Fragomen Immigration Update: December 30, 2014 - January 8, 2015

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.

_{© 2015 Fragomen}