Visas - Expat Magazine
In October, the United Arab Emirates started implementing a series of visa reforms. In an effort to standardize work visas, in November, it reduced the free-zone visa's validity from 3 to 2 years. This visa allows expats to fully own companies in designated free-zones. While this change is not deeply disrupting the business plans of free-zone visa holders, it is indirectly increasing the cost of renewing their visas.
The German government might soon reduce the number of years of residency needed to apply for citizenship from 8 to 5 years. In addition, dual citizenship might soon be finally allowed for all expats, not just a select few. At a time when the country is suffering from labor shortages, these amendments will likely attract more expats who hope to become EU citizens.
Some work visas explicitly target younger applicants in their 20s and 30s. Some visas with age cutoffs are working holiday visas, Australian permanent skilled work visas, and work permits in Gulf countries. Canadian points-based immigration systems also grant more points to younger applicants.
In late October, the Sultanate of Oman issued a circular to announce that all legal residents of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now receive a visa on arrival in Oman. This move will help boost tourism and trade in the Sultanate.
Ministers of Labor and Interior's announcement of a new immigration law has made a buzz in France since November 3. The two French ministers have outlined the new asylum and immigration law, which aims at addressing the labor shortage and facilitating the entry of qualified foreign workers into France. The bill will soon be presented to Parliament and then to the Senate.
In a statement issued on October 18, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that it was suspending the issuance of 30-day visas for 20 African countries and one Caribbean country with immediate effect. Here is the story.
Indonesia has just reached a new milestone with its new secondary residence visa, which allows foreigners to stay in the country for up to 10 years. The new permit will allow foreigners to reside on Indonesian soil for a minimum of 5 years, provided that they comply with a set of conditions. Here's an insight into this new law and how expats see it.
On 25 October, Australia's recently elected Labour Government announced its first budget. To solve the country's labor shortage and visa backlog, they've increased the number of permanent visas as well as the funding of the Department of Home Affairs.
2022 is well on its way to becoming the year of digital nomads. With Brazil, Portugal, and Mauritius among many, the list of countries open to remote workers is growing. Namibia is set to become the newest member of the trendy club of digital-nomad-friendly countries. But what are the characteristics of this Namibian digital nomad visa?
In September, two Democrat senators introduced a bill in congress that could make over 8 million people in the United States become Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). The “Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929” would transform the immigration registry cutoff date of 1972 into a permanently evolving one. This way, irrespective of when they entered the country, immigrants who've been in the US for at least 7 years can obtain a Green Card.
Some governments are increasingly tightening their migration policies, and at the same time, their respective economies are facing labor shortages. These shortfalls have reached global proportions and are threatening economic growth, becoming alarming for some countries. Others are opting for a broader opening to skilled foreigners, considered essential engines of prosperity.
Multiple countries on all continents offer residence permits to retirees who have a secure source of passive income from abroad. A retirement visa allows elderly expats to enjoy the country's lifestyle and boost its economy as consumers without putting pressure on its public services.
Spain and Portugal, the sunny Iberian countries of southern Europe, have both recently launched new one-year digital nomad visas to attract full-time remote workers. On another continent, Costa Rica, another destination that is popular for its great weather and lush nature, is converting short-term tourist visas into longer digital nomad visas. The post-pandemic world has new work and travel trends that these countries want to make the best of.
Some countries have a special family reunification visa that allows elderly parents and grandparents to come live with their children, who are citizens or residents, usually under the condition that the parent/grandparent will be financially taken care of by the family and will not rely on public services. Which countries have this type of visa?
In an attempt to boost immigration numbers, the Canadian government has announced a new series of measures to encourage temporary foreign workers and international students to convert their residence status to permanent. On September 20, the Immigration Minister unveiled these measures in a “five-pillar plan.”
Since the pandemic, embassies are overwhelmed. As a result, formalities are taking more time, and people must often be very patient. That's especially the case in some countries, where obtaining a visa is a real obstacle course. Which countries have the longest delays in granting visas or visa interviews? How does this affect moving abroad plans?
To solve the country's labor shortage and visa backlog, the Canadian government has recently introduced new reforms in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department to speed up immigration, residency and citizenship processes. The reforms cover exemption from medical exams as well as the digitalization of visa/permit applications, interviews and status trackers.
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower has announced a new 5-year Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) for top talent who earn at least 30,000 Singaporean dollars (21,400 USD) a month or have exceptional achievements in business, the arts, sports, academia, science and tech. This visa aims to attract the cream of the crop of expats after the economic impact of the pandemic. It is needed to solve the country's labor shortage, drive economic growth and bring down inflation.
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