign nationals seeking Employment Visa renewals may also be subject to the revised salary criteria. As a result, organizations sponsoring foreign employees should assess pending applications and upcoming renewals to determine potential impacts.
Given the absence of a formal government notification, employers are encouraged to seek confirmation from the relevant immigration authorities and closely monitor further guidance from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding implementation and enforcement of the new salary threshold.
Introduction of e-Visa and ETA transfer facility for new passports
The Government of India has announced a significant enhancement to its e-Visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) framework. The new facility allows foreign nationals holding a valid e-Visa or ETA to transfer their existing authorization to a newly issued passport following a passport renewal or replacement.
This update eliminates the need for eligible travellers to submit a new e-Visa application solely because they have obtained a new passport. By enabling the transfer of an existing e-Visa or ETA to updated travel documents, the measure is intended to simplify travel procedures, reduce administrative burden, and improve convenience for international visitors travelling to India.
It is important to note that this facility applies only to the transfer of a valid e-Visa or ETA from an old passport to a new one. Where there are changes to other personal details, travellers will be required to submit a new visa application in accordance with existing immigration requirements.
The introduction of this process is expected to provide greater flexibility for travellers, support smoother travel planning, and contribute to a more efficient immigration experience for visitors to India.
This summary was prepared using information published by the Government of India
Introduction of mandatory Form III reporting requirements for foreign nationals and OCI cardholders
The Government of India has announced an important update to foreign national accommodation reporting requirements, introducing Form III, formerly known as Form C, for the registration and reporting of all foreign nationals, including Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, staying in India.
Under the revised framework, individual landlords, hotels, guesthouses, serviced apartments, and corporate housing providers are required to submit Form III electronically within 24 hours of a foreign national’s arrival and departure. The measure is intended to strengthen immigration compliance and improve the monitoring of foreign visitors residing in commercial and private accommodations across the country.
Form III serves as the redesigned successor to Form C and is used to record the residential status and accommodation movements of foreign nationals during their stay in India. Reporting obligations apply to all international visitors, including OCI cardholders, and must be completed through the designated online Form III portal.
The filing requirement extends to a broad range of accommodation providers, including hotels, resorts, lodges, hostels, guesthouses, homestays, and privately owned or rented residential properties that host foreign guests. Submissions must be made within 24 hours of both check-in and check-out to ensure compliance with immigration reporting regulations.
Accommodation providers should be aware that failure to submit Form III within the prescribed timeframe may result in penalties of up to INR 50,000 per individual guest. In addition, hotels and guesthouses are required to maintain signed arrival and departure records, along with electronic records of foreign guests, for a minimum period of twelve months.
Organizations, housing providers, and individuals accommodating foreign nationals are encouraged to review their current reporting procedures and ensure timely compliance with the new Form III requirements to avoid potential penalties and regulatory issues.
This summary was prepared using information published by the Government of India
Travel clarification for OCI cardholders updating passport details
The Government of India has issued a clarification regarding travel to and from India for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders who are updating their passport details.
OCI cardholders are required to update their passport details in their OCI records, including e-OCI card registration, each time a new passport is issued, irrespective of age. The update must be completed within three months of the passport being issued.
The government has clarified that OCI cardholders will not face travel restrictions while their passport update is being processed, from the date the passport update application is submitted until final acknowledgement of the documents in the online system.
This summary was prepared using information published by the Consulate General of India
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 (Director of Immigration Services, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
South Africa: New waiver removes 60-day advance filing requirement for visa applications
The South African Minister of Home Affairs has issued a blanket waiver removing the requirement for foreign nationals to submit applications for visa extensions, changes of status, or changes to visa conditions at least 60 days before the expiry of their current visa.
The waiver was granted following concerns regarding the unintended consequences of applying Regulations in a way that require relevant applications to be submitted no less than 60 days before the expiry of the existing visa.
The waiver applies to visa extension applications and applications for changes of status or conditions that are still pending adjudication, pending appeals based on failure to meet the 60-day filing requirement, as well as future applications submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.
Under the waiver, applicants are no longer required to comply with the 60-day advance filing requirement. However, applications must still be submitted while the applicant’s existing visa remains valid. Applicants who fail to do so will be subject to the provisions applicable to persons without valid immigration status
This summary was prepared using information published by the Department of Home Affairs
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 (European Client Services Manager – Immigration).
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