Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: Partial federal government shutdown
On October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government entered a partial shutdown resulting in many federal agencies operating under contingency plans, with reduced staffing and limited services.
Despite the shutdown, Social Security benefit payments—including retirement, disability and survivors benefits—will continue uninterrupted, as they are classified as mandatory spending. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are also protected and will proceed as scheduled.
Possible Service Disruptions
- Limited in-person services at SSA field offices; hours and available services may be reduced.
- Slower response times for phone, mail and online inquiries.
- Delays in processing requests for new Social Security cards, earnings record updates or account changes.
Applicants can still manage many tasks through the SSA’s online tools, which remain available during the shutdown.
While essential benefits remain secure, the shutdown may cause inconveniences for those needing non-urgent SSA services.
This summary was prepared using the information from our Service Partner Paramount.
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
Hong Kong: “Easy Boundary” platform
On September 22, 2025, the Security Bureau introduced “Easy Boundary”, a centralized platform offering real-time updates on immigration clearance at land boundary control points (BCPs). It uses a traffic light system—green (Normal), yellow (Busy), and red (Very Busy)—to indicate congestion levels, with estimated waiting times updated every 15 minutes.
Previously, travelers had to consult multiple apps for this information. Now, “Easy Boundary” consolidates data from the Immigration Department, Transport Department, and Hong Kong Police Force, covering:
- Passenger and private car wait times
- Shuttle bus status (Gold Bus & Yellow Bus)
- Real-time incidents (e.g., traffic accidents)
- Links to Shenzhen’s “iPort” and HZMB Zhuhai Port updates
- Hong Kong traffic conditions
Future enhancements will include AI-powered assessments and real-time images to improve accuracy and convenience.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Government of the Hong Kong
India: Introduction of e-Arrival Card
The Bureau of Immigration in India has revealed the launch of an e-Arrival Card for all foreign nationals arriving in India within 72 hours for various reasons, such as Tourism, Business, Medical treatment, attending conferences, studying at universities, Research, or employment. This new procedure commenced on October 1, 2025, and will be implemented at all international airports in India, including Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad, at the outset.
This initiative is designed to simplify the immigration process for foreigners entering India, making it more efficient, quicker, and less cumbersome.
Who needs to complete the e arrival card: All foreign travellers and OCI card holders, including those on e-Visa, Tourist, Business, Employment, or student visas. Indian passport holders will be exempt.
When to apply: Up to 72 hours before the planned arrival date.
What you will need:
- Passport details
- Arrival details and Countries Visited in the Last 6 Days
- Purpose of visit
- Address and contact details in India
- Emergency contact information
At the airport: Once submitted, a digital confirmation (QR code or reference number) will be received. This data will be pre-loaded into the immigration system – helping to speed up clearance upon arrival.
Transition Period: For the next six months, physical arrival cards will still be accepted, but travellers are encouraged to use the digital system for a faster and smoother experience.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Indian Visa Online and e-Arrival Card Information
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
European Union: Reminder of Entry/Exit System roll out
As previously mentioned , the European Union plans to introduce a new automated IT system—the Entry/Exit System (EES)—to record the movements of third-country nationals, including both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers, each time they cross an EU border.
The system is scheduled to go live on October 12, 2025.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Migration and Home Affairs
South Africa: Extension of temporary concession for foreign nationals
In response to ongoing delays in processing waiver and visa appeal applications, the South African Department of Home Affairs has issued Immigration Directive No. 22 of 2025, extending temporary concessions for affected foreign nationals until March 31, 2026.
While the Department has successfully cleared the general visa and permit backlog following Directive No. 4 of 2025, waiver and appeal applications remain unresolved. To prevent applicants from being penalized due to these delays, the following measures are now in effect from October 1, 2025:
1.Waiver Applicants
Foreign nationals with pending waiver applications as of the directive’s signing date are granted:
- A temporary extension of their visa status until March 31, 2026.
- Permission to depart and re-enter South Africa without being declared undesirable under section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, provided they present a valid waiver application receipt.
Note: Non-visa exempt applicants must apply for a port of entry visa to re-enter the country.
2. Visa Appeal Applicants
Applicants who have appealed a negative decision on a long-term visa (under sections 11(1)(b) to 22 of the Immigration Act) are also granted:
- A temporary extension of their current visa status until March 31, 2026.
- Permission to travel in and out of South Africa without being declared undesirable, provided they carry:
- A copy of the rejection letter.
- A receipt or confirmation of the appeal submission.
As with waiver applicants, non-visa exempt appeal applicants must obtain a port of entry visa for re-entry.
Eligibility Criteria
These concessions apply only to foreign nationals who:
- Were legally admitted into South Africa.
- Submitted their applications via VFS Global.
- Can produce a verifiable receipt through the VFS tracking system.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Department of Home Affairs
Sweden: Tightened labor immigrant rules
The Swedish government, in collaboration with the Sweden Democrats, has announced significant changes to labor immigrant policies. A new salary threshold for has been set at 90% of the median wage, equating to a monthly salary of SEK 33,900. However, the government will have the authority to grant exceptions and exclude specific professions from this requirement.
The changes are aimed at encouraging individuals already in Sweden to take available jobs, reduce abuse of the immigration system and protect local competitiveness.
Education and Integration Minister Simona Mohamsson highlighted the importance of attracting experts such as engineers, specialist nurses and programmers to strengthen Sweden’s global standing.
Finally, the government will launch an investigation, likely next year, to explore increasing criminal liability for companies that hire subcontractors using illegal labor. A full legislative proposal on labor immigration will be presented soon.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Swedish 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 Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
We track policy changes in over 120 countries. Find out how we can help you in this short video.
