Important Updates
Important Updates
October 1, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Senators Grassley and Durbin Introduce H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act
October 2, 2025 | NamibiaNamibia: New Online Visa-on-Arrival Launched
October 2, 2025Somalia: Electronic Travel Authorization Launched
October 2, 2025 | United StatesThe Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa
October 1, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Federal Government Enters a Shutdown, Though Most Immigration Functions Remain in Operation
October 1, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Senators Grassley and Durbin Introduce H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act
October 2, 2025 | NamibiaNamibia: New Online Visa-on-Arrival Launched
October 2, 2025Somalia: Electronic Travel Authorization Launched
October 2, 2025 | United StatesThe Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa
October 1, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Federal Government Enters a Shutdown, Though Most Immigration Functions Remain in Operation
October 1, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Senators Grassley and Durbin Introduce H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act
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Weekly Immigration Update: January 6–12, 2023

January 12, 2023

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In immigration news this week:

  • Worldwide: As we enter the endemic phase of the COVID-19 era, travel restrictions and health requirements are waning based on growing vaccination initiatives, though some countries are imposing testing requirements for travelers from Mainland China, Macau SAR and/or Hong Kong SAR. We are tracking related updates on our COVID-19 website.
  • Spain: The Spanish government has implemented a remote work visa (called the International Teleworking Visa) and related residence permit, and has adopted several changes to visas issued under the Entrepreneur’s Act.
  • United States: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has modified the numerical limits applicable to paroles from Venezuela and expanded eligibility for parole to citizens of Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua.
  • Vietnam: The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labor (DOLISA) will cease to apply the relaxed rules and flexible requirements for work permit applications that were put in place with a pandemic-era government resolution.
  • Finland: The government has introduced several relaxed visa requirements, including D visa eligibility expansion, and fast track eligibility for resident permits and D visas, among others.
  • Minimum salary updates: Azerbaijan and Luxembourg have revised minimum salary requirements. See our consolidated alert for details.
  • European Union/Ukraine: Austria and Finland have updated their guidance for temporary protection status holders. See our consolidated alert for details.

These items and other news from Belgium, Cyprus, Ghana, Greece, Latvia, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

Important updates in immigration this week

Finland, January 12, 2023
Relaxed Visa Requirements Introduced

  • The government of Finland has introduced or will soon introduce multiple changes which relax its regulations governing visas.
  • These changes include the expansion of D visa eligibility, Fast Track eligibility for residence permits and D visas, and the use of the Finnish Incomes Register for certain extension applications to confirm a fair salary is being paid.
  • The government expects these changes will reduce processing times and streamline immigration processes, which should help to attract skilled talent to Finland

To view entire article, click here.

 

Vietnam, January 11, 2023
Stricter Immigration Rules Implemented for Ho Chi Minh City Work Permit Applications

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labour (DOLISA) announced that it will revert to stricter immigration rules for work permit applications, including:

  • Removal of working location reports that previously allowed current work permit holders to work in another province or region in Vietnam for up to six months;
  • Previously-issued work permits will no longer be accepted to prove the applicant’s work experience for a new work permit application filed under Decree 152;
  • Higher scrutiny and implementation of educational qualification requirements related to job positions; and
  • Implementation of the requirement to notarize or legalize passport copies that are submitted with work permit applications.

These rule changes, among others, are expected to increase the mobility-related administrative hurdles in Vietnam that were previously eased by a pandemic-era government resolution.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, January 6, 2023
DHS Increases Numerical Limit on Venezuela Parole Program and Expands Parole Process to Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua

  • The Biden Administration has authorized a combined total of up to 30,000 parole travel authorizations per month from the countries of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
  • Starting today, citizens of Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua and their immediate family members can be sponsored for parole via this expanded DHS entry program, while citizens of Venezuela will continue to be eligible for parole under the existing program that was launched in October 2022.
  • To qualify, applicants must be outside the United States, be a citizen of one of the covered countries or the spouse, common law partner, or unmarried child of such a citizen, and undergo security vetting, along with several other criteria.
  • U.S. sponsors initiate the process by filing a declaration of support with USCIS, certifying their commitment to provide financial and other support to named beneficiaries.
  • Approved beneficiaries are eligible for parole into the United States and work authorization for up to two years.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Spain, January 6, 2023
Remote Work Visa Introduced; Entrepreneur’s Act Rules Relaxed

  • The Spanish government has implemented the long-awaited remote work visa which offers a one-year stay (with the possibility for a renewal) with 10-business day processing to select teleworkers.
  • The government has also relaxed rules related to permits under the Entrepreneur’s Act, including extending the maximum initial validity of permits, and expanding the definition of ‘highly qualified professional’ and ‘entrepreneurial activity,’ among other key changes.

To view entire article, click here.

Other weekly news briefs

Belgium, January 9, 2023
Processing Fees Increase

Belgium, January 10, 2023
Wallonia Significantly Expands Shortage Occupation List

Belgium, January 11, 2023
In-Country Status Change Extended

Cyprus, January 9, 2023
Amendments Made to Temporary Residence Permit Policies

Ghana, January 12, 2023
Relaxation of Pre-Approval Travel Requirement for Foreign Nationals

Greece, January 12, 2023
Proof of Submission of Residence Permits Now Being Issued

Latvia, January 11, 2023
Live Queue for Residence Permit Issuance Forthcoming

Morocco, January 11, 2023
E-Visa Expanded to More Nationalities

Netherlands, January 6, 2023
Processing Fees Adjusted

Poland, January 12, 2023
National Visa Application Submission Deadline Extended for Belarusian and Ukrainian Nationals

Portugal, January 12, 2023
Residence Cards Automatically Extended

Qatar, January 12, 2023
Issuance of Short-Term Work Visas and Other Visitor Visas Resumes

Russia, January 10, 2023
Fourth Quarter HQS Notifications Due January 31

Russia, January 11, 2023
Fingerprinting Location No Longer Dependent on Address Registration

United Arab Emirates, January 6, 2023
Upcoming Deadline for Private Sector Employment Contracts to be Converted to Limited Term

United Arab Emirates, January 10, 2023
Emiratization Rate for Legal Sector Companies Announced

United Kingdom, January 9, 2023
First APAC Youth Mobility Scheme Application Ballot Period Now Open

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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Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

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Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

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Learn more

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Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

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Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

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Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

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Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

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