Fragomen Immigration Update: September 11 - 17, 2015
September 18, 2015
In immigration news this week, new border controls and asylum application volume in the European Union and the Schengen Area are causing general travel and immigration service processing delays. All travelers, including EU nationals, are advised to carry a valid passport and, as appropriate, a residence permit or visa.
The United Kingdom’s monthly quota for non-EEA nationals sponsored under the Tier 2 (General) Visa category has been exceeded for the fourth consecutive time. Also in the United Kingdom, a new Immigration Bill seeks to implement the Conservative Party’s plan to tackle undocumented employment and manage migration. The bill proposes an immigration skills tax for all Tier 2 sponsored workers and new penalties for labor market rules violations.
Mexico introduced a new electronic entry program for certain frequent travelers across the U.S./Mexico border.
The new Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has temporarily suspended the inspection of immigration documents by NIS; any unscheduled onsite visits by officials seeking to inspect work permits or other documents should be reported.
These items and other news from Kazakhstan, South Africa and the United Kingdom follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Important Updates in Immigration This Week
United Kingdom, September 17, 2015
Strict New Immigration Bill Introduced to Curb Illegal Immigration and Work
A new Immigration Bill published today implements policies outlined in the Conservative Party’s plans to tackle illegal work and manage migration. The intention of the bill is that without access to work, illegal migrants will depart voluntarily, but where they do not, other measures will support enforced removals. Importantly, the Bill proposes the introduction of an immigration skills tax for all Tier 2 sponsored workers and new penalties related to labor market rules violations.
To view entire article, click here.
United Kingdom, September 16, 2015
Deadline for Public Response to Advisory Committee’s Consultation Document is September 25
The deadline for public responses to the Migration Advisory Committee consultation document seeking advice regarding reducing Tier 2 migration and reliance on migrants to fill local employment shortages is September 25, 2015. Employers are urged to respond to the consultation individually.
To view entire article, click here.
United Kingdom, September 15, 2015
Tier 2 (General) Visa Quota Exceeded For Fourth Consecutive Month
The monthly quota for non-EEA nationals sponsored under the Tier 2 (General) Visa category has been exceeded for a fourth consecutive time. Applicants rejected for Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship can reapply the following month if the advertising undertaken by their prospective employer is still valid.
To view entire article, click here.
Nigeria, September 14, 2015
Onsite Immigration Documentation Inspections Temporarily Suspended
The new Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service has temporarily suspended the inspection of immigration documents by Nigeria Immigration Service officials. Employers should report any unscheduled onsite visits by officials seeking to inspect work permits or other documents.
To view entire article, click here.
European Union, September 14, 2015
Newly Implemented Border Controls and Asylum Application Volume Causing Delays, Travel Difficulties
Travelers into, out of and within the European Union and the Schengen Area may be subject to general travel and immigration service processing delays due to the influx of refugees, particularly to Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. Importantly, Germany introduced border controls yesterday that caused significant delays at entry and exit ports and other countries are continuing to implement controls. All travelers, including EU nationals, are strongly advised to carry a valid passport and, as appropriate, residence permit or visa.
To view entire article, click here.
Mexico, September 11, 2015
New Electronic Entry Program for Frequent Travelers Across the U.S./Mexico Border
A new electronic Multiple Use Immigration Form (FMM) is available to eligible commuters making frequent trips across the U.S./Mexico border. Holders of the electronic FMMs will benefit from expedited entry procedures, such as dedicated entry lines at land border ports of entry.
To view entire article, click here.
Other Immigration News This Week
Kazakhstan: Signing Memorandum of Understanding Can Strengthen Labour Department Relationship – Chief executives and legal representatives of Almaty and Astana-based companies and/or branches in Kazakhstan may soon be prompted by their local labor departments and/or mayor's offices to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Establishing Safe and Favourable Employment Terms developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kazakhstan and District Trade Unions. The goal of the memorandum - which was developed as a result of a confrontation of local and foreign employees facing unequal work and pay conditions in East Kazakhstan - is to ensure compliance by local companies to respect, protect and promote equal employment rights for local and foreign employees. While there is no express obligation or deadline to sign the memorandum, employers who sign it may improve their relationship with their local labor department, which processes work permit applications. Kazakhstan-based clients are advised to sign the memorandum and can contact their immigration professional to review its terms.
South Africa: Online Visa Portal Back Online – Following unscheduled system maintenance, the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) online portal is now accessible. Appointment bookings and online application form capabilities are available. In addition, VFS submission facilities and the online visa status tracking function have returned to normal. Any backlogs caused by the system outage will be managed by your Fragomen case team.
Global Immigration News Links
Austin Fragomen and Careen Shannon discuss the new form and impact of the State Department’s monthly Visa Bulletin.
Undocumented immigrants are a net positive for the economy today, says the Washington Post Editorial Board.
Jens Weidmann, the head of the German central bank, called the current influx of refugees an opportunity for the German economy and its ageing population, but one which hinges on the successful integration of the newcomers.
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