
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.
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Fragomen news
The Montreal office has added Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho and Sophia Khanzadian to strengthen its immigration services.
Blog post
Destination Services Director Christine Sperr examines how housing market reforms, rent stabilization measures and cost-of-living dynamics in Saudi Arabia are influencing workforce mobility, compensation planning and long-term settlement strategies under Vision 2030.
Blog post
Manager Dr Adela Schmidt and Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler analyse the European Commission’s infringement proceedings against Germany concerning its Vander Elst visa requirements for third-country nationals providing short-term cross-border services and explain why current compliance obligations remain unchanged.
Blog post
Latin America & the Caribbean Managing Partner Leonor Echeverria, Senior Associates Sarah Blackmore and Sonya Cole and Senior Regional Knowledge Manager Laura Weingort examine renewed energy interest in Venezuela and outline key immigration pathways, procedural constraints and strategic considerations for compliant talent deployment.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis highlights how the EU’s new migration strategy could create opportunities for employers while increasing compliance requirements.
Awards
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.
Awards
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu, Partner Charles Johanes, Practice Leaders Hedvika and Leader Ben Lear and Senior Associate Hannah Scanlan are recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide as leading immigration practitioners in Australia.
Awards
Fragomen is ranked Band 1 for Immigration: Business in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide, marking two decades of recognition since 2006. The firm is also the only firm ranked Band 1 in the Global: Multi-Jurisdictional Immigration category and receives additional individual recognitions in the USA: Business Immigration rankings.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna provides insight to Buffalo Toronto Public Media on potential IRCC processing challenges as Canada prepares for increased visa demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Blog post
Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland.

