Weekly Immigration Update: October 1–7, 2021
October 7, 2021
In immigration news this week:
- Worldwide: Jurisdictions around the world continue to adapt their coronavirus-related travel restrictions and health requirements based on several factors, including fluctuating infection rates and growing vaccination initiatives. Visit Fragomen’s COVID-19 website for the latest immigration updates.
- United States: Fiscal year 2023 Diversity Visa lottery entrants have until November 9 at noon EST to register online at the State Department’s official lottery website.
- Austria: Recently amended rules for posted worker notifications and document maintenance are expected to make it easier for individuals seeking to temporarily work in Austria for an employer based in the European Union/European Economic Area (EEA)/Switzerland to start work.
- Sri Lanka: The government has introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa and a new tourist visