Important Updates
Important Updates
July 16, 2025 | United StatesAAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys
July 17, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Permanent Residence Sponsorship Applications Under the Parents and Grandparents Program Pause Update
July 17, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 17, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Employment Permit Restrictions for Reduced Work Hours and Early-Operation Employers
July 17, 2025 | SurinameSuriname: Fast-Track Service Now in Effect for Immigration Filings
July 16, 2025 | United StatesAAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys
July 17, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Permanent Residence Sponsorship Applications Under the Parents and Grandparents Program Pause Update
July 17, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 17, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Employment Permit Restrictions for Reduced Work Hours and Early-Operation Employers
July 17, 2025 | SurinameSuriname: Fast-Track Service Now in Effect for Immigration Filings
July 16, 2025 | United StatesAAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Weekly Immigration Update: October 9-15, 2020

October 15, 2020

insight-news-default

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

In immigration news this week:

  • Worldwide: Jurisdictions around the world continue to adapt their coronavirus-related travel restrictions and quarantine measures, and many have implemented extension policies and other concessions. Visit Fragomen’s coronavirus-related news page for the latest immigration updates.


These items and other news from Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, India, Italy, Mainland China, the Netherlands, Russia, and Ukraine follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

 

Other Weekly News Briefs

Colombia: New Special Stay Permit (PEP) for Venezuelans Released – Migración Colombia has introduced a new Special Stay Permit (PEP) that is valid for two years for Venezuelan nationals who legally entered Colombia, were in Colombia on August 31, 2020,  have a clean criminal record and do not have any open deportation or expulsion cases. Eligible Venezuelans can apply for the PEP (likely on Migración Colombia's website as for previous PEPs) from October 15, 2020 until February 15, 2021. Venezuelan nationals should be aware that their PEP permit will automatically be canceled if they remain outside Colombia for more than 90 days or obtain any other Colombian visa or permit. Employers hiring Venezuelan nationals holding a PEP must submit mandatory notifications  at the beginning and end of employment to Migración Colombia and the Ministry of Labor.

Costa Rica: Proposed Law Seeks Immigration and Other Benefits for Investors and Retirees - A proposed law pending with the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly seeks to introduce improvements to the Temporary Residence category for foreign retirees, investors and those who live off income from their investments to boost economic recovery in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key elements of the proposed law include a reduction in the minimum investment amount required for the investor category, from USD 200,000 to USD 150,000 n tangible property, shares, negotiable instruments, productive projects or projects which are deemed of national interest in Costa Rica; and a streamlined application process that would reduce processing times, which are currently 10 to 12 months from the date of filing of the application. Fragomen is monitoring developments and will provide updates as they become available.

Cyprus: Citizenship by Investment Scheme to Close – The Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Scheme, allowing eligible applicants to obtain a Cyprus passport based on a significant real estate investment and residence, is scheduled to close November 1. Pending applications that were already on hold due to a comprehensive review of the scheme will be processed despite the termination of the Scheme.

European Union: Council Advises to Coordinate Travel Restrictions – The Council of the European Union has recommended coordinating pandemic-related travel restrictions across the European Union by adopting a single traffic light system based on unified infection metrics and introducing a common passenger locator form, among other suggestions. The Council is advising EU countries to provide notifications of intra-EU travel restrictions 48 hours before the restrictions are implemented. Although this recommendation seeks to harmonize EU countries' travel restrictions to ensure more reliable and predictable travel planning across the European Union, Fragomen expects divergences to persist as these recommended measures are not mandatory.

India: Deadline to Obtain Overseas Citizen of India Cards Extended to December 31, 2021 – The deadline for all Person of India (PIO) cardholders (machine and non-machine-readable) to obtain Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards has been extended to December 31, 2021 from September 30, 2020. Subject to the discretion of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), an earlier deadline may be provided which would invalidate non-machine-readable PIO cards. All PIO cardholders (machine and non-machine-readable) are advised to convert their PIO cards to OCI cards by December 31, 2021.

