Important Updates
Important Updates
October 17, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Second Court Challenge to New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee is Filed
October 17, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
October 17, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Mandatory Insurance for Foreign Employees
October 17, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Online Temporary Work Permit Submission Process
October 17, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
October 17, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Second Court Challenge to New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee is Filed
October 17, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
October 17, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Mandatory Insurance for Foreign Employees
October 17, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Online Temporary Work Permit Submission Process
October 17, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
October 17, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Second Court Challenge to New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee is Filed
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
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 AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • 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
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

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
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Weekly Immigration Update: November 17–22, 2023

November 22, 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:

  • Israel/Palestinian Territories: The Israeli Ministry of Interior is accepting visa waiver applications from B-1 work visa applicants seeking consular processing in countries where the Israeli consulate is currently non-operational due to security concerns. Also, U.S. citizens with Palestinian passports/identification cards currently cannot request to enter Israel visa-free for visits up to 90 days for business, tourism or transit. Access our consolidated alert for updates – this alert will be updated on an ongoing basis – please check the alert frequently. Also check our dedicated page for relevant information.
  • India/Canada: Indian consular posts have resumed issuing electronic business visas for Canadian nationals. See our alert for details.
  • United States: An additional 64,716 H-2B visas will be made available in Fiscal Year 2024, nearly doubling the number of H-2B visas that would otherwise be available.
  • Minimum salary updates: Morocco has updated its minimum salary levels for certain sectors. See our consolidated alert for details.
  • European Union/Schengen Area: Italy has extended internal border checks into December 2023. See our consolidated alert for details.
  • United Kingdom: Significant fine increases for businesses and landlords who hire or rent to foreign nationals who lack the requisite permits are now expected to come into force on January 22, 2024 at the earliest. See our alert for details.
  • Finland: In addition to other recent closures, the Vartius border crossing has been temporarily closed from November 21, 2023 until November 27, 2023. See our alert for details.

These items and other news from Canada, Costa Rica, Finland, India, Mainland China, and United Arab Emirates follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

Important updates in immigration this week

United States, November 17, 2023
Temporary Final Rule Provides for an Additional 64,716 H-2B Visas in FY 2024

  • A Temporary Final Rule (TFR) published today will make available an additional 64,716 H-2B visas in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, nearly doubling the number of H-2B visas that would otherwise be available this fiscal year.
  • Of the additional visas, 44,716 will be made available to returning H-2B workers, and the remaining 20,000 will be reserved for nationals of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras.
  • The additional H-2B visas will be made available in a series of allocations over the course of FY 2024, tied to case type and requested start date, with varying filing timelines.
  • The TFR also includes provisions to protect both U.S. and H-2B workers, including additional scrutiny for employers that have committed certain labor law violations in the H-2B program. 

To view entire article, click here.

 

Ireland, November 17, 2023
Department of Justice to Manage Stamp 4 Permission Application Process

Effective November 30, 2023, the Department of Justice will take over assessment of Stamp 4 permission applications based on employment, and the Department of Enterprise will no longer play an eligibility assessment role in the process. With this transition:

  • New eligibility criteria will apply: For Stamp 4 applicants, who need to show 21 months of employment in Ireland on the basis of a relevant Employment Permit, the 21-month period will only commence when the applicant has registered their Stamp 1 permission with the Department of Justice; and
  • Critical Skills Employment Permit holders (among other permit holders) will no longer need to receive a support letter from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment as part of the Stamp 4 permission application process.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Germany, November 17, 2023
New EU Blue Card Rules in Force from November 18

  • Effective November 18, 2023, Germany will introduce new EU Blue Card requirements, establishing a more relaxed EU Blue Card framework.
  • Under the reforms, Germany has expanded the list of shortage occupations, lowered salary threshold for the EU Blue Card, eased rules regarding family reunification and changes of employer for EU Blue Card holders.
  • The reform is part of Germany adhering to the requirements of the 2021 EU Blue Card Directive, which set a national transposition deadline of November 18, 2023.

To view entire article, click here.

Other weekly news briefs

Costa Rica, November 22, 2023
Technical Issues with Online Visa Application System Causing Delays

Finland, November 21, 2023
Four Border Crossing with Russia to Close on November 18

India/Canada, November 22, 2023
Update on Temporary Suspension of Indian Visa Services; Issuance of Electronic Business Visas for Canadian Nationals Resumes

Mainland China, November 21, 2023
New Transit Visa Exemption for Norwegian Nationals

United Arab Emirates, November 17, 2023
Special Entry Permit Required for Blue Zone Participants at the COP28 Global Summit

United Kingdom, November 22, 2023
Government Proposes to Expand Business Visitor Visa and Youth Mobility Schemes

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

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Times: Bye bye, Dubai: why families are heading for Abu Dhabi

Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Learn more

Video

Important Update for Brazil-Bound Visitors | #MobilityMinute

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Learn more

Blog post

Changes to Skilled Worker Dependants: How UK Government’s July 2025 Rules Affect Tech Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht

Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Times: Bye bye, Dubai: why families are heading for Abu Dhabi

Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Learn more

Video

Important Update for Brazil-Bound Visitors | #MobilityMinute

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Learn more

Blog post

Changes to Skilled Worker Dependants: How UK Government’s July 2025 Rules Affect Tech Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht

Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

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.