Weekly Immigration Update: November 24–December 1, 2022

Germany, November 30, 2022
Updates on Digitalization, Delays, and Policy Development

• German authorities have been piloting an online filing platform for EU Blue Card and pre-approval applications in certain districts.
• The government has also opened more central immigration offices, implementing fast-track processing in select immigration departments.
• Despite these efforts, processing delays continue to worsen country-wide due to residual COVID-19 backlog, the war in Ukraine and staff shortages.

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United Arab Emirates, November 30, 2022
New Long-Term National Strategy Program Announced

• The UAE government launched a national program, “We the UAE 2031”, which is expected to have an impact on the country’s approach towards immigration, investment, and employment, among other policies.
• The program aligns with wider government objectives, with key goals including increased localization efforts, developing the healthcare sector, development of policies that contribute to economic growth, increasing non-oil exports and tourism, among other objectives.

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Hong Kong SAR, November 30, 2022
Immigration Department Extends Online Services to All Visa Applications

• Effective November 29, 2022, electronic services for visa applications have been extended to all visa application types including visas/entry permits for visits, employment, investment, training, residence and study.
• Applicants can now complete the entire visa application process online, including application submission and payment and collection of visa/entry permits.
• Where preferred, physical filing methods are still in place, allowing applicants to submit all visa application types and pay the visa fee by mail or in person.

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Philippines, November 30, 2022
Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card Registration Due March 1, 2023

• Unless exempt, foreign nationals who hold a valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), such as long-term work visa holders in the Philippines, are now required to appear in person at the Bureau of Immigration (BI)’s designated venues to file their Annual Report (AR).
• Per informal advice from the BI, non-exempt foreign nationals may still authorize their Fragomen immigration professional to file the AR on their behalf, which would waive the foreign national’s personal appearance requirement. An additional filing fee applies for individuals who do not personally appear.
• Fines will be imposed for the non-filing or late filing of the AR. Fragomen recommends that the AR registration be completed before March 1, 2023 to avoid other adverse immigration impacts such as delays to renewal applications.

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Saudi Arabia, November 29, 2022
Police Clearance Certificate Waived for Select Indian Nationals Applying for Work Entry Visas

• Effective immediately, Indian nationals applying for a Saudi work entry visa are no longer required to submit a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) if they apply through the Saudi Consulate in Mumbai or New Delhi.
• The waiver is expected to significantly decrease processing times for the work entry visa, as obtaining a PCC normally takes up to a few months.

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Vietnam, November 28, 2022
Deadline for Second Semi-Annual Report on Foreign Nationals Forthcoming

• Employers sponsoring foreign nationals working in Vietnam must file the second of the required semi-annual report by January 5, 2023.
• Foreign nationals working in Vietnam from December 15, 2021 to December 14, 2022 must be included in the January 2023 report.
• Failure to file the report may result in administrative fines for employers and possible delays in subsequent immigration applications.

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