Weekly Immigration Update: March 15–21, 2024

Taiwan, March 21, 2024
Overstay Ban and Fines Restricted; Extension Policy Relaxed, in New Immigration Policy Updates

The Taiwanese government adopted several key changes to its immigration policy, particularly regarding entry bans, related fines, extensions of right of stay, and government notifications, including:

• Allowing extensions for visitor visa holders;
• Extending the amount of days by which foreign nationals must notify the government if they change their address;
• Extending the time by which foreign nationals must apply for an Alien Resident Certificate from their date of entry; and
• Extending certain entry ban durations.

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United States, March 18, 2024
FY 2025 H-1B Cap Registration Period Closes March 22

• Employers and their immigration counsel have until Friday, March 22, at noon ET to submit registrations for the FY 2025 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 rolled out a new registration system this year and is expected to again receive a large number of registrations. Continuing technical issues are possible, so early completion and submission of registrations can help minimize problems.

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United Kingdom, March 14, 2024
New Statement of Changes Further Restricts Immigration through Increased Salary Requirements, Among Other Restrictions

Among other updates, the new Statement of Changes will:

• Increase the minimum general salary threshold and ‘going rates’ for the Skilled Worker Route, effective April 4, 2024;
• Abolish the Shortage Occupation List and replace it with the Immigration Salary List, effective April 4, 2024;
• Broaden the work that a sponsored worker can perform outside sponsored work, effective April 4, 2024; and
• Increase Family Route minimum salary requirements, effective April 11, 2024.

These changes are intended to reduce net migration to the United Kingdom.

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Romania, March 15, 2024
EU Blue Card Regulations Implemented Alongside Other Reforms

Effective March 8, 2024, Romania has implemented laws which relax its EU Blue Card framework (in line with the revised EU Blue Card Directive), as well as other changes, including extending permit validity periods and relaxing access to certain work permits. Key EU Blue Card-related changes include:

• EU Blue Card permits may now be valid for up to three years;
• Certain EU Blue Card applicants may also be eligible based on professional experience alone; and
• Relaxed family reunification eligibility, business activity rules, and employment contract duration requirements.

These changes, which largely relax both EU Blue Card and non-EU Blue Card immigration pathways, are likely to increase the attractiveness of Romania to highly skilled foreign workers, and reduce talent management challenges for employers.

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