Italy: 2020 Quota Published – Italy has set the 2020 work authorization quota at 30,850 spots. Quota figures are typically published in April but were delayed this year due to the pandemic. The quota distribution differs from 2019: 18,000 spots for seasonal workers (unchanged); 6,000 spots for subordinate work in transport of goods, construction, hospitality and tourism (up from 0 spots) for certain nationalities; 6,150 spots for change of status (down from 9,850 spots); 500 spots for self-employed work (down from 2,400 spots); 200 spots for various other categories (down from 600 spots). As before, key categories of applicants are quota-exempt, including intracompany transfers, highly-skilled and executive workers and EU Blue Card applicants. Applications for change of status under the quota can be filed between October 22 and December 31, 2020.

Mainland China: Replacement and Renewal of Home Return Cards for Hong Kong and Macau Residents – Effective October 10, 2020, Chinese nationals who are Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR residents can apply to replace or renew their Mainland Entry and Exit Pass ("Home Return Card") while in Mainland China, whereas previously this had to be done in their region of residence. Applicants can apply in person at the Exit and Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau (county level or above). Standard processing time for the replacement or renewal application is seven business days from the filing of the application.

The Netherlands: Brexit-Related Citizenship Flexibility Forthcoming - New Dutch legislation may allow eligible Dutch nationals to retain their nationality when acquiring UK citizenship and former Dutch nationals to reobtain Dutch nationality under a simplified process if they lost their Dutch nationality due to obtaining UK nationality. Typically, Dutch legislation prohibits dual citizenship with limited exceptions. Nationality retention under the new legislation would be limited to a specific time frame, and specific provisions would apply to minors. The legislation will only enter into force if the forthcoming agreement on the EU-UK post-Brexit relationship insufficiently safeguards the rights of Dutch nationals residing in the United Kingdom, as determined by the Dutch government in December 2020.

The Netherlands: Applications Open for UK Cross-Border Workers – The Dutch Immigration Authority is inviting UK national cross-border workers who are covered by the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement residing in the United Kingdom or in an EU country to apply online for a 'frontier worker document'. This document, issued for a five-year period, confirms the right to continue working in the Netherlands as a cross-border commuter after the Brexit transition period ends on December 31, 2020. Applicants require a Dutch registration number (BSN). Applicants seeking to start cross-border work activities for the first time on or after January 1, 2021 require standard work authorization unless specific provisions are agreed in the Brexit negotiations. Further information is available on this site.

Russia: New Notification Form for De-Registration of Rotational Foreign Workers – Effective October 12, 2020, foreign nationals registered at the address of their organization who work on a rotational basis (this can include seasonal workers, cross-border workers, oil and gas industry workers, among others), must use a new notification form, available on Consultant Plus, to de-register no later than seven business days after departing from their place of registration. Until this new notification form goes into effect on October 12, foreign nationals can continue to use the old form for de-registration.

Ukraine: Broader Permanent Residence Eligibility for Information Technology Specialists – Ukraine has broadened permanent residence eligibility for information technology specialists by expanding quota eligibility to more occupations, adding quota spots, reducing required professional experience to three years (from five to seven years) and accepting more diverse supporting documents to demonstrate professional experience, among other changes. Permanent residence permit holders do not require a separate work permit to work in Ukraine. Although these measures broaden the scope of eligibility, they do not streamline the permit process itself, which still takes approximately one year. Employment-based immigration for temporary assignments is not affected by these changes.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Blog post

Policy Reform Proposal: Granting Automatic Employment Authorization to Spouses of Work Visa Holders in South Africa

Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible

UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: What the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Immigration White Paper Mean for the UK Games Industry

Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Blog post

Policy Reform Proposal: Granting Automatic Employment Authorization to Spouses of Work Visa Holders in South Africa

Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible

UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: What the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Immigration White Paper Mean for the UK Games Industry

Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.