Weekly Immigration Update: November 17–22, 2023
November 22, 2023
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.
