The KPMG team regularly monitors recent developments across the globe in the
Immigration space and publishes them as Immigration News Highlights. Please find
the key developments that occurred over the last week enumerated below. Click
here to find all issues of the Immigration News Highlights on the GMS Flash
Alert: Immigration page.
The information in Immigration News Highlights is sourced from the independent third parties listed below and shall not
be attributed to KPMG. It does not represent the views or opinions of KPMG International Limited or any KPMG member
firm. This information is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice or serve as a substitute
for any professional advice, consultation, or service, [and should not be relied on without further consultation].
Although we make reasonable efforts to update this information, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees,
whether express or implied, that this information is accurate, complete, or up to date.
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe and Africa
Americas
Canada
Canada improves fairness for applicants by ending Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Canadian government has announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a
PGWP at the border, effective immediately. This measure aims to reduce "flagpoling," a practice
where temporary residents leave Canada and re-enter to obtain same-day immigration services,
bypassing normal wait times. By preventing PGWP applications at the border, the government
hopes to encourage applicants to apply online and reduce flagpoling.
Read More
Ecuador
Ecuador stops waiving visas for Chinese nationals
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility announced that Ecuador has suspended its visa
waiver agreement with China, effective 18 June 2024. The mutual visa waiver agreement, which
was reached in 2016, allowed Chinese citizens to enter Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days.
However, many Chinese nationals have failed to depart within the permitted period, and some
have used Ecuador as a transit point to reach other destinations, prompting the Ecuadorian
authorities to reimpose visa requirements for Chinese citizens.
Read More
United States
US government announces new immigration policy for undocumented immigrants who arrived in
the US as children called DREAMers
The US immigration authorities have introduced new policies for employment visa application
process for DREAMers, including those covered by Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals
(DACA). The first policy will facilitate the change of status process for DACA recipients who meet
eligibility criteria for a US employment visa, such as the H-1B, allowing them to change status
from within the US rather than departing and re-entering. The second policy will provide a
pathway to employment authorization for qualifying DREAMers who are not covered by DACA
and will ease the visa process for US college graduates, including DACA recipients, who have
earned a US degree and secured a US employment offer in a field related to their degree.
Read More
Asia Pacific
Australia
Changes announced to visa conditions 8107, 8607 and 8608
Australian government has announced that starting from 1 July 2024 changes are implemented
to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608. The changes include the Temporary Work (Skilled)
visa, Temporary Skill Shortage visa, and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional)
visa. These visa holders will now have more time to find a new sponsor, apply for a different
visa, or leave Australia if they stop working with their sponsoring employer, with up to 180 days
at a time or a maximum of 365 days in total. During this period, they can work for other
employers in occupations not listed in their original sponsorship nomination, ensuring they can
support themselves while seeking a new sponsor.
Read More
China
China announces visa-free policy for Polish citizens
Chinese authorities have announced that it has waived the visa requirement for Polish citizens,
allowing them to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 15 days. This decision applies
to Polish citizens traveling to China for business, tourism, family visits, and transit purposes.
While visa-free entry is limited to 15 days, those who wish to stay longer or for other purposes
will still need to apply for a visa.
Read More
China
China, Australia announces five year multiple-entry visas
Chinese authorities have announced that China and Australia have introduced a mutual five-year
multiple-entry visas for each other's citizens. This move marks an upgrade from Australia's
previous one-year visas with optional ten-year extensions for Chinese nationals.
Read More
China
Australian travelers gain visa-free access to China
Chinese government has announced that it has added Australia to its list of visa-free countries,
allowing Australian citizens to enter China without a visa for up to 15 days. With this addition, the
number of countries enjoying visa-free entry to China has increased to 14, including New
Zealand. The decision was announced after a meeting between the Chinese Premier and
Australian Prime Minister.
