Traveling in the US for EU citizens: The ESTA app launched
Exciting news for European Union (EU) citizens planning a trip to the United States: the U.S. authorities have introduced the ESTA application, aimed at simplifying travel for nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, which includes EU member states. As a reminder, the Visa Waiver Program allows individuals to travel to the U.S. without a visa, but they are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization known as the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Previously, applications could only be submitted through the ESTA website, but now the entire process, including document scanning, can be completed through the application itself. The ESTA website will remain up and running.
A valid ESTA authorization allows European visitors to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days. To obtain a validated ESTA, you must be a national of a member state participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Additionally, you should not have any other pending visa applications or valid visas for the United States. Lastly, the purpose of your trip must be for tourism or business purposes. It's important to note that applicants' e-passports must have a validity of at least 6 months after the planned departure date from the United States.
Useful links:
Official ESTA Application website
H1-B Visa reform in the United States
There is talk of a "revolutionary decision" as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduces reforms to the H1-B visa program. These reforms include new guidelines for foreign workers to be eligible for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). However, there is a crucial requirement to prove that the foreign worker is in an "unfavorable situation" considered an "imperative circumstance," such as job termination or visa arrears. In cases like these, foreign workers can apply for an EAD.
USCIS is adamant that an "unfavorable situation" and "compelling circumstances" only will make someone eligible. To determine eligibility, applicants must not have any pending visa applications and must currently hold a non-immigrant visa, such as the H1-B visa. They need to gather supporting documents proving their unfavorable situation, including evidence of disability, serious illness, or significant problems with their employer. If the applicant's visa (H1-B or other non-immigrant visas) has been approved, they should also include evidence of the negative impact of job loss on their family, such as rental or mortgage contracts.
The final step is to submit the EAD application with all the required documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Biometric data (fingerprints and photos) must also be provided for identification purposes. USCIS will review the application and make a decision. If approved, the foreign national will be issued employment authorization documents, allowing them to work legally in the United States under the conditions specified in those documents.
Useful links:
USCIS – employment authorization document
Extension of Premium Service for Change of Status
USCIS continues its efforts to streamline the visa change process, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce the burden on immigration systems. As part of this ongoing reform, USCIS has extended its premium service to foreign nationals seeking to change their status to F, M (student visas), or J category visas (exchange program participants, short-term jobs, internships). However, it's important to note that this service is available only to foreign nationals already present in the United States on a different visa and who wish to change their status.
Applicants can apply online by completing Form I-907, "Request for Premium Processing Service." It is crucial to adhere to specific dates. Since June 13, USCIS has been processing applications for candidates seeking an F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 visa, provided they have already submitted Form I-539 for extension or change of status. Starting from June 26, USCIS will process I-539 forms that have been previously submitted (not awaiting processing). Any applications submitted before these dates will be rejected, as well as applications requesting a different change of status or a combination of change of status with another request.
Useful links:
USCIS : Request for Premium Processing Service
USCIS : Application to extend/change nonimmigrant status
3-Month Visa to Visit Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In an effort to enhance the country's appeal, the UAE has introduced a new measure allowing visits to foreigners, including family and friends, to stay in Dubai for up to three months. This visa, reintroduced this year, requires sponsorship by a UAE resident.
The resident must apply on the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs of Dubai (GRDFA-Dubai). Residents of other emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah can apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (FCIA).
To apply, residents must provide evidence of their relationship with the relatives they wish to invite. For family members, supporting documents such as birth certificates or marriage certificates are required. Additionally, residents need to show proof of a monthly salary of at least 4,000 UAE dirhams ($1,090) or 3,000 UAE dirhams ($816) plus accommodation expenses. Foreign visitors must present a valid passport and photographs. The cost of the visa varies based on the type of visa and associated fees, such as insurance, service charges, and deposits. A minimum of 400 UAE dirhams ($109) is required for a three-month single-entry visa, while a three-month multiple-entry visa requires at least 700 UAE dirhams ($190). Please note that these amounts do not include VAT.
Useful links:
New regulations for Muslims residents
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced that Muslim residents in the UAE who are married to two wives are now permitted to sponsor both wives simultaneously, along with their children. The resident must provide a marriage certificate as proof of the marital relationship. This certificate should be in Arabic or translated into Arabic by an accredited translator.
