Weekly Immigration Update: May 20–26, 2022

Bahrain: Grace Period Ending Soon for Third Implementation Phase of Wage Protection System – The grace period for phase three of the Wage Protection System in Bahrain, which has been effective since January 1, 2022, and applies to companies with up to 49 employees, will end on June 30, 2022. In April 2021, the Labor Market Regulatory Authority announced the implementation of the Wage Protection System in the private sector in Bahrain. The program was introduced in three phases based on the size of the company, with phase three starting January 1, 2022. Companies have been given a grace period to allow time to overcome technical issues in the first six months of their use of the program. Companies will be subject to penalties if they fail to comply with the registration requirements and do not adhere to the system.   

Canada: Increased Proof of Funds Amounts for Certain Express Entry Permanent Residence Applicants – On June 9, 2022, the minimum amount of funds required will increase for foreign nationals applying for permanent residence through the Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program. The minimum amounts depend on family size and are detailed here. Foreign nationals applying for permanent residence through this program must have the minimum required amount of funds readily available (in a bank or financial institution) both at the time of application and when the permanent residence visa is issued. Those who already created and submitted their Express Entry profile may need to update their fund amounts and must do so by June 8, 2022.These individuals will maintain their rank within the selection process according to the date and time they initially submitted their profile. Foreign nationals applying under the Canadian Experience Class, or those who are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, are not subject to the proof of funds requirement. Affected applicants should contact their immigration professional for case-specific advice.  

Estonia: Two Quota-Exempt Short-Term Work Authorizations Introduced – The government has introduced two types of residence permits that are exempt from the immigration quota requirements. Foreign nationals who have worked in Estonia on a short-term work permit with the same employer for at least nine months can apply for a non-renewable short-term residence permit for up to two years without being subject to the immigration quota. Additionally, foreign nationals hired by “growth companies” can apply for a residence permit for employment in growth companies that will similarly be exempt from the immigration quota. Growth companies are defined as employers who have been active for at least ten years; have at least 50 employees; pay at least EUR one million in payroll taxes and have grown at least 20% in the last three years. Employers will, however, have to meet regular salary criteria for their foreign nationals, which must be at least equal to 80% of the annual average wages in Estonia.

The Philippines: In-Person Appearances Resume for Visa Renewals and Emigration Clearance Certificates at the Bureau of Immigration Office – Foreign nationals applying for visa renewals must resume appearing in person at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) as part of the registration requirement under the Alien Registration Program. Furthermore, foreign nationals must again appear at the BI to obtain Emigration Clearance Certificates (ECCs) at least 72 hours before their departure from the Philippines if they have remained in the country for more than six months. The Philippine government suspended both the in-person biometrics submission and the ECC application requirements to limit person-to-person contact during the COVID-19 pandemic but has now reinstated the requirements to ensure the accuracy of government records.

Portugal: Non-Visa-Related Appointments Still Unavailable; Delays in New Delhi Persist – As an update, non-visa-related appointments continue to remain unavailable. Affected individuals can continue residing and working in Portugal until appointments become available but are advised to limit travel outside of Portugal unless they are visa-exempt, in which case they can travel within the Schengen Area. Affected spouses and children can continue to reside in Portugal, but are not permitted to work, and are similarly travel restricted. Additionally, Portuguese visa applications filed in New Delhi are taking six months to process (above the standard one- to two-month processing time).

Sierra Leone: National Identity Number to be Required for Work and Residence Permit Applications – Effective June 1, 2022, the National Civil Registration Authority, Immigration Department, the Ministry of Labor, and the Department of Social Security announced that work and residence permit applications in Sierra Leone will require a National Identity Number (NIN). As of June 1, all foreign nationals intending to work and reside in Sierra Leone must obtain a NIN prior to submitting an application at the National Civil Registration Authority. However, documentary requirements for this application have not yet been announced. The new requirement is being implemented to ensure that the identities of foreign nationals are properly registered for security purposes.

United Arab Emirates: Electronic Issuance of Residence Permits Implemented in Most Emirates – The United Arab Emirates is now issuing residence permits electronically, instead of endorsing foreign nationals’ passports with a residence visa stamp. As a result of this new process, foreign nationals must use their Emirates Identity Card as proof of residency status and for international travel. While the Emirate of Dubai has chosen not to follow this new process, the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is issuing electronic residence permits, and will also endorse a residence permit in a foreign national’s passport if it is submitted in person by a company’s public relations officer. No further details have been announced on when the rest of Dubai will begin issuing residence permits electronically.