• Insights

Weekly Immigration Update: April 19–25, 2024

April 25, 2024

insight-news-default

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

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.

Important updates in immigration this week

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.

Other weekly news briefs

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.

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS proposal to impose up to $100,000 in Optional Practical Training FeesLearn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Director: Fixed-Term Contract Limits Squeeze Visa Sponsorship, Research Warns

Co-authors Partner Charles Johanes, Senior Counsel Anna Boucher and Allens Partner Tarsha Gavin explore the intersection of Australia’s migration and employment laws and the implications for employers sponsoring temporary visa holders.

Learn more

Blog post

Trusted Digital Identity Is Critical Infrastructure for Global Mobility

In the first blog in a new series, Managing Director, Digital Identity Amit Sharma explores why trusted digital identity is becoming increasingly important to global mobility, how reusable digital credentials could work and why interoperability across systems and jurisdictions will be critical.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Global Talent Visa vs Innovator Founder Visa: A Guide for Tech Professionals, Researchers and Founders

Senior Associate Amelia Haynes compares the UK’s Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa routes, examining who each route may suit, the evidence required, professional flexibility and potential pathways to settlement.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship by Descent: Finding Family Records and Navigating Polish Archives

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek explain how applicants pursuing Polish citizenship by descent can locate family records, navigate archives and obtain documentary evidence that can be used in citizenship proceedings.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

2026年10月 米国移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized in 2027 Best Law Firms® Rankings in the United States

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Law Firms®, earning a National Tier 1 ranking in Immigration Law and 16 regional rankings across the United States.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Underwater Hub: The Specialist Skills Needed to Deliver Future Offshore Projects

Director Kelly Hardman explores how early UK immigration planning and investment in domestic skills can help offshore businesses access the specialist expertise needed to deliver future projects.

Learn more

Media mentions

SHRM: Why ‘Hush Trips’ Can Pose Big Risks for Employers and Workers

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons explains the immigration, social security, insurance, employment law and tax risks that undisclosed international remote work can create for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Immigration After the Midterms: A New Congress, but Who Holds the Power?

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses the potential impact of the US midterm elections on immigration policy and the areas where bipartisan support could shape future developments.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Earned Settlement: When Immigration Status Becomes an Incentive for Growth and Compliance

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what the framework could mean for employers, including potential impacts on sponsorship costs, retention planning, employee communications and support for internationally mobile workers and their families.

Learn more

Blog post

What the 2026 Midterm Election Results Mean for U.S. Business Immigration and Employers

In a new blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh examines what the election results could mean for employers and where businesses should focus now, from immigration compliance and workforce planning to state response procedures and preparation for increased scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS proposal to impose up to $100,000 in Optional Practical Training FeesLearn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Director: Fixed-Term Contract Limits Squeeze Visa Sponsorship, Research Warns

Co-authors Partner Charles Johanes, Senior Counsel Anna Boucher and Allens Partner Tarsha Gavin explore the intersection of Australia’s migration and employment laws and the implications for employers sponsoring temporary visa holders.

Learn more

Blog post

Trusted Digital Identity Is Critical Infrastructure for Global Mobility

In the first blog in a new series, Managing Director, Digital Identity Amit Sharma explores why trusted digital identity is becoming increasingly important to global mobility, how reusable digital credentials could work and why interoperability across systems and jurisdictions will be critical.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Global Talent Visa vs Innovator Founder Visa: A Guide for Tech Professionals, Researchers and Founders

Senior Associate Amelia Haynes compares the UK’s Global Talent and Innovator Founder visa routes, examining who each route may suit, the evidence required, professional flexibility and potential pathways to settlement.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship by Descent: Finding Family Records and Navigating Polish Archives

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek explain how applicants pursuing Polish citizenship by descent can locate family records, navigate archives and obtain documentary evidence that can be used in citizenship proceedings.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

2026年10月 米国移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized in 2027 Best Law Firms® Rankings in the United States

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Law Firms®, earning a National Tier 1 ranking in Immigration Law and 16 regional rankings across the United States.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Underwater Hub: The Specialist Skills Needed to Deliver Future Offshore Projects

Director Kelly Hardman explores how early UK immigration planning and investment in domestic skills can help offshore businesses access the specialist expertise needed to deliver future projects.

Learn more

Media mentions

SHRM: Why ‘Hush Trips’ Can Pose Big Risks for Employers and Workers

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons explains the immigration, social security, insurance, employment law and tax risks that undisclosed international remote work can create for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Immigration After the Midterms: A New Congress, but Who Holds the Power?

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses the potential impact of the US midterm elections on immigration policy and the areas where bipartisan support could shape future developments.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Earned Settlement: When Immigration Status Becomes an Incentive for Growth and Compliance

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what the framework could mean for employers, including potential impacts on sponsorship costs, retention planning, employee communications and support for internationally mobile workers and their families.

Learn more

Blog post

What the 2026 Midterm Election Results Mean for U.S. Business Immigration and Employers

In a new blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh examines what the election results could mean for employers and where businesses should focus now, from immigration compliance and workforce planning to state response procedures and preparation for increased scrutiny.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
November 9, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: DOL Final Rule on Prevailing Wages Now Under OMB Review
November 9, 2026 | United StatesComment on DHS proposal to impose up to $100,000 in Optional Practical Training Fees
November 9, 2026 | FranceFrance: Wide-ranging Immigration Reforms, Adoption of Certain Revised EU Blue Card and Single Permit Directive Rules
November 9, 2026 | AustraliaHuman Resources Director: Fixed-Term Contract Limits Squeeze Visa Sponsorship, Research Warns
November 9, 2026 | OmanOman: New Residence Permit and Workforce Rules for Investors and Property Owners in Special Economic Zones and Free Zones
November 9, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: DOL Final Rule on Prevailing Wages Now Under OMB Review
November 9, 2026 | United StatesComment on DHS proposal to impose up to $100,000 in Optional Practical Training Fees
November 9, 2026 | FranceFrance: Wide-ranging Immigration Reforms, Adoption of Certain Revised EU Blue Card and Single Permit Directive Rules
November 9, 2026 | AustraliaHuman Resources Director: Fixed-Term Contract Limits Squeeze Visa Sponsorship, Research Warns
November 9, 2026 | OmanOman: New Residence Permit and Workforce Rules for Investors and Property Owners in Special Economic Zones and Free Zones
November 9, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: DOL Final Rule on Prevailing Wages Now Under OMB Review
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.