• Insights

Weekly Immigration Update: April 7–13, 2023

April 13, 2023

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:

  • France: A new law allows the filing of several additional family-based residence permit application types through ANEF, the national online portal.
  • Mainland China: On November 7, 2023, Mainland China will accede to the “Apostille Convention,” which will allow documents originating in Mainland China, and those legalized according to treaty requirements, to be accepted in other Hague member countries.

These items and other news from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cameroon, Hong Kong SAR, Russia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

Important updates in immigration this week

France, April 7, 2023
Online Filing System Expanded

  • The national online filing portal, ANEF, has expanded to allow the filing of several additional family-based residence permit application types, as the digitalization of French immigration progresses.
  • The applications of the following applicants, among others, must now be filed on the ANEF portal: Family members of EU/European Economic Area(EEA)/Swiss citizens (third country nationals); spouses of French citizens; and parents of minor French citizens.
  • The ANEF online filing portal is expected to harmonize and simplify the filing process and documents required for many immigration processes while avoiding long appointment waiting times.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Mainland China, April 7, 2023
Accession to Hague’s Apostille Convention

  • On November 7, 2023, Mainland China will join the Convention Abolishing the Requirements of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, commonly referred to as the “Apostille Convention” or the “Hague Convention”.
  • Mainland China’s accession to the Apostille convention will allow documents originating in Mainland China, such as education certificates and birth certificates, and those legalized according to the requirements of the treaty, to be accepted in the other Hague member countries. It is likely that it will also allow documents similarly processed and originating from other Hague member countries to be accepted in Mainland China; this will be confirmed closer to November.
  • The new process streamlines recruitment and immigration processing for employers and foreign nationals in Mainland China by reducing processing times and avoiding complicated legalization steps at consulates. It also streamlines immigration processes for Mainland Chinese nationals in the other Hague member countries. However, individuals should expect temporary delays as the new process is implemented across consulates.

To view entire article, click here.

Other weekly news briefs

Azerbaijan, April 13, 2023
Labor Migration Quota Reminder

Bahrain, April 10, 2023
Golden License for Investors Launched

Cameroon, April 10, 2023
E-Visa Implementation Date Announced

Hong Kong SAR, April 12, 2023
Enhanced Appointment Booking System for Hong Kong Identification Card Applications Forthcoming

Russia, April 11, 2023
Rule for Visa Applications for Relatives of Russian Citizens Relaxed

Singapore, April 11, 2023
New COMPASS Details Announced

United Arab Emirates, April 12, 2023
A New Initiative to Promote Emiratization in Manufacturing and Technology Industries Announced

United States, April 10, 2023
March 2023 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times

Worldwide, April 13, 2023
Government Closures for Eid-al-Fitr Holiday

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

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more

Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Workers

In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more

Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Workers

In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.

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 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

  • 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
  • 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
Important Updates
Important Updates
June 23, 2026 | JapanJapan: Visa Issuance Fees to Increase Effective July 2026
June 24, 2026 | GuyanaGuyana: New In-Person Requirement for Work Permit Endorsement
June 24, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Premium Residency Holders Now Require Work Permits
June 24, 2026 | VietnamVietnam: eID Requirement Forthcoming for All Administrative Procedures
June 23, 2026 | GhanaGhana: New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and eVisa Requirements; Visa-on-Arrival Discontinued
June 23, 2026 | JapanJapan: Visa Issuance Fees to Increase Effective July 2026
June 24, 2026 | GuyanaGuyana: New In-Person Requirement for Work Permit Endorsement
June 24, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Premium Residency Holders Now Require Work Permits
June 24, 2026 | VietnamVietnam: eID Requirement Forthcoming for All Administrative Procedures
June 23, 2026 | GhanaGhana: New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and eVisa Requirements; Visa-on-Arrival Discontinued
June 23, 2026 | JapanJapan: Visa Issuance Fees to Increase Effective July 2026
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.