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Weekly Immigration Update: April 19–25, 2024

April 25, 2024

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Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

In immigration news this week:

  • Czech Republic: The ban on the issuance of new visas and residence permits to Russian and Belarusian nationals is now in place indefinitely. See our consolidated alert for details.
  • Middle East: Due to severe weather conditions in the Middle East region, some government offices were or may still be closed or operating at partial capacity, causing delays to immigration applications, and travel disruptions.
  • European Union/Schengen Area: Austria and Norway have extended internal border controls until November. See our consolidated alert for details.
  • Minimum salary update: Belarus will increase its minimum salaries for sponsoring dependents in May. See our consolidated alert for details.

These items and other news from Belgium, the European Union, Malaysia, Mexico, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

Middle East, April 19, 2024
Severe Weather to Cause Immigration Processing Delays and Travel Disruptions

  • Due to severe weather conditions in the Middle East region, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, some government offices were or may still be closed or operating at partial capacity, resulting in delays in the processing of various immigration applications.
  • In addition, flights to and from various airports in the region, including Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport, have been cancelled or are experiencing extensive delays due to operational challenges caused by inclement weather and road conditions.
  • Foreign nationals should expect delays in the processing of their immigration applications and must be prepared to reschedule government office appointments, including for medical examination and biometric data collection.

To view entire article, click here.

Belgium, April 19, 2024
Employees in Walloon Region Can Now Work Immediately Upon Receipt of a Single Permit

European Union, April 24, 2024
Schengen Visa Rules Relaxed for Nationals from Bahrain, India, Oman, Saudi Arabia

Malaysia, April 22, 2024
Online Filing of Initial and Renewal Employment Pass Applications Forthcoming for MDEC Applications

Malaysia, April 23, 2024
Sabah Immigration Office Temporarily Closure Forthcoming, Delays Expected

Mexico, April 24, 2024
Immigration Processing Delays in Chihuahua

Türkiye, April 23, 2024
Digital Nomad Visa Introduced, Further Details Forthcoming

United Arab Emirates, April 25, 2024
Immigration Rule Changes in Dubai International Financial Center Free Zone

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

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