Weekly Immigration Update: November 22–30, 2023

Luxembourg, November 30, 2023
Authorities Pause Issuance of Immigration Documents Pending Department Overhaul

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Immigration Department has ceased issuing all immigration-related documentation amid a reorganization of immigration responsibilities within the government following the October 2023 parliamentary elections. It is currently unclear when the Department will restart issuing documentation.
• All foreign workers currently in Luxembourg who are awaiting either initial or extended work permits will not lose their legal migration status if their immigration documentation expires during this time. However, any travel plans should be reconsidered as such foreign nationals would not be able to return to Luxembourg under expired documentation.
• Affected individuals and employers may need to postpone work start dates.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Canada, November 29, 2023
Certain Details of Upcoming Wage Review Requirements Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Clarified 

• Effective January 1, 2024, employers of foreign nationals employed in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will be required to annually review their foreign worker employees’ wages to ensure that they reflect increases to prevailing wage rates suitable for the occupation and the region.
• Government authorities have clarified the method and process for the annual wage review, which will include a wage review at the beginning of a foreign worker’s period of employment and subsequent reviews by January 1 of each year of employment.
• Employers should review and revise their internal processes to make sure that they comply with new wage review requirements.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Vietnam, November 29, 2023
Deadline for Semi-Annual Report on Foreign Nationals Forthcoming

• Employers sponsoring foreign nationals working in Vietnam must file the second of the required semi-annual reports by January 5, 2024.
• Foreign nationals working in Vietnam from December 15, 2022 to December 14, 2023 must be included in the January 2024 report.
• Failure to file the report may result in administrative fines for employers and possible delays in subsequent foreign labor demand or work permit applications.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Sweden, November 24, 2023
Fast Track Company Registration Program to Close

• The Swedish Migration Agency has announced that the Fast Track company registration program (under which registered companies benefit from expedited and streamlined processing) will close on December 15, 2023.
• The program will be replaced by a new work permit processing system starting on January 29, 2024.
• Employers and foreign nationals should anticipate processing delays for Fast Track (and potentially other) work permit and renewal applications lodged between December 15, 2023, and January 28, 2024, which may result in delays in work start dates in Sweden.
• Where possible, sponsoring employers should try to submit Fast Track work permit applications as soon as possible and prior to December 15, 2023, to benefit from Fast Track processing.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Canada/United States, November 22, 2023
UPDATE: Rainbow Bridge Remains Closed but Other Niagara-Area Ports of Entry Are Operational

• After an explosion earlier today, the Rainbow Bridge crossing at the U.S.-Canada border remains closed, but the Peace Bridge and Lewiston/Queenston crossings have reopened.
• Buffalo International Airport is fully operational despite earlier news reports of suspended international flights, though additional security measures remain in place.

To view entire article, click here.