Weekly Immigration Update: March 10–16, 2023

Panama, March 14, 2023
Significant Work Permit Reforms Implemented

• The Ministry of Labor has published a decree which restructures Panama’s work permit categories and implements numerous other changes to work permit regulations.
• Under the decree, there are overall stricter quota requirements for employers in Panama but relaxed quota requirements for short-term technicians; stricter work permit rules for SEM and EMMA visa holders; stricter documentary requirements for certain employers; and new work permit options for self-employed foreign nationals and students, among numerous other changes.
• Though the decree is effective immediately, the Ministry has granted a grace period until March 31, 2023 so that foreign nationals who already hold a valid work permit in Panama or submit their work permit application on or before that date are unaffected by the changes

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United States, March 13, 2023
FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registration Period Closes March 17

• Employers and their immigration counsel have until Friday, March 17 at noon ET to submit registrations for the FY 2024 H-1B cap lottery.
• Employers should work with their Fragomen team to complete their review and approval of draft registrations as soon as possible.
• USCIS is expected to receive a very large number of online registrations during the registration period. Technical issues are possible as a result. Early completion and submission can help minimize problems.

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United States, March 13, 2023
DHS Extends and Redesignates Somalia for Temporary Protected Status; Expands Employment Options for Somali F-1 Students

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended and redesignated Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), from March 18, 2023 to September 17, 2024.
• The registration period for new TPS applicants will run from March 13, 2023 to September 17, 2024. Eligible individuals will also be able to apply for TPS-related employment authorization documents (EADs) and travel permission during this time.
• Current Somali TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their benefits will be required to re-register between March 13, 2023 and May 12, 2023. Those whose current EADs will expire before receiving a new one will receive an automatic extension through March 17, 2024.
• DHS has also announced that it will suspend certain employment authorization restrictions for Somali students in F-1 status who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the crisis in Somalia.

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United States, March 10, 2023
CDC Lifts COVID Test Requirement for Travel from China

• As of March 10, 2023 at 3pm ET, there is no longer a COVID test requirement for air travelers coming from Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Nonimmigrants traveling to the United States from abroad remain subject to COVID vaccination requirements, unless eligible for an exception.

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