Muslim expatriate fathers can sponsor their unmarried daughters without any age restrictions. However, sponsorship for sons is limited to those up to the age of 25. It is also possible to sponsor step-children by meeting the conditions set by GRDFA, which includes paying a deposit for each child and obtaining a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent. Sponsoring newborn babies is also feasible, but the father must obtain a residence permit for the child within 120 days of their birth to avoid any penalties.
Simplified visas for skilled foreigners in New Zealand
In a bid to attract foreign talent, the New Zealand government has announced the introduction of a new skilled migrant visa. This visa aims to provide faster residency access for skilled foreigners and simplify the procedures for those who have completed a period of work.
Effective from October, the new visa will be a points-based system with a threshold of 6 points, considering factors such as training, experience, and income. Foreigners seeking the visa will need a job offer in New Zealand with a salary at least equal to or higher than the median wage, depending on the specific profession. This new visa replaces the previous 180-point system, which was more complex and required higher scores even for applicants residing outside Auckland.
Additionally, the new visa will allow the extension of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to five years, and introduce a continuous stay of up to five years. Immigration Minister Michael Wood sees this as a crucial step to assist companies in recruiting foreign talent, which is necessary to address the shortage of skilled workers in the country.
Canada: Biometric data requirement for Permanent Residence
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its policy regarding the collection of biometric data for permanent residence applicants. Starting from June 14, all applicants, including those who have previously provided their biometric data for a temporary residence permit, must now submit their biometric data. The biometric data includes fingerprints and a passport photo. The current cost for this procedure is 85 Canadian dollars (equivalent to 64 US dollars).
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the regulations were temporarily relaxed due to the closure of visa application centers. Under these relaxed rules, foreigners were allowed to apply for permanent residency if they had already submitted their biometric data to Canadian authorities within the past ten years.
There are certain exceptions to the biometric data requirement. Children under the age of 14, applicants aged 79 or older, and individuals holding a U.S. visa for transit to Canada are not required to provide biometric data.
Finland: Moving towards a more stringent migration policy?
Taking a tougher stance. On Tuesday, June 20, Petteri Orpo was elected as the Prime Minister of Finland. As a conservative leader, he will be heading the National Coalition. A week prior to his election, Petteri Orpo announced that his coalition would form an alliance with the far-right Finns' Party and two other small right-wing parties. These significant changes followed the defeat of Social Democrat Prime Minister Sanna Marin in the parliamentary elections held in April.
With the appointment of the Finns' Party to handle the immigration portfolio, the Orpo government is signaling a shift towards a more stringent migration policy. Several measures have been mentioned, including limiting the number of refugees entering Finland to 500 (compared to the current 1,050), restricting the right to asylum to a period of 3 years with the possibility of reassessment, setting an "integration target" of 5-10% for immigrants, and emphasizing employment as a requirement for immigration and integration. However, these measures would also introduce stricter restrictions. For instance, work-based residence permits would expire if the immigrant fails to secure employment within 3 months. Additionally, foreign students would be ineligible for financial support from Finland, and tuition fees would be reviewed.
The proposed policy changes would also impact permanent residence permits. Under the new measures, obtaining a permanent residence permit would require 6 years of residence, 2 years of employment without long-term unemployment or state support, and passing a language test. Similar tightening measures would also apply to citizenship, which would only be possible after a minimum of 8 years of residence, meeting income requirements, and successfully completing civic and language tests.
These measures have sparked controversy and protests. On Sunday, June 18, hundreds of demonstrators peacefully gathered to voice their opposition to what they deemed as an unfair measure that would penalize Finland. Among the demonstrators were many foreign talents, such as engineers and doctors, who highlighted their contributions to the Finnish economy. They are concerned about the government's new direction.
Belgium: Job opportunities for foreign workers
Belgium is actively recruiting. Like many other countries, Belgium is experiencing significant labor shortages across various sectors. The main sectors affected include IT, banking, services, healthcare, industry, construction, transportation and logistics, retail, hotels, and restaurants. However, the specific needs vary by region. To ensure a better alignment between labor supply and demand, Belgium has identified the specific needs in each region.
The Brussels-Capital region, known for its attractiveness, has identified 113 occupations in which employers are struggling to find suitable candidates. The vacancies are particularly prominent in the IT sector, education, and personal care. Additionally, companies in this region are also recruiting for administrative roles (such as HR, recruitment officers, secretaries, and legal service employees), the food industry (butchers, bakers, and pastry chefs), retail (marketing assistants, sales assistants, wholesalers, and telemarketers), technical occupations (electricians, bodybuilders), wellness occupations (hairdressers, beauty specialists), construction, communication, accountancy, education, finance and insurance, catering, engineering, and healthcare.
