Immigration weekly update: September 15, 2022

Immigration news update covering India, Poland and more


Asia-Pacific

India: Guidelines for international travelers

The guidelines for international travelers arriving to India have been reviewed and amended as mentioned below:

  • Submit the self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal.
  • Mention the date of vaccination or RT PCR test conducted, while filling the Self-declaration form (previously, there was a requirement to upload vaccination proof or RT PCR test report, which is now exempted from uploading).
  • Carry the negative report of COVID-19 RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours before undertaking the journey, (to be verified by Airport officials) OR carry a certificate of completing full primary vaccination schedule of COVID-19 vaccination (to be verified by Airport officials).
  • Exit the airport or take connecting flights, upon arrival in India.
  • Self-monitor their health for the next 14 days of arrival.

Two percent of passengers per flight will be randomly tested upon arrival. If such passengers are found to be symptomatic or tested positive, shall be managed as per laid down standard protocol.

List of countries, that are exempted from the COVID-19 RT-PCR test and allowed for relaxation under the certificate of completing the full primary vaccination schedule of COVID-19 vaccination can be found here.

This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of India.

South Korea: Implementation of K-ETA requirements in Jeju Island

The South Korean government has announced that all visitors (even foreigners from visa waiver countries) must apply for Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) prior to entry. This K-ETA requirement for entry into Jeju Island applies in addition to the existing K-ETA requirement for entry into mainland South Korea. Citizens of 104 countries that grant visa exemptions are eligible to enter South Korea, including Jeju Island after obtaining the K-ETA. Individuals from countries not included in the visa-waiver program do not need to obtain K-ETA instead entry visas will be required prior to travelling.

This summary was prepared using information obtained from the South Korean 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 Debra Jane Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager (APAC).


Europe, Middle East and Africa

Poland: Poland Business Harbour

Employees from IT/New Tech sectors, regardless of their citizenship (previously it was available for certain citizens), can apply for Poland Business Harbor visa (PBH) and benefit from fast-track transfer and less formalities. The PBH exempts individuals from additional work authorization and helps setting up a business activity in Poland.

Visa application processes

For a simplified visa processing, citizens of Belarus and Ukraine can now apply for a Polish national visa, but each national must certain conditions. Ukrainian nationals must have the intention to work an international driver or as a flight crew member. Belarusian nationals must have stayed in Poland based on a humanitarian visa or arrived after February 24, 2022, and intention to work as international driver.

No source available at the time writing. 

United Arab Emirates: New Visa platform

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (FAICCPS) has started the testing phase for Advanced Visa System program. Under the newly modified immigration regulations, the new system offers a streamlines internet platform for foreign nationals to apply for visas. On October 3, 2022, the testing phase will come to an end, at which point it is anticipated that the system would be made available to foreign nationals requesting visas under the recently launched visa schemes.

This summary was prepared using information obtained from New 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 Operations Director).


We track policy changes in over 120 countries. Find out how we can help you in this short video.

Related Topics

Share this Post