Important Updates
Important Updates
October 29, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: K-Star Visa for Science and Tech Talent Implemented
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, United StatesGames Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
October 29, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Increased Saudization Requirements for Certain Private-Sector Healthcare Roles
October 29, 2025Saudi Arabia: Mandatory Health Insurance Prior to Temporary Work Visa Issuance
October 29, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: K-Star Visa for Science and Tech Talent Implemented
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, United StatesGames Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee
October 29, 2025 | United Kingdom, BelgiumPeople Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?
October 29, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Increased Saudization Requirements for Certain Private-Sector Healthcare Roles
October 29, 2025Saudi Arabia: Mandatory Health Insurance Prior to Temporary Work Visa Issuance
October 29, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: K-Star Visa for Science and Tech Talent Implemented
Subscribe
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
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView 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

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • 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
  • Insights

Weekly Immigration Update: April 2–8, 2021

April 8, 2021

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:

  • Worldwide: Jurisdictions around the world continue to adapt their coronavirus-related travel restrictions and quarantine measures, and many have implemented extension policies and other concessions. Visit Fragomen’s COVID-19 website for the latest immigration updates.
  • United States: The State Department has expanded eligibility for national interest exceptions (NIE) to the regional COVID-19 travel bans in place for Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Those traveling on immigrant and fiancé(e) visas, as well as certain exchange visitors and pilots and aircrew are now categorically approved for NIEs.
  • Bahrain: The Labor Market Regulatory Authority will implement a Wage Protection System for the private sector in three phases, depending on the size of the employer, with phase one beginning May 1.
  • Belgium: A Single Electronic Platform, “Working in Belgium”, expected to be launched in May, will allow employers and foreign nationals to electronically file and monitor the status of certain immigration applications.
  • Bulgaria: Effective June 1, Bulgaria will streamline the application process of most employment-based work and residence permits but with stricter application deadlines, and will also introduce foreign national accommodation checks.

These items and other news from Belgium, France, Nigeria and Russia follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

Important updates in immigration this week

United States, April 8, 2021

State Department Expands Exceptions to Regional COVID Travel Bans to Include Immigrant and Fiancé(e) Travelers and Certain Exchange Visitors

  • The State Department has expanded eligibility for national interest exceptions (NIE) to the regional COVID-19 travel bans in place for Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. 
  • Foreign nationals entering on an immigrant or fiancé(e) visa will qualify for national interest exceptions under the new policy.
  • Certain exchange program visitors may also qualify, including certain J-1 au pairs, interns, trainees, and specialized teachers, among others.
  • The new policy became effective immediately.  However, many consulates worldwide are still operating at reduced capacity and facing steep application backlogs, so appointment delays are to be expected.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Bulgaria, April 7, 2021
Streamlined Immigration Process Forthcoming

  • Effective June 1, 2021, the application process of most employment-based work and residence permits in Bulgaria will be streamlined, but application deadlines will become stricter and foreign national accommodation checks will  be introduced.
  • Foreign nationals and employers can expect that the changes will modernize and streamline the processing of immigration applications through digitization, but they should also expect potential issues due to new technology and as authorities adjust to using the new system.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Bahrain, April 6, 2021
Implementation of Wage Protection System Forthcoming

  • The Labor Market Regulatory Authority announced the implementation of a Wage Protection System for the private sector in Bahrain.
  • The system will be introduced in three phases, depending on the size of the employer, with phase one beginning May 1, 2021.
  • Employers should contact their respective banks for specific guidance and instructions.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Belgium, April 2, 2021
Single Electronic Platform for Filing Work and Single Permits Forthcoming

  • Belgium is launching a Single Electronic Platform, “Working in Belgium”, which will allow employers to electronically file and monitor the status of applications for Single Permits, EU Blue Cards and EU Intracompany Transfer permits.
  • The platform is expected to be released for use by the general public in May 2021 and denotes a major step towards digitizing immigration applications in Belgium.
  • Employers and foreign nationals can expect that the new immigration platform will streamline immigration processes.