In Wallonia, a list of 75 occupations facing labor shortages has been compiled. This includes positions in accountancy, catering, healthcare, IT, transportation and logistics, technical trades, food, commerce, and teaching.
Flanders has identified 27 shortage occupations, with 10 of them being particularly affected by labor shortages. These include nurses, site managers, industrial installation technicians, industrial electrical installers, home maintenance workers, HGV drivers, maintenance mechanics, accountants and tax advisors, fruit-growing workers, and construction estimators.
Useful links:
Wallonia: Shortage occupation list
Flanders: Shortage occupation list
United Kingdom and New Zealand: New approach to Working Holiday Permits
The United Kingdom is implementing a new strategy to attract more young people through the Working Holiday Permit (WHP). The WHP offers an opportunity for young travelers to experience the country in a unique way. It allows adult travelers, typically aged between 18 and 30, to stay in the UK for up to one year and engage in work within the limitations of their permit. The primary purpose of the WHP is not work, as a separate work permit would be required for that, but rather to explore and discover the country.
The UK has established a list of countries whose nationals are eligible to apply for the British WHP. This list includes countries with which the UK has reciprocal agreements, and one such country is New Zealand. The UK and New Zealand have recently introduced an expanded program, effective from June 29. There are two significant changes in this program. Firstly, the age limit for applying for the WHP has been raised from 30 to 35. Secondly, the maximum duration of stay in the host country has been extended from two to three years.
Czech Republic: Seeking foreign talent
The Czech Republic is positioning itself as an attractive destination for foreign talent, with companies and trade unions urging the government to simplify the recruitment of international workers. The demand for foreign workers is particularly high in industries such as automotive and logistics production, with approximately 80% of companies in these sectors employing foreign workers last year.
The presence of economic giants like Amazon and software company SAP in the country has further fueled job vacancies and increased the demand for foreign workers in various industries, including administration and other services. Moreover, salary conditions have significantly improved, with the average monthly salary rising from 25,000 Czech crowns in 2013 to 40,000 Czech crowns ($1,842) today. Salaries are highest in Prague, where over 30% of all foreign workers in the Czech Republic are employed.
According to the Czech Statistical Office, nearly one million foreigners were working in the country at the end of 2022, accounting for approximately 15% of the country's workforce. This number continues to rise due to higher wages and the presence of large companies. As a result, there is an urgent need for companies to streamline visa procedures to facilitate the recruitment of foreign workers. Jan Rafaj, vice-president of the Czech Industrial Union, emphasizes that the country "cannot do without foreigners" and experiences a loss of 30,000 to 50,000 workers annually through retirement without adequate replacements.
Hong Kong: Measures to recruit foreign workers
In response to labor shortages, Hong Kong has introduced new measures to attract foreign workers, particularly in sectors heavily impacted by labor shortages like construction and aviation. The government announced these measures on June 13, aiming to simplify entry rules and facilitate recruitment in 26 sectors.
Under the plan, Hong Kong aims to bring in 27,000 foreign workers, with quotas allocated based on the specific needs of each sector. The Secretary for Development, Bernadette Linn, announced that up to 12,000 construction jobs would be made available to foreigners. In the aviation industry, which has been particularly hard hit and experienced a 32% decrease in workers since the start of the health crisis, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung revealed plans to employ up to 6,300 foreign workers. Mainland China is expected to be a significant source of foreign workers, as in previous recruitment initiatives.
Useful links:
Hong Kong Immigration Department: Visas
Indonesia: Changes to visa exemptions for 159 countries
Visa exemptions are being temporarily suspended in Indonesia. Yasonna Laoly, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, has announced this decision. It affects 159 countries out of the initial group of 169 countries that were previously eligible for visa-free travel to Indonesia under the 21st Presidential Regulation of 2016. The official decree M.HH-GR.01.07.2023 will ratify this decision. The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights explained that this measure aims to address public order disturbances that have been observed and to prevent the potential spread of diseases to countries that are not certified as disease-free by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Achmad Nur Saleh, the sub-coordinator of public relations at the Directorate General of Immigration, clarified that only the member countries of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) will remain visa-exempt. These countries include the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Myanmar, and Singapore. Nationals of these countries can still visit Indonesia for up to 30 days without a visa; they only need a valid passport. However, citizens of other countries, such as India, the USA, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, France, and Australia, will now require a visa to enter Indonesia.
