Important Updates
Important Updates
August 5, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
August 6, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Stricter Enforcement of Tax and Social Security Compliance in Immigration Applications
August 6, 2025 | PanamaPanama: Government Reporting Requirement Enforced; Strict Penalties May Apply
August 6, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: August 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
August 5, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: New Immigration Rules: What Construction Employers Need to Know
August 5, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
August 6, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Stricter Enforcement of Tax and Social Security Compliance in Immigration Applications
August 6, 2025 | PanamaPanama: Government Reporting Requirement Enforced; Strict Penalties May Apply
August 6, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: August 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
August 5, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: New Immigration Rules: What Construction Employers Need to Know
August 5, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
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 AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • 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
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

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
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Weekly Immigration Update: December 22–28, 2023

December 28, 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:

  • United States: Effective January 1, 2024, the State Department has indefinitely extended and expanded its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program.
  • Minimum salary updates: The Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine have increased their minimum salaries. See our consolidated alert for details. 
  • The United Kingdom: It has been confirmed that those in the Skilled Work Route, and applications made before the rules change in Q2 2024, will not be subject to the new GBP 38,700 salary threshold when they change employment, extend their status, or settle in the United Kingdom. See the update in this alert.

These items and other news from Canada, Iraq, Jordan, Namibia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

Important updates in immigration this week

Hong Kong SAR, December 28, 2023
Further Details Released on Relaunch of Residency-by-Investment Scheme

  • The Hong Kong SAR government announced additional details of the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), which is a reopening of a residency-by-investment scheme which was suspended in 2015.
  • Eligible applicants can be from any country and will have to prove that they have minimum net assets of HK 30,000,000 and show that they have met certain investment requirements. The residence permit will be initially granted for up to two years.
  • The CIES program is expected to open for applicants in mid-2024.

To view entire article, click here.


United Arab Emirates,
December 28, 2023
Suspension of Employment Sponsorship Transfer in Effect Across Free Zones in Dubai

  • Effective immediately, employers of foreign nationals can no longer benefit from the streamlined employment sponsorship transfer option.
  • As a result, employers in free zones seeking to hire a foreign national who is currently employed by a company within the same free zone or in another free zone in the Emirate of Dubai, must now follow the standard immigration process.
  • The change in policy is expected to increase onboarding times for foreign nationals in these jurisdictions, which could potentially delay start dates.
  • While the suspension has been confirmed by several major free zones in the Emirate of Dubai, authorities have not announced if it is a temporary or permanent change.
  • In addition, dependents should be aware that they cannot exit and re-enter the United Arab Emirates during the gap in the principal applicant’s employment (or self-employment if that is the case) by the principal applicant.

To view entire article, click here.


United States,
December 27, 2023  
Premium Processing Fees Will Increase Effective February 26

  • The premium processing fee for I-140 immigrant worker petitions and most Form I-129 nonimmigrant worker petitions will increase to $2805, from $2500. Fees for premium processing of certain other petitions and applications will also increase.
  • The new fees will take effect for filings postmarked on or after February 26, 2024.

To view entire article, click here.

Hungary, December 27, 2023  
Suspension of Immigration Processing and Forthcoming New Immigration Laws

  • The Hungarian government has announced that they will not process most pending or new immigration applications between January 1, 2024 and February 29, 2024 to adjust to recently published new immigration laws, which will go into effect on January 1, 2024.
  • The new laws will significantly change the immigration landscape in Hungary with key changes including: a separate work permit category for Serbian and Ukrainian nationals and significant restrictions on “unskilled” workers.
  • While the new immigration laws were published on December 22, 2023, implementing regulations have not yet been released which will set out the application of the laws.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, December 22, 2023
State Department Announces Extension and Expansion of the Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waiver Program

  • The U.S. State Department’s visa interview waiver program has been extended effective January 1, 2024. The program will remain in effect indefinitely and will be reviewed annually.
  • The classes of applicants eligible for the program have been expanded and now cover: (1) eligible first-time H-2 visa applicants; and (2) eligible foreign nationals applying for any nonimmigrant visa category if they were previously issued a nonimmigrant visa in any category (unless their only prior visa was a B visitor visa) and they are applying within 48 months of the expiration of their most recent visa.
  • The separate interview waiver program for certain applicants renewing a visa in the same category within 48 months of expiration remains in effect on an indefinite basis.
  • U.S. consulates are not required to implement these interview waiver policies but may do so as local conditions and resources allow.

To view entire article, click here.

Other weekly news briefs

Canada, December 21, 2023
Temporary Immigration Measures Introduced for Individuals from Israel and the Palestinian Territories Affected by the Israel-Hamas War

Iraq, December 27, 2023
New Law Changed Retirement Age, Added Registration Fees for Foreign Employees and Increased Pension Contributions

Jordan/Rwanda, December 28, 2023
Visa Waiver Introduced in Rwanda; Forthcoming in Jordan

Namibia, December 22, 2023
Visa-on-Arrival Expanded to Three Additional Border Posts

Saudi Arabia, December 22, 2023
Saudization Requirements Announced for Sales Professions in the Insurance Sector

South Africa, December 22, 2023
Additional Concession Granted for Individuals With Pending Applications Due to Processing Delays

Taiwan, December 28, 2023
Relaxed Deadlines for Foreign National Residents and Overstay Fines Implemented

Thailand, December 22, 2023
10-Year Sponsored Investor Visa Forthcoming

United Arab Emirates, December 28, 2023
New Private Teacher Work Permit Launched

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

Blog post

Chile: Preparing for Possible Revocation of US ESTA Eligibility

Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Learn more

Blog post

Hiring in Kuwait: What Employers Need to Know About Work Visas, Talent Mobility and Business Potential in 2025

Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Learn more

Podcast

Michali Henig on Transforming Global Mobility at HelloFresh

Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: New Immigration Rules: What Construction Employers Need to Know

Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen Named 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards Finalists

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Learn more

Video

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Fast-Track Your Path to Canada PR

Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond the Oil: Understanding Iraq’s Evolving Compliance Landscape

Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Nigerian Students Among Those Hit With 3-Month US Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: More Universities Put on ‘Action Plans’ as Home Office Gets Tough

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年7月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Law360: Grappling With Workforce-Related Immigration Enforcement

Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.

Learn more

Blog post

Updating Articles of Association (AoA) in Saudi Arabia: What Companies Need to Know

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.

Learn more

Blog post

Chile: Preparing for Possible Revocation of US ESTA Eligibility

Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Learn more

Blog post

Hiring in Kuwait: What Employers Need to Know About Work Visas, Talent Mobility and Business Potential in 2025

Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Learn more

Podcast

Michali Henig on Transforming Global Mobility at HelloFresh

Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: New Immigration Rules: What Construction Employers Need to Know

Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen Named 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards Finalists

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Learn more

Video

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Fast-Track Your Path to Canada PR

Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond the Oil: Understanding Iraq’s Evolving Compliance Landscape

Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Nigerian Students Among Those Hit With 3-Month US Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: More Universities Put on ‘Action Plans’ as Home Office Gets Tough

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年7月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Law360: Grappling With Workforce-Related Immigration Enforcement

Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.

Learn more

Blog post

Updating Articles of Association (AoA) in Saudi Arabia: What Companies Need to Know

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.

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.