To view entire article, click here.

Other weekly news briefs

Worldwide: Potential Delays for Immigration Applications During Ramadan – Government offices across the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia will be working reduced hours during the month of Ramadan. As a result, foreign nationals and employers should expect processing delays which can continue in the weeks following Ramadan. This year, the month of Ramadan is expected to start on April 12 or 13 and end on May 12; however, the exact dates depend on a lunar sighting and are expected to be announced for each country separately. Fragomen will issue an alert at the end of Ramadan concerning government closures for the Eid al Fitr holiday.

Belgium: Certain Article 50 Residence Permits Processed – The Belgian Immigration Office has announced that Article 50 residence permits (locally called M cards) can now be issued for UK nationals with residence rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, resident in Belgium before December 31, 2020; and for their non-EU national family members. Further details on the application process are available on this consolidated news page. Permit applications for eligible UK national cross-border workers (locally called N cards) can be submitted but will remain pending and will not be processed at this time.

Belgium: Flanders Expands Shortage Occupation List – The Flanders region has updated the shortage occupations list (knelpuntberoepen – métiers en pénurie), adding riggers/installers; mechanics of electrical and electronic products; adjuster-operators of CNC machine tools; bakers and pastry chefs. No occupations were removed. Employers hiring foreign nationals for these occupations are exempt from labor market testing for standard Work or Single Permit applications. Labor market testing is also not required for Highly Skilled Permits or EU Blue Cards, the main Belgian work authorization types.

France: Online Work Permit Application Platform Now Available; Use for Other Permits Forthcoming – As an update, the "immi pro" work permit application platform is now available and must be used for work permit applications for foreign nationals starting April 6. Under the online filing process, the Labour Authorities (“DIRECCTE”) are no longer involved in application processing and corporate documents and the CERFA form are not required. Applicants receive a filing confirmation and an online approval notice. Applicants should be able to begin using the online platform for initial and renewal residence permit applications for Talent passports across all prefectures in mid-May. Authorities may also move online the Intra-Company Transferee secondment applications (for initial and renewal filings) and change of status applications.

France: Updated Shortage Occupation List Published – French authorities published a new shortage occupation list, replacing the prior list which was last updated in 2008. Listed occupations are exempt from labor market testing, currently required for certain local hire applications, which expedites the application process by three weeks. The authorities are aiming to update the list annually and to improve regional labor market shortage mapping as announced in November 2019.

Nigeria: Proof of Tax Payment Now Required for Work-Related Permit Renewals – The Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) issued a directive requiring proof of tax payment when renewing long-term work permits, which is effective immediately. Specifically, the new requirement applies to renewals of Combined Expatriate Residence Permits (CERPAC) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Resident Permits. The directive also applies to foreign nationals holding Subject to Regularization (STR) visas or a residence permit who are deemed to be tax residents in Nigeria. Previously, this documentation was not required. Fragomen is awaiting clarification on whether the proof of tax payment must be the companies’ Tax Clearance Certificate or the foreign national’s income tax. The change in policy is a joint initiative between the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Federal Internal Revenue Services to ensure tax compliance in Nigeria. Foreign nationals and employers should expect filing delays caused by the non-receipt of proof of tax payment.

Russia: Highly Qualified Specialist Salary Notifications Due April 30 – Employers have until April 30, 2021 to file first quarter notifications for salaries paid to highly-qualified specialists (HQS) using new notification forms. The notification must state the salary paid to HQS from January 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. The reported HQS salary should be no less than RUB 167,000 per calendar month or RUB 501,000 per quarter (if there was a break in work during the reported period). Violations of the established notification procedures, including failure to notify, will result in administrative fines for the employer.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global 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

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napływ cudzoziemców do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Claiming British Citizenship Through Ancestral Lineage: Who Is Eligible?

Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Semiconductors Presents: "Voice of the Industry" October 2025 Q&A with Shari Liss

Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Legalny napływ cudzoziemców do pracy powstrzymany

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

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
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

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

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

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

© 2025 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.