Useful links: Indonesia ministry of Law and Human Rights : the official e-visa website for Indonesia
Apply for a single-entry visitor visa
Bahrain: Expatriates to Receive Health Insurance
Expatriates in Bahrain will have access to a new health insurance program starting in September. The program, called Hakeem, is currently in the trial phase and will be fully operational by 2024. The initiative resulted from discussions between insurance companies and private healthcare providers at the National Health Regulatory Authority's conference, led by Ebrahim Al Nawakhda, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Health. During the trial period, which will last for two years, employers or sponsors will finance the health insurance, and it will be available in both public and private establishments.
The Hakeem program consists of two options. The first option is compulsory and provides basic health insurance, emergency services, and coverage for secondary care prescriptions. However, it does not include maternity services or cosmetic care and is reserved for expatriates of a specific age group. The second option is optional and allows expatriates to choose private insurance, provided that the private plans offer the same coverage as the compulsory option. The program will establish a Health Insurance Fund to cover treatment costs in public hospitals, exclusively available for holders of the compulsory plan.
Kuwait: Updates on Visas and University Admissions
Reopening of the family visa
The Kuwaiti government has reopened the family visa, with eligibility criteria based on the applicant's work and monthly salary. Priority is still given to direct family members, and this move aims to send a positive signal to expatriates.
New visa for culture, sports and social activities
Additionally, the General Directorate of Residency Affairs has introduced a new visa category for practitioners of cultural, sporting, or social activities. Only recognized sports clubs, cultural and social organizations, or associations that meet the Directorate General's criteria will be eligible. This visa allows a three-month stay in Kuwait, renewable for up to one year from the entry date.
Simplified visa procedures
Efforts are also underway to simplify the visa procedure, with the Ministry of the Interior considering measures to expedite and streamline electronic appointments.
Drug tests for expats
Te Ministries of the Interior and Health are finalizing a new drug-testing system for expatriates and certain residents. As part of the visa issuance process, applicants (for work, family, or visit visas) will be required to provide a negative drug test result. Positive results may lead to deportation or non-renewal of residence permits.
680 expats deported
The Kuwaiti government has recently deported 680 expatriates, primarily from Asia and Africa, due to violations of residence and labor laws, criminal prosecutions, and administrative expulsions.
Students back to uni
Kuwait University has reopened its doors to foreign students for the upcoming 2023/2024 academic year. While specific details on the number of available spots and admission policies have not been announced, a partnership with Japan has been established, with Japanese professors coming to advise Kuwaiti students. Kuwait University aims to enhance its international university rankings through this initiative, welcoming foreign students alongside Kuwaitis and the children of Kuwaiti women married to foreigners.
Kuwait urges EU to simplify Schengen Visas for Kuwaiti nationals
Kuwait's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, is calling on the European Union (EU) to make Schengen visas more accessible for Kuwaiti citizens. The minister is requesting simplified visa issuance rules, reduced administrative procedures, increased appointment slots, and faster processing times. Additionally, he is advocating for longer visa durations for Kuwaiti nationals.
Currently, Kuwait has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU, requiring Kuwaiti citizens to obtain a Schengen tourist visa for travel to Europe. This visa allows for a maximum stay of 90 days within a period of six months. The visa application process entails providing documentation such as proof of travel health insurance, evidence of sufficient financial means, and a reservation for accommodation in the EU.
China considers tuition fee increases for foreign students
Chinese universities are contemplating raising tuition fees, potentially affecting both domestic and international students. After the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions, and economic challenges, many universities are preparing to implement fee hikes of 50% or more at the beginning of the September 2023/24 academic year. Shanghai universities are expected to see the most significant increases, while poorer provinces would have more modest raises limited to 15%. Universities justify these measures by noting that tuition fees have remained unchanged for over two decades.
Speculation surrounds whether the tuition fee hikes will extend to international students. A recent study led by Professor Liu Jin from the Beijing Institute of Technology suggests that the government should increase tuition fees for foreign students fivefold to 100,000 yuan (approximately $14,000), compared to the current 20,000 yuan ($2,500). The study argues that the current cost of educating foreign students outweighs their contributions. Proponents of the study propose that raising tuition fees would help strengthen China's education model, and scholarship programs could be implemented to attract talented foreign students.
Other studies indicate that increasing tuition fees for international students would bring China in line with other major host countries. The revenue generated by foreign students would be reinvested in research and infrastructure development, which are crucial for maintaining China's global competitiveness. However, experts reassure that even if fees for foreign students were to rise, they would remain significantly lower than those in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia.
