Fragomen Immigration Update: August 21 - 27, 2015
August 28, 2015
In immigration news this week, China has released further details regarding the eligibility criteria for highly-skilled foreign workers in Shanghai under the R (Talent) Visa and residence permit availability for recent foreign graduates.
In Saudi Arabia, a new Resident Identity Card called Muqeem will replace the existing card starting October 14, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Interior.
In Kenya, long-term work permit applicants seeking to work in certain regulated industries must now obtain a clearance or support letter from the relevant regulatory body, which is likely to delay assignment start dates and planned relocation schedules.
These items and other news from Hungary, Nigeria and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Important Updates in Immigration This Week
Nigeria, August 26, 2015
Nigeria, August 26, 2015
Comptroller General of Immigration Suspension to Delay Visa and Permit Processing
Due to the suspension of the Comptroller General of Immigration on August 21, 2015 by the Ministry of Interior, foreign nationals awaiting temporary work permit approvals and those filing applications at Nigerian consular posts abroad may experience delays. Additionally, business and visitor visa applicants from restricted areas will likely be subject to heightened scrutiny during the application process, which may also cause visa processing delays.
To view entire article, click here.
Saudi Arabia, August 25, 2015
Due to the suspension of the Comptroller General of Immigration on August 21, 2015 by the Ministry of Interior, foreign nationals awaiting temporary work permit approvals and those filing applications at Nigerian consular posts abroad may experience delays. Additionally, business and visitor visa applicants from restricted areas will likely be subject to heightened scrutiny during the application process, which may also cause visa processing delays.
To view entire article, click here.
Saudi Arabia, August 25, 2015
New Resident Identity Card to Replace Iqama
Starting October 14, 2015, new Resident Identity Cards will replace existing residence cards, also known as Iqama. The new card, called Muqeem, will provide work and residency authorization and is expected to be valid for five years, renewable electronically every year.
To view entire article, click here.
Kenya, August 24, 2015
Starting October 14, 2015, new Resident Identity Cards will replace existing residence cards, also known as Iqama. The new card, called Muqeem, will provide work and residency authorization and is expected to be valid for five years, renewable electronically every year.
To view entire article, click here.
Kenya, August 24, 2015
New Procedure to Verify Clearance Letters Likely to Delay Start Dates
Long-term work permit applicants seeking to work in industries that are regulated by certain government agencies are subject to a new procedure in which the immigration authorities verify clearance and/or support letters provided by such regulatory bodies. This change particularly affects applications from companies in the Oil and Gas Sector and the Information and Media industries (however, all regulated industries are affected), and is likely to delay assignment start dates and planned relocation schedules. Where possible, employers may consider short-term assignments as short-term passes may not be impacted by this change, subject to the discretion of the Kenyan Department of Immigration Services.
To view entire article, click here.
China, August 24, 2015
Long-term work permit applicants seeking to work in industries that are regulated by certain government agencies are subject to a new procedure in which the immigration authorities verify clearance and/or support letters provided by such regulatory bodies. This change particularly affects applications from companies in the Oil and Gas Sector and the Information and Media industries (however, all regulated industries are affected), and is likely to delay assignment start dates and planned relocation schedules. Where possible, employers may consider short-term assignments as short-term passes may not be impacted by this change, subject to the discretion of the Kenyan Department of Immigration Services.
To view entire article, click here.
China, August 24, 2015
Qualifying Criteria for Highly-Skilled Foreign Workers Released
Eligibility rules for the R (Talent) Visa have been released. As expected, eligible foreign workers should benefit from eligibility for a Work-Type Residence permit with a longer validity period and the ability to hire foreign housekeeping staff. Additionally, recent foreign graduates can now work and reside in Shanghai.
To view entire article, click here.
Eligibility rules for the R (Talent) Visa have been released. As expected, eligible foreign workers should benefit from eligibility for a Work-Type Residence permit with a longer validity period and the ability to hire foreign housekeeping staff. Additionally, recent foreign graduates can now work and reside in Shanghai.
To view entire article, click here.
Other Immigration News This Week
United States: DHS Extends Haiti TPS – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an additional 18 months, from January 23, 2016 through July 22, 2017.
