Saudi Arabia
Five new routes to permanent residency
Expatriates in Saudi Arabia are excited about the recent announcement. On January 10, the government revealed five new pathways to the Premium Residency program. The program was introduced by Saudi Arabia in 2019, offering a one-year option for 100,000 Saudi riyals (approximately $26,655) or an unlimited option for 800,000 Saudi riyals (around $213,000), with proof of financial stability required in both cases. Eligible expatriates enjoy various benefits, including access to property, the ability to establish a business without a sponsor, and exemption from certain taxes.
The five additional pathways cater to entrepreneurs, investors, property owners, foreign talent, and individuals with exceptional talents. These new permits grant residency to applicants and their family members and allow them to invite acquaintances and transfer money without incurring charges. Other perks of the program, such as the ability to open a business, still exist. The government aims to attract more foreign professionals, promoting economic diversification in the process.
3-year entry ban lifted for expatriates
The policy specifically applies to certain expatriate workers who do not return to Saudi Arabia before their visa expires. In 2022, the government introduced a new regulation penalizing expatriate workers who left the country with a re-entry permit but failed to return before their visa expiration. Consequently, these expatriates faced a three-year ban from entering the country. The policy was implemented in response to requests from businesspersons who, based on a decision by the Council of Ministers, urged the government to prevent the return of foreign workers who didn't re-enter the country on time. Non-compliance with the law by some expatriates had imposed a burden on employers, including renewal fees. However, on January 16, 2024, a new directive lifted the ban while emphasizing the continued importance of adhering to the rules for exit and return visas: expatriates must settle any fines and possess a valid passport.
Kuwait
A new family visa expected in 2024
The Ministry of the Interior has revealed plans to introduce a family visa, but it will be restricted to specific categories of expatriates, including doctors, university professors, and consultants. Currently, there is no available information regarding the eligibility criteria. The Ministry intends to convene a committee of experts to determine which expatriates will be allowed to bring their families under this new visa category.
More than 1,000 new job openings
While actively pursuing its job nationalization policy (Kuwaitization), Kuwait simultaneously continues to hire foreign labor. In early January, Kuwaiti authorities announced new job opportunities for both locals and expatriates. These include a total of 1,090 positions, with about 30 reserved explicitly for foreigners in the funeral services sector to undergo training in traditional rituals. There are also openings in electrical, accounting, and architectural engineering. However, it remains unclear whether these positions will be accessible to expatriates. A budget of 190 million Kuwaiti dinars (over $617 million) has been earmarked for salaries and compensation, which is 9 million Kuwaiti dinars more than the current budget (around $29 million). The new budget is set to come into effect in April 2024.
Australia
Abolition of the Golden Visa
Introduced in 2012, the Golden Visa initially drew in numerous affluent expatriates through the "major investor" visa, which required a minimum investment of at least A$5 million (approximately US$3.2 million). However, the government changed its mind, citing its limited impact on economic growth and attracting foreign investors and talent. Critics also highlighted instances of the Golden Visa being misused for corruption and money laundering. In 2016, there were concerns about the Golden Visa being a vehicle for certain wealthy individuals involved in managing illicit funds. In December 2023, the government decided it would focus on visas for skilled workers, with Home Secretary Clare O'Neil stating, "It's clear that the Golden visa doesn't meet the needs of the country and the economy."
Extension of work exemption for working holiday visa holders
Starting January 1, 2024, individuals with a working holiday visa (WHV) are allowed to work for the same employer for more than 6 months without the need for additional authorization. This measure expands the WHV exemption, which applies to work in sectors facing labor shortages, including agriculture, health (elderly care, etc.), tourism, and hotels. Also, Australia is continuing its efforts to attract more foreign workers and address ongoing labor shortages.
Denmark
The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has unveiled its new positive list of skilled labor shortages, effective from January 1, 2024. The new list includes 72 positions for foreigners with higher education and 38 for skilled employees.
