This week in global immigration news, government offices worldwide are preparing for the holiday season, when many will close or have reduced staff and hours of operation. Holiday closures are likely to result in processing delays for work permits, residence permits and visas over the coming weeks and into the new year.
China will require foreign nationals to obtain work authorization for short term technical work and certain other activities, starting January 1, 2015.
Belgium will increase the base salary for highly skilled foreign workers applying for Type “B” work permits, senior managers, executives and Blue Card applicants, effective January 1. The Netherlands has increased the minimum salary for applicants to the Knowledge Migrant program for highly skilled foreign workers.
The United Kingdom has launched the Registered Traveller Program at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, which provides expedited clearance to select citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the United States.
These items and other news from Canada, Colombia, Hungary, St. Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Remember that the Immigration Update is available through both e-mail and Web version by clicking on "View as Web Page" above.
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Partner Bo Cooper discussed a federal court decision vacating the $100,000 H-1B fee and noted that further legal proceedings are likely to shape the policy’s future.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen examines Germany's new Section 45c requirements and highlights key compliance considerations for employers recruiting talent from abroad.
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Media mentions
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Blog post
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Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the practical considerations facing employers and foreign nationals amid recent changes to green card processing.
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