As of 1st March 2024, providing proof of a COVID-19 vaccination when applying for new or renewing work passes in Singapore has been lifted. While vaccination is no longer mandatory for obtaining work passes, the authorities continue to strongly encourage foreign nationals to get vaccinated.  This update applies to all pass holders and their local sponsors or employers. Previously, pass holders aged 13 and above were required to be fully vaccinated, including receiving booster doses if eligible. The lifting of mandatory vaccination requirements signifies a progressive step towards phasing ..read more

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant expansion of automatic extension periods for certain employment authorisation documents (EADs). Effective immediately, this temporary measure extends the automatic extension period from 180 days to 540 days. The decision to extend the automatic extension period comes down to the USCIS’s commitment to ensuring that work-authorised noncitizens do not experience lapses in their employment authorisation and documentation while awaiting the adjudication of their pending EAD renewal applications. The aim is to ..read more

Germany has long been an attractive destination for skilled workers seeking new opportunities. Now, with the new act modernising German citizenship law, the country is set to become even more welcoming to individuals eager to call it home. Around 14% of the German population (more than 12 million people) do not have German citizenship. Among them, about 5.3 million have resided in Germany for at least 10 years. Despite the country’s reputation for efficiency, its naturalization rate has lagged behind the European Union average, a discrepancy that the government is eager to rectify through prog ..read more

The Italian government has introduced a new digital nomad visa for remote workers. As of 4th April 2024, third-country foreign nationals will be able to come to Italy under this new program to reside in Italy while pursuing highly-skilled work as freelancers or for employers based outside of Italy. Under this visa program, successful applicants gain the right to reside in Italy for up to 12 months, with the option to renew their visa annually, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.  To qualify for the Digital Nomad visa, applicants must meet the following requirements: I ..read more

As of 3rd April 2024, Ireland has introduced significant updates to its immigration laws, particularly affecting certain employment permit holders. These changes promise to streamline processes, provide clarity, and alleviate potential hurdles for individuals seeking to change immigration permission within the country. One of the most notable changes revolves around the eligibility criteria for transitioning from an IRP Stamp 1 to an IRP Stamp 4. Previously, applicants were required to accumulate 21 months of IRP Stamp 1 permissions, in addition to 21 months of employment on their employment p ..read more

The following updates have been announced: Application deadline Recent announcements from the Ministry of Interior clarify details on extended deadlines for permit submissions. The submission deadline for foreign employees in the non-expert category within the industry sector will be extended until 14th April 2024 from the original 21st March 2024 deadline.  Employers who have already received recommendations from the Ministry of Economy and Welfare must submit work permit applications by this date. Missing this deadline means risking the inability to submit further applications for work ..read more

Scheduled to come into effect on 26th June 2024, Germany has recently passed legislation that will introduce key changes to its citizenship laws.  Naturalization periods One of the most notable changes introduced by the new law is the reduction of the minimum period of German residence necessary for naturalization. Previously set at eight years, this requirement will now be shortened to five years for most individuals seeking German citizenship.  In exceptional cases where individuals demonstrate exceptional integration, this period can be further reduced to just three years.  M ..read more

Recent amendments in Portuguese nationality laws aim to streamline the citizenship acquisition process, extend eligibility to specific groups, and address security concerns.  Shortened path to citizenship For those who need to show 5 years of residence in Portugal to apply for citizenship, the start date of that 5-year period will be taken from the date that the residence permit was requested as opposed to the date it was granted. This means that the waiting time between applying for a residence permit and receiving the residence permit is taken into account when calculating 5-years of ..read more

The recent report by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has piqued significant interest. The MAC was tasked with assessing the UK government’s proposed alterations to the Skilled Worker immigration category. The main focus of the MAC’s analysis was related to the replacement of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) with the new Immigration Salary List (ISL). This transition, announced by the UK government, aims to streamline the immigration process and address emerging workforce needs. However, it is important to note that these recommendations have gained official approval by the UK governme ..read more

The Qatar government has announced a residence permit program tailored for talented individuals and visionary entrepreneurs. This initiative opens doors for foreign nationals to live and work in Qatar for a period of five years, with the option of renewal. This new residence permit allows foreign nationals to establish long-term roots in Qatar, as well as encouraging investment into the country. The aim is to attract and retain top-tier talent and visionary entrepreneurs who can propel economic growth and innovation. Eligibility for the talent category requires applicants to secure an endorsem ..read more