Fragomen Immigration Update: July 23 - 30, 2015
July 31, 2015
In immigration news this week, Kuwait has shortened the validity period on its short-term visitor visas. The visa-on-arrival option at Kuwait International Airport and the single-entry commercial visit visa now have a 30-day validity period, down from the original 90-day option. The visas are not extendable and those who do not exit Kuwait prior to their visa’s expiration are subject to fines.
Business visitors to the Netherlands can conduct business meetings without a work permit during multiple visits of up to 13 weeks cumulatively in a 52-week period. The prior rule which allowed a cumulative stay of four weeks in one 13-week period for permissible activities no longer applies to any business activities in the Netherlands.
These items and other news from Colombia, Kazakhstan and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Important Updates in Immigration This Week
Netherlands, July 30, 2015
Business Visitors Eligible for Multiple Visits
An amendment now allows business visitors to conduct business meetings in the Netherlands without a work permit during multiple visits of up to 13 weeks cumulatively in a 52-week period. The prior rule - which allowed a cumulative stay of four weeks in one 13-week period for permissible activities - no longer applies to any business activities in the Netherlands.
To view entire article, click here.
Kuwait, July 29, 2015
Short-Term Visitor Visas’ Validity Periods Shortened
The visa-on-arrival and single-entry commercial visit visa options have been reduced to 30-day validity periods, down from the original 90-day options. Both visas are not extendable and foreign nationals who do not exit Kuwait prior to their visa’s expiration are subject to fines.
To view entire article, click here.
Other Immigration News This Week
United States: Apparent Worldwide Suspension of Visa Appointments on August 7 and August 10 – The firm has received reports that certain U.S. consulates, including India, London, Tokyo, Romania and Poland, may be rescheduling visa appointments initially scheduled for August 7 and 10, in order to accommodate maintenance on the State Department's worldwide system. Some or all U.S. consulates may also be closed on those dates.
While some foreign nationals have received appointment cancellation alerts via email, all visa applicants with appointments scheduled for those days should log into the Consulate's appointment system and confirm whether their appointments have been rescheduled or whether they will proceed as scheduled. Foreign nationals unable to attend their rescheduled appointment should select "Reschedule Appointment" after logging into the system.
The technical implications and extent of the suspension is not yet fully known. Foreign nationals may experience issues logging in or rescheduling appointments once the system maintenance is completed.
Colombia: Automated Immigration System Forthcoming at International Airports – Nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay are eligible for registration in Migración Automática, a new automated system that can be used to expedite exit and entry procedures at certain international airports in Colombia. Eligible nationals who wish to apply for registration must schedule an appointment at any Migracion Colombia office. Registration requires the submission of biographical information, photographs, fingerprints and a 150,000 COP fee. Registration is valid for one year and is renewable. Nationals from other countries may be eligible to use the system by requesting approval from Migracion Colombia.
Kazakhstan: Upcoming Deadline for 2016 Work Permit Quota Applications – Employers seeking to obtain work permit quotas for foreign workers in 2016 must submit their quota applications by September 1, 2015. Employers should send their quota applications to the relevant Labor Agency in the project's location indicating the number of foreign employees they wish to hire in 2016. Employers can contact their immigration professional to discuss the application requirements.
Global Immigration News Links
The House of Representatives may vote on several immigration reform bills before the end of 2015, according to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-AZ).
Chinese and Indian millionaires ranked highest in applying for a second citizenship or change of permanent residence, according to a report by consultancies New World Wealth and LIO Global.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
