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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Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.
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Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals.
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UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.
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Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.
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Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.
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In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.
Work authorization
Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Work authorization
Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.
Video
Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.
Awards
Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.
Work authorization
Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals.
Brexit
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.
Awards
Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.
Video
In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.
Work authorization
Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.