Current Haiti TPS registrants have until October 26, 2015 to re-register. USCIS will issue new EADs with a July 22, 2017 expiration date to eligible Haiti TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for EADs under this extension. Given the timeframes involved with processing TPS re-registration applications, DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants will receive new EADs before their current EADs expire on January 22, 2016. Accordingly, through this notice, DHS automatically extends the validity of EADs issued under the TPS designation of Haiti for six months, through July 22, 2016. For Form I-9 employment eligibility verification purposes, through July 22, 2016, employers may accept a TPS-related EAD with a January 22, 2016 expiration date, along with a copy of the August 25, 2015 Federal Register notice extending Haiti TPS.
Re-registration is limited to persons who have previously registered for TPS under the designation of Haiti and whose applications have been granted. Certain nationals of Haiti (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) who have not previously applied for TPS may be eligible to apply under the late initial registration provisions, if they meet at least one of the late initial filing criteria, and all TPS eligibility criteria, including continuous residence in the United States since January 12, 2011, and continuous physical presence in the United States since July 23, 2011.
United States: DHS Extends Employment Authorization for Certain Haitian F-1 Students – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the effective date of an earlier notice, which suspended certain requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti and who were experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Through this notice, these students will continue to be allowed to apply for employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session provided that they satisfy the minimum course load requirement, while continuing to maintain their F-1 student status until July 22, 2017.
Hungary: Quarterly Foreign Worker Quota Reporting Now Required – Effective immediately, host employers must report the number of non-EEA workers they employed in the preceding calendar quarter with any Single Permit Application submitted to the Immigration Office. The prior rule required employers to report the number of non-EEA workers every December 31 for the preceding year. Employers continue to be subject to the requirement to submit a report on the number of non-EEA workers with every new Single Permit application. Failure to submit these reports or providing incorrect data can result in the refusal of the application.
United States: DHS Extends Haiti TPS – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an additional 18 months, from January 23, 2016 through July 22, 2017.
Current Haiti TPS registrants have until October 26, 2015 to re-register. USCIS will issue new EADs with a July 22, 2017 expiration date to eligible Haiti TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for EADs under this extension. Given the timeframes involved with processing TPS re-registration applications, DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants will receive new EADs before their current EADs expire on January 22, 2016. Accordingly, through this notice, DHS automatically extends the validity of EADs issued under the TPS designation of Haiti for six months, through July 22, 2016. For Form I-9 employment eligibility verification purposes, through July 22, 2016, employers may accept a TPS-related EAD with a January 22, 2016 expiration date, along with a copy of the August 25, 2015 Federal Register notice extending Haiti TPS.
Re-registration is limited to persons who have previously registered for TPS under the designation of Haiti and whose applications have been granted. Certain nationals of Haiti (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) who have not previously applied for TPS may be eligible to apply under the late initial registration provisions, if they meet at least one of the late initial filing criteria, and all TPS eligibility criteria, including continuous residence in the United States since January 12, 2011, and continuous physical presence in the United States since July 23, 2011.
United States: DHS Extends Employment Authorization for Certain Haitian F-1 Students – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the effective date of an earlier notice, which suspended certain requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti and who were experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Through this notice, these students will continue to be allowed to apply for employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session provided that they satisfy the minimum course load requirement, while continuing to maintain their F-1 student status until July 22, 2017.
Hungary: Quarterly Foreign Worker Quota Reporting Now Required – Effective immediately, host employers must report the number of non-EEA workers they employed in the preceding calendar quarter with any Single Permit Application submitted to the Immigration Office. The prior rule required employers to report the number of non-EEA workers every December 31 for the preceding year. Employers continue to be subject to the requirement to submit a report on the number of non-EEA workers with every new Single Permit application. Failure to submit these reports or providing incorrect data can result in the refusal of the application.
Global Immigration News Links
The deputy director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute discusses immigrants in the U.S. and how the demographics and numbers have changed over the years.
Fifty percent of the British public said immigration was among the most important issues facing the country, the highest level ever recorded by the monthly Economist Ipsos Mori poll.
Undocumented workers in England and Wales could face up to six months in prison under proposals to be included in a forthcoming immigration bill, BBC reports.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
The deputy director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute discusses immigrants in the U.S. and how the demographics and numbers have changed over the years.
Fifty percent of the British public said immigration was among the most important issues facing the country, the highest level ever recorded by the monthly Economist Ipsos Mori poll.
Undocumented workers in England and Wales could face up to six months in prison under proposals to be included in a forthcoming immigration bill, BBC reports.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
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