Read More
China
Multiple China visa application centers in Italy & France end their operation
Chinese authorities have announced that due to a decline in visa applicants, visa application
centers in Italy and France shall no longer be operational. In France, the Lyon center ceased
operations on 14 June 2024, and applicants must now visit centers in Paris, Marseille, or
Strasbourg. Similarly, the Florence center in Italy has closed, and applicants must go to the
Milan center.
Read More
Israel
Kosovo and Israel agree on visa-free entry
Israelian authorities have announced that Kosovo and Israel have signed a visa waiver
agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to visit each other's nation without a visa. The
agreement was signed in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, by the Israeli Interior Minister and the
Kosovar Foreign Minister. The visa waiver is set to take effect in September, although details on
the length of stay have not been disclosed.
Read More
Europe and Africa
Denmark
New income requirement for Residence & Work Permit applicants
Denmark’s immigration authority announced the introduction of a new income requirement for
foreigners applying for a residence and work permit, effective 30 June 2024. The requirement
aims to ensure that foreign workers are offered salaries in line with Danish standards. From 30
June applications will be assessed based on updated salary statistics, and those whose salaries
do not meet the standards will have their applications refused. The new requirement will apply to
all applications submitted after 30 June while applications filed between April 1 and June 30 will
be assessed based on previous salary statistics.
Read More
Germany
Germany to speed up visa process for non-EU skilled workers
German government has announced that it is accelerating its visa procedures for non-EU skilled
workers to address labor shortages and maintain employment levels. Foreign Minister
announced that the country has already taken steps to facilitate the process, including reducing
waiting times at the German Embassy in New Delhi from nine months to a shorter period. The
authorities plan to digitalize the visa application process and simplify other barriers to make it
easier for foreign skilled workers to come to Germany.
Read More
Greece
Greece applies new facilitated EU blue card application rules
Greece government has announced that it has relaxed its EU Blue Card application rules,
making it easier for foreigners to work in the country. As of 5 June 2024, individuals entering
Greece under the visa-free regime or holding a short-stay visa can apply for an EU Blue Card,
whereas previously only those with long-term national visas were eligible. Additionally, Greece
has changed the pre-screening requirement, allowing applicants to choose whether to undergo
the process or not.
Read More
Italy
Italy simplifies EU blue card application rules by moving the process online
Italian immigration authorities announced that Italian employers can submit online requests for
highly qualified foreign workers under the EU Blue Card program, aiming to simplify the
procedure and provide more favorable conditions. Services Portal with an updated form has
been launched allowing employers to request the hiring of non-EU workers in various fields. After
the requests are made, eligible non-EU workers can apply for the positions and, if they meet the
criteria, will be granted an EU Blue Card, enabling them to live and work in Italy.
Read More
Kenya
Ghanaians exempted from Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fees for entry into Kenya
Kenyan government has waived the ETA fee for Ghanaian travelers, allowing them to apply for
the document without payment. Previously, Ghanaians had to pay a US$30 fee when applying
for the ETA, which is required for entry into Kenya. They only need to apply for the document at
least 72 hours before their planned entry and submit it through Kenya's official website. Once
approved, they can enter the country without additional requirements or fees.
Read More
Spain
Spanish consulate in Argentina announces new appointments for applicants for Spanish
citizenship
The Spanish Consulate in Buenos Aires has confirmed that it has started receiving applications
for Spanish citizenship from Argentinians who are eligible under the Grandchildren Law, also
known as the Democratic Memory Law. This law allows descendants of Spaniards to obtain
Spanish citizenship and a European passport. The Consulate has confirmed that it will continue
to process applications, with nearly 500,000 Argentines in the Buenos Aires suburbs having
already obtained Spanish citizenship through this law.
Read More
Togo
Togo and Sao Tome & Principe abolish visa requirements
Togo government has announced that Togo and São Tomé & Príncipe have abolished visa
requirements for each other's citizens, allowing for visa-free entry into each other's territory for
up to 90 days. The agreement, signed in Lomé, aims to strengthen bilateral relations between
the two West African nations. Those wishing to stay longer than 90 days will need to apply for a
long-term visa.
Read More
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