
In U.S. immigration news, President Obama’s recent announcement on United States-Cuba relations is the first step toward an eventual relaxation of prohibitions on travel and investment between the two countries. In the meantime, though, individuals and organizations must continue to comply with existing restrictions.
In global immigration news, foreign nationals in Canada who are being sponsored for permanent residence by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse or partner are now eligible to apply for a work permit as soon as they submit their permanent residence application.
In Kenya, foreign nationals face stricter work permit rules due to a renewed focus by the Kenyan government on national security concerns.
In Switzerland, annual quotas on B and L-Permits have been reduced for applicants from a non-EU/European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country or Croatia, and for applicants from an EU/EFTA countries on assignment in Switzerland.
These items and other news follow in this holiday edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Fragomen sends its best wishes for the season and reminds foreign nationals traveling outside the United States at this time to check our Know Your Obligations webpage for helpful information on U.S. travel document requirements, visa application procedures and exit and entry requirements.
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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Blog post
Manager Ruaida Hussein outlines the UAE’s updated residency rules introducing a one-year residence permit for eligible individuals following divorce or the death of a spouse
Awards
China Managing Partner Becky Xia is named among the “Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025” by Forbes China for her leadership in immigration law and contributions to global mobility.
Awards
Fragomen is featured on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms list in the category of immigration.
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Partner F. Joseph Paldino is recognized with the Utah State Bar’s Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award for his dedication to mentorship in immigration law and fostering professional growth in the legal community.
Blog post
In this blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how modern immigration compliance must evolve from paperwork and formality into a strategic governance discipline that aligns outdated laws with today’s business realities and measures true compliance through systems, behavior and integrity.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines the UK’s evolving immigration framework, outlining recent reforms, upcoming consultations and the key areas where business can help shape the system’s future direction.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter and Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala authored Zatrudnianie cudzoziemców po zmianach, a practical guide for navigating Poland’s new rules for hiring foreign workers.
Video
Senior Manager Fatima Aydin breaks down Irish citizenship by descent, a popular pathway for individuals of Irish ancestry to secure Irish citizenship and passport.
Awards
Eight Fragomen professionals in Mexico City recognized in The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ 2026 edition for excellence in Immigration Law.
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