Fragomen Immigration Update: December 23-30, 2014

In global immigration news this week, employers in Israel are no longer able to sponsor foreign nationals for work authorization under the Short Employment Authorization (SEA) visa program.

In Germany, the minimum salary for non-EEA nationals applying for work authorization under the European Blue Card program will increase.

Starting January 1, 2015, Indian visa applicants in Australia must make an appointment to submit their applications and biometrics at a visa application center. Foreign nationals in India who use the Bangalore Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) for immigration services will have more fee payment options but will also face additional scrutiny for delays in reporting changes of residential address.

In Vietnam, intracompany transferees in certain industries are now eligible to apply for an exemption from work permit requirements. In the Philippines, foreign nationals who completed certain registration steps in 2014 can now send a representative to complete annual reports on their behalf rather than appear in person.

In South Africa, intracompany transferees granted status prior to the implementation of the South African Immigration Regulations in May 2014 can now renew their status in country.

These items and other news from Italy 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.

^{© 2009 - 2015 © Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.}