Peru, April 11, 2024
Visa-Free Entry Reinstated for Mexican Nationals

• The government of Peru has reversed its decision to implement a visa requirement for nationals of Mexico traveling to Peru for tourism or business and has reinstated the visa-free entry policy for these nationals.
• This follows the government’s earlier decision to revoke the visa exemption for nationals of Mexico as a reciprocal measure, that was set to take effect on April 23, 2024.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, April 10, 2024

May 2024 Visa Bulletin: No Movement in Main Employment-Based (EB) Categories

• The Final Action dates for EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5 will remain unchanged in May.
• USCIS will honor Final Action Dates for employment-based categories in May.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Japan, April 10, 2024
Digital Nomad Visa Now Available

• The Japanese Minister of Justice announced that the Digital Nomad Visa is now open for applications, effective March 29, 2024, following an earlier announcement this year about the program.
• The visa allows eligible foreign nationals (and family members) to reside in Japan while working remotely for their home employer for a non-renewable period of up to six months as long as they utilize information and communication technology in their position.
• Eligibility requirements include: being a national of a visa-exempt country that has a bi-lateral tax agreement with Japan; having a minimum annual income of at least JPY 10 million; and holding private medical health insurance.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Mexico/Ecuador, April 8, 2024
Suspension of Diplomatic Ties Between Mexico and Ecuador May Affect Immigration Processing

• Mexico has suspended diplomatic relations with Ecuador and ordered all Mexican diplomatic personnel in Ecuador to return to Mexico. The Embassy of Mexico in Quito has suspended all services, including consular services, until further notice.
• As a result, individuals with consular applications should expect processing delays during the suspension.
• Flight disruptions have not yet been reported but may be forthcoming.
• Fragomen is working with affected clients on a case-by-case basis.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Romania, April 8, 2024  
New Work Permit, Employment Contract, and Notification Rules Apply

• Effective March 22, 2024, Romania has implemented new employment contract, work permit, and change-of-circumstance notification rules. Specifically:
  • Employers sponsoring foreign nationals on long-stay visas must now finalize individual employment contracts within 15 business days of a foreign national’s entry into Romania or their receipt of a new work permit.
  • To obtain a work permit for a permanent foreign national employee, employers must now carry out activities in the same field as the position to be filled for at least one year.
  • Employers must now notify authorities about the termination or suspension of any employment or secondment relationship within five business days.
• In light of these changes, businesses may need to review (and likely tighten) their internal administrative frameworks and timelines.

To view entire article, click here.

Greece, April 8, 2024
Relaxed EU Blue Card Rules Implemented; EU ICT ‘Pre Screening’ Introduced

• Effective March 8, 2024, Greece has relaxed the application process for EU Blue Cards, while introducing ‘pre-screening’ restrictions for the EU ICT permit.
• As a result, foreign nationals in Greece either with visa-exempt status or on a short-stay visa (‘C Visa’) can now apply for an EU Blue Card, while all EU Blue Card applicants now only need to show that the duration of their employment contract is for at least six months.
• However, EU ICT permit applications will now be subject to ‘pre-screening’ prior to being sent to the relevant Greek consular post for processing – a process which may add up to 40 days to processing timeframes.
• These changes may increase uptake of the EU Blue Card in Greece; while conversely reducing the attractiveness of the EU ICT permit.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Mexico/Peru, April 8, 2024  
Reciprocal Visa Exemptions Revoked

• Effective April 20, 2024, nationals of Peru will no longer be visa-exempt when entering Mexico for tourism and business and must instead obtain a consular Visitor Visa for entry.
• As a reciprocal measure, effective April 23, 2024, nationals of Mexico will no longer be visa-exempt when entering Peru for tourism and business and must instead obtain a consular Temporary Visa for entry.
• As a result, Mexican and Peruvian nationals seeking to enter each other’s countries for tourism or business may encounter administrative hurdles, additional costs and potential delays.
• Certain Mexican and Peruvian nationals entering each other’s countries may still be visa-exempt if they hold an eligible visa or immigration status from another country.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Indonesia, April 8, 2024
Remote Worker Visa Implemented

• Effective April 1, 2024, the government of Indonesia implemented the Remote Worker Visa (E33G) program.
• The visa will allow eligible foreign nationals to reside in Indonesia while working remotely for their home employer for a period of up to one year (subject to renewal for another year).
• Eligibility requirements include being employed by a foreign company outside of Indonesia, earning a minimum annual income of at least USD 60,000, and submitting proof of sufficient funds, among others.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Italy, April 5, 2024
Digital Nomad Visa Introduced

• Effective April 4, 2024, the Italian government has introduced a digital nomad visa which allows third-country foreign nationals to reside in Italy and perform highly-skilled work as a freelancer or for an employer outside of Italy for up to 12 months (renewable).
• To apply, eligible applicants must have an income over three times the minimum level required for exemption from health care participation expenses, health insurance covering their entire period of stay, proof of accommodation in Italy and at least six months of work experience as a digital nomad or remote worker.

To view entire article, click here.