Bulgaria and Romania
Bulgaria and Romania have taken a partial step into the Schengen area, as announced at the very end of 2023, with implementation set for March 31, 2024. However, this integration comes with limitations. The freedom of movement applies only to internal air and sea border controls within the European Union (EU), at least for now. Sofia and Bucharest will still need to negotiate with Brussels to extend this freedom to land borders. This development is a victory and a relief for the two countries, both EU members since 2007, as they have been negotiating Schengen entry for 12 years. Western Europe had been cautious, expressing concerns—albeit indirectly—about a potential "massive" influx of nationals from the EU's two poorest countries. Austria maintained a veto until December 28, 2023, eventually lifting it in exchange for a strong commitment from Sofia and Bucharest to enhance efforts in combating illegal immigration. Bulgaria and Romania, in turn, welcome this new advancement within the EU.
Finland
Due to inflation, Finland has adjusted some of its expenses. Starting January 1, 2024, short-stay travelers (up to 90 days) are required to have a higher daily amount of money, specifically 50 euros compared to the previous 30 euros, to cover their expenses. Additionally, the government has implemented a new requirement for proof of sponsorship or accommodation. If a Finnish citizen or resident sponsors a foreign national's trip, a designated form must be submitted, and it will be considered during the examination of the expatriate's visa application.
Since the beginning of the year, there has been a rise in various processing fees. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has observed fee adjustments for permanent residence permits, residence permit renewals, and citizenship applications. The processing fee for a citizenship application has been raised from 460 to 490 euros. Renewing a residence permit is now cheaper online (60 euros) than in person (75 euros), whereas previously, the fee was 54 euros for both methods. Similarly, for permanent residence permits, the fee is higher on paper (270 euros) than online (220 euros). Before the reform, the fee was 160 euros for both options.
United States
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is adjusting its fees, blaming inflation. The fee for filing Form I-907, the premium processing form, is increasing. The measure will take effect on February 26, 2024. Any form submitted after this date but with the old fee will be rejected, and the money remitted will be returned.
South Korea
Digital nomads are now welcome in South Korea. On January 1, 2024, the country introduced its "workation" visa (F-1-D). This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for another year. It is open to foreigners employed by a foreign company or entrepreneurs working remotely for more than a year. The visa also extends to family members. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum income of $5,521, which is more than double Korea's estimated gross national income (GNI) per capita for the previous year. Additional requirements include a clean criminal record, medical insurance, the obligation to register with immigration authorities for stays exceeding 90 days, and a prohibition on working for a South Korean company.
Canada
Limiting the number of international students for two years
Caught in an ongoing housing crisis, Canada has introduced a cap on the number of student visas. Immigration Minister Marc Miller made the announcement on January 22. The national cap on applications will be set at two years. Canada intends to issue 364,000 study permits this year, reflecting a 35% drop compared to 2023. Responding to the shock caused by the announcement, Justin Trudeau downplayed the situation, emphasizing that the measure would only affect new permit applications. Therefore, the reform will not impact students already enrolled in Canadian institutions.
Miller is justifying the measure not only to reduce pressure on the housing supply but also to address abuses observed at certain universities. According to the Immigration Department's press release, some institutions "have greatly increased their number of international students in order to increase their revenues." The impact of the reform is expected to vary across provinces. Provinces with substantial numbers of international students, such as Ontario and British Columbia, are likely to experience a decline in enrollments. On the other hand, provinces with fewer international students, like Alberta and Saskatchewan, should be less affected by these caps.
The Canadian professional experience requirement
On November 30, Ontario passed a law ending the requirement for Canadian work experience. While this reduced a significant hurdle for many qualified foreigners, preventing them from accessing roles aligned with their skills, experts caution that discrimination can manifest in other ways. They highlight the challenge of expatriates possessing high qualifications that may not necessarily align with current market needs. According to Ontario's Minister of Labour, David Piccini, there are still 300,000 unfilled jobs in the province, with a particularly concerning situation in medical professions, where only 4.5% of Canadian graduates are not working in their field, compared to almost 30% for foreigners. The significance of soft skills is also emphasized, with companies possibly using the "soft skills nebula" as an excuse to reject expatriate applications. Researchers stress the importance of Ontario remaining vigilant for the measure to have a meaningful impact.
No rise in immigration levels expected in 2024
The new immigration plan doesn't foresee a continuous increase in the number of new arrivals to Canada. In 2024, the target is set at 485,000 in 2024, followed by 500,000 in 2025 and another 500,000 in 2026. Rather than a continuous surge, the plan focuses on maintaining a steady influx, primarily to address labor shortages and support the country's economic and demographic growth. Canada aims to welcome nearly 1.5 million newcomers between 2024 and 2026. Immigration Minister Marc Miller remains committed to the Canadian strategy, prioritizing economic immigration. The country is actively working to attract and retain foreign talent. The government anticipates 281,135 economic immigrants in 2024, 301,250 in 2025, and the same number in 2026. The programs established by provinces to recruit foreign workers continue to be in effect, aligning with the federal government's other priority of attracting expatriates to provinces beyond major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver.
Russia
While Moscow is still trying to attract foreign workers, its Ministry of the Interior has updated some administrative rules concerning foreign employees. New forms for work permit applications and renewals have been in force since January 1, 2024. There are also other novelties concerning salary notification and the termination of a contract with a foreign worker.
France
International students are relieved about the immigration law but remain vigilant
Amended and adopted in a more stringent form on December 19, 2023, the legislation underwent scrutiny by the Constitutional Council on January 25, 2024. The Council deemed 40% of the articles unconstitutional, including various provisions related to international students. One of the provisions under review was the mandate for a "return guarantee." This aspect of the law compelled international students to submit a deposit, which would only be refunded upon returning to their home country or securing employment. The Constitutional Council concluded that this measure lacked a relevant connection to immigration.
Other rejected measures include the requirement to annually justify the "real and serious nature" of the studies being pursued and the proposed increase in tuition fees. Higher Education Minister Sylvie Retailleau expressed satisfaction with the Council's decision, emphasizing that "[...] international students are an opportunity for France." However, student unions remain vigilant, urging the repeal of a 2019 decree that led to a rise in tuition fees for non-European students to 2,770 and 3,770 euros per year for bachelor's and master's degrees, respectively, compared to 170 and 243 euros for French students. The measure, considered controversial, is not uniformly implemented by all universities, with some denouncing it as a counterproductive form of "selection by money."
Erasmus for apprenticeships
Promulgated on December 27, 2023, the "For an Erasmus of Apprenticeship" law aims to broaden access to the Erasmus+ mobility program for apprentices. One significant change involves a long-awaited provision: apprentices can now maintain their apprenticeship contract during mobility, regardless of the duration of their stay, whether short or long. Previously, apprentices had to spend a minimum of 6 months in France. With the new law, they are free to go abroad as long as the maximum duration of the apprenticeship does not exceed half of its overall duration. Before this legislation, any trip exceeding one month automatically resulted in the apprenticeship contract being put on hold, a situation that was disadvantageous for both the company and the apprentice. Consequently, the number of mobile apprentices was considerably low.
From now on, the employer and apprentice can agree on a "standby" contract. The apprentice is no longer completely dependent on the employer, including for remuneration. The second option is more attractive, as the apprentice retains his or her remuneration and benefits: weekly rest periods and paid vacations, maintenance of working hours, health and safety guarantees in the workplace.
Singapore
Attracting foreign investors while stimulating local businesses is Singapore's new strategy to boost its economy and remain competitive in its key sectors. The Jurong Innovation District (JID), a leading-edge manufacturing center, is a prime example of this new strategy. The JID currently brings together some one hundred players, all of whom play a role in the production process.
