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September 4, 2025 | OmanOman: New Licensing Requirement for Select Roles 
September 5, 2025 | SingaporeFragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners
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September 5, 2025 | United StatesTimes of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers
September 5, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Announces End of Temporary Protected Status for 2021 Venezuela Designation
September 4, 2025 | OmanOman: New Licensing Requirement for Select Roles 
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Weekly Immigration Update: August 11–17, 2023

August 17, 2023

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In immigration news this week:

  • United States: F-1 students who have applied for or are working on optional practical training (OPT) or who are or will be the beneficiary of a petition to change status to H-1B in this year’s H-1B cap filing season should understand the risks and requirements of international travel.
  • Oman: A new labor law that overhauls the immigration system has taken effect.
  • Belarus: The foreign national employee regime has undergone multiple changes, some that relax requirements for employers and employees seeking to work in the country, and others that result in stricter related measures.
  • Serbia: Additional work and residence permit changes have gone into effect earlier than expected. See our news brief for updated details.
  • Worldwide/Russia: Italy has halted its Golden Visa program for Russian and Belarusian nationals. See the ‘Other related issues and impacts’ section of our consolidated alert for details.

These items and other news from Israel, Italy, Kuwait, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

Important updates in immigration this week

Belarus, August 17, 2023
New Work Permit Exemption Among Multiple Changes to Immigration Rules

Belarus’s foreign national employee regime has recently undergone multiple changes, including, among others:

  • Eligible business travelers and those individuals in roles included on a government list of unrestricted foreign employee categories may qualify for a new work permit exemption;
  • Employers no longer need to apply for an additional permit when seeking to hire more than 10 foreign nationals;
  • Employers are no longer required to register foreign national employment agreements, although they must now notify migration authorities within three business days of the commencement or termination (and, in certain cases, the extension) of foreign national employment agreements; and
  • With some exceptions, employers can no longer enter a certain type of fixed-term employment agreement with foreign employees, which provided certain employee benefits.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, August 14, 2023
Reminder: Travel Tips for F-1 Students on OPT or Planning a Change of Status to H-1B

  • If you are an F-1 student who has applied for or is working on optional practical training (OPT) or who is or will be the beneficiary of a petition to change status to H-1B in this year’s H-1B cap filing season, make sure you understand the risks and requirements of international travel.
  • Traveling abroad while awaiting a change of status to H-1B could affect your F-1 status, your ability to change status, and your ability to reenter the United States.
  • The summer transfer season for consular officers at U.S. consulates abroad may impact visa processing in the coming months.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Oman, August 14, 2023
New Labor Law Overhauls Immigration System

  • The government of Oman issued a new labor law which is in immediate effect and replaces regulations originally issued in 2003.
  • The new law applies to all employers and employees, except those whose work is regulated by special law or regulations.
  • Notable changes include a reduction of minimum weekly working hours, new mandatory employment contract terms, new possible forms of employment, the ability to change employers, and new rules surrounding Omanization, among others.
  • The law is expected to promote transparency in workers’ rights while maintaining a balanced and beneficial employment relationship for both employers and employees.

To view entire article, click here. 

Other weekly news briefs

Israel, August 16, 2023
Temporary Pause on Issuance of Apostille Stamps

Italy, August 17, 2023
Study to Work Permit Conversion No Longer Subject to Quota

Kuwait, August 16, 2023
Cultural and Social Activities Visa Announced

Philippines, August 16, 2023
Updated Entry/Exit Requirements After Proof of Vaccination Status Requirement Eliminated

Saudi Arabia, August 14, 2023
Electronic Visa Waiver Program Launched

United States, August 15, 2023
Global Entry Opens to Eligible Citizens of the Dominican Republic

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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