This week in immigration news, a revised Bilateral Security Agreement between the United States and Afghanistan brings stricter immigration requirements to foreign nationals in Afghanistan. U.S. contractors and their employees must present a valid passport and visa to enter and exit Afghanistan, and must obtain work permits in certain cases.
In India, Japanese nationals will receive Employment Visas and residence permits with the same validity period. Authorized representatives can now apply for visas and residence permits on behalf of Japanese nationals.
In the United Kingdom, foreign nationals who hold Tier 1 (General) status will no longer be allowed to apply for extensions of stay after April 5, 2015 due to the closure of the Tier 1 (General) program. Those seeking an extension had to ensure that they complied with financial holdings requirements by January 5, 2015.
In Azerbaijan, certain business visitors can now work for up to 90 days cumulatively per year without a work permit.
Effective March 16, foreign nationals approved for Singapore Employment Passes must await the online issuance of the Employment Pass and Notification Letter before they can commence work.
In Colombia, a new visa category called the TP-15 has been created for MERCOSUR nationals and their dependents, which will allow MERCOSUR dependents to be included as part of the MERCOSUR residence application.
These items and other news from Hong Kong, Malaysia 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 is recognized at the National Tier 1 level for Immigration Law in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms – United States, with 15 offices across the country also recognized for their excellence in immigration law.
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Fragomen receives Altair Global’s 2025 Super Star Award for Humanitarian Commitment, honoring the firm’s leadership in advancing humanitarian mobility initiatives.
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Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s 2025 federal budget and its significant shift in immigration policy including new limits on international student permits and temporary residents.
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Manager Zaur Gasimov discusses Georgia’s new immigration and labour-migration reforms introducing mandatory work permits, stricter employer compliance requirements and increased penalties for non-compliance.
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Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.
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Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
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Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
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Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
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Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Awards
Fragomen is recognized at the National Tier 1 level for Immigration Law in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms – United States, with 15 offices across the country also recognized for their excellence in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen receives Altair Global’s 2025 Super Star Award for Humanitarian Commitment, honoring the firm’s leadership in advancing humanitarian mobility initiatives.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s 2025 federal budget and its significant shift in immigration policy including new limits on international student permits and temporary residents.
Fragomen news
Fragomen news
Fragomen is cited in the UK House of Lords’ landmark report, “The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out,” published on 4 November by the UK Engagement with Space Committee.
Blog post
Manager Zaur Gasimov discusses Georgia’s new immigration and labour-migration reforms introducing mandatory work permits, stricter employer compliance requirements and increased penalties for non-compliance.
Awards
Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.