The resulting ecosystem will boost the local economy by fostering partnerships between companies, research institutes, training centers, etc., and major foreign corporations. Still under development, the JID aims to create at least 95,000 new jobs in research, innovation and advanced manufacturing. The ultimate goal is to become a new global high-tech center, attracting ever more foreign investors.
United Kingdom
A new facial passport
In the UK, border controls are undergoing a potential revolution with the implementation of facial recognition technology. The UK Border Force is currently testing electronic gates at airports, with over 270 of these gates already installed in 15 stations and airports. These gates are equipped with advanced facial recognition systems and can be utilized by any traveler aged 10 and above, regardless of nationality (British, EU, or other eligible countries, such as the USA, Japan, Canada, Liechtenstein, and Singapore). These measures are part of a new entry and exit system for non-EU nationals in the UK, initially slated for May 2023 but now set to be enforced from October 2024. However, there is limited information available regarding the ethical considerations associated with facial recognition and the protection of privacy.
Working on a tourist visa
While it is generally prohibited to work on a tourist visa, the UK might be altering this norm. The most recent update to immigration rules, slated to become effective from January 31, 2024, introduces several changes for individuals on tourist visas. Notably, they will have the option to engage in remote work from the UK, provided that the primary purpose of their trip is tourism rather than work. Other provisions apply to specific professionals, including academics, scientists, researchers conducting research in the UK, and lawyers. According to the government, these changes are intended to provide a fresh boost to both tourism and business.
Brazil
In a press release, Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino announced that the imposition of visa requirements for citizens from Canada, the United States, and Australia has been deferred. This decision, made by President Lula, extends until April 10 to ensure the effectiveness of the online visa application system for tourists. The delay is also aimed at preventing the introduction of a new system during the peak tourist season. Initially scheduled to come into effect on January 10, 2024, the visa will cost $80.90. US citizens will enjoy a 10-year visa validity, while Australian and Canadian nationals will have a 5-year validity.
This visa requirement aligns with Lula's push for reciprocity. Brazilians are currently required to obtain a visa to travel to the United States, Australia, or Canada. However, citizens from these three countries can enter Brazil without a visa, thanks to an exemption implemented by former President Bolsonaro in 2019. Back then, the Bolsonaro administration justified the move, which also extended to Japanese tourists, without requiring reciprocity to stimulate tourism. The current government, however, expresses openness to reconsidering visa exemptions, but this time, with the condition of reciprocity.
Kosovo
Kosovo has now joined the extensive list of countries with visa-free access to the EU. Starting January 1, 2024, Kosovo nationals can travel to the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. This arrangement is reciprocal, allowing EU nationals to travel to Kosovo without a visa. The EU and Kosovo have officially ratified an agreement that was signed in April 2023. It's important to note that the visa waiver is applicable only for tourism, visits to relatives, business meetings, sports or cultural trips, and study purposes (such as short language courses), but it does not extend to work-related activities.
The best African cities for expatriates
Port Louis (Mauritius), Victoria (Seychelles), Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban (South Africa), Tunis (Tunisia), Casablanca (Morocco), Windhoek (Namibia) and Gaborone (Botswana) have been named the top 10 African cities for expatriates, according to a recent study by Mercer Institute on quality of life. Port Louis ranks first, while Gaborone is 10th. Mercer's study takes into account a number of criteria, including health care, education, political stability, infrastructure and socio-cultural environment.
What all these cities have in common is a multiculturalism conducive to "living together" and economic dynamism. In Port Louis, different communities mix and exchange, contributing to the local dynamism. The best African cities for expatriates are also economically attractive. Port Louis attracts foreign investors, while Victoria is especially popular with entrepreneurs, providing development opportunities in tourism, hospitality and nature-friendly projects. Cape Town is also becoming a new hub for start-ups and entrepreneurs. The 10 most beautiful cities for expatriates also share a wealth of landscapes, a competitive cost of living (compared to major American or European cities) and an art of living.
