Weekly Immigration Update: April 12–18, 2024

Venezuela/Ecuador, April 18, 2024
Closure of Embassy and Consulates in Ecuador

• The Venezuelan president has ordered the closure of the embassy and consulates of Venezuela in Ecuador and the return to Venezuela of all Venezuelan diplomatic personnel in Ecuador.
• As a result, individuals with applications at the Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate in Quito, or the Venezuelan Consulate in Guayaquil should expect processing disruptions and delays until the consular posts reopen.
• Fragomen is working with affected clients on a case-by-case basis.

To view entire article, click here.

 

New Zealand, April 18, 2024  
Changes to Accredited Employer Work Visa, Compliance Obligations for Employers and Additional Green List Occupations Introduced

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has implemented the following updates:

• Restrictions to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for low-skilled occupations such as higher work experience/qualification and English language requirements, a longer labor market testing period and shortened visa duration;
• A new notification requirement for employers to inform INZ when any of their employees holding an AEWV ceases employment; and
• New roles added to the Green List, providing residency pathways for new professionals.

These changes are intended to ensure New Zealand is attracting the skilled migrants needed in the economy, and to reduce the vulnerability of migrants to exploitation.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Schengen Area, April 15, 2024
Limited Appointment Availability for Schengen Travel

•  Appointments for submitting Schengen C visa applications are limited amid increased application numbers in the period leading up to the peak travel season of May to August.
• Travelers should plan in advance as much as possible for upcoming travel to the Schengen Area.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, April 15, 2024
DHS Announces Details on Deferred Enforced Departure for Palestinians

• Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Palestinians will be valid for an 18-month period, from February 14, 2024 until August 13, 2025.
• During this period, eligible Palestinians will be protected from removal and may apply for employment or travel authorization.
• Palestinian F-1 students will also benefit from relaxed employment rules.

To view entire article, click here.

 

European Union, April 15, 2024  
Revised Single Permit Directive Approved

• The revised Single Permit Directive, which seeks to make the European Union more attractive to foreign workers and further safeguard their rights, has been formally adopted following the European Council’s April 12, 2024 approval of the scheme. The formal date of implementation remains to be confirmed, though is expected to occur shortly.
• Changes include:
  • Mandating a right of in-country applications for existing EU residents;
  • A three-month application processing time frame (down from the current four);
  • Greater rights to change employer and remain in country in the event of short-term unemployment; and
  • New compliance monitoring obligations for EU Member States, and a redress mechanism for foreign nationals.
• EU Member States will have up to two years to domestically implement the terms of this Directive from the date the laws formally go into effect (which is still to be determined). Each country must domestically implement these changes before they have legal effect there.
• This revised Single Permit Directive may increase the uptake of single permits in the European Union, noting a faster and easier application process and greater room for permit holders to flex with changing labor market conditions and opportunities. Employers, meanwhile, may see a reduced negotiating position vis-à-vis existing employees who hold such a permit.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, April 12, 2024
DHS Extends and Redesignates Ethiopia for TPS, Extends Relaxed Employment Options for Ethiopian F-1 Students

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended and redesignated Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from June 13, 2024 through December 12, 2025. 
• The registration period for eligible individuals to submit initial TPS applications under the redesignation will run for from April 15, 2024 through December 12, 2025. Eligible individuals will also be able to apply for TPS-related employment authorization documents (EADs) and travel permission during this time. 
• Current Ethiopian TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their benefits will be required to re-register between April 15, 2024 and June 14, 2024.
• DHS is also extending the relaxation of certain employment authorization rules for Ethiopian students in F-1 status who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the crisis in Ethiopia.

To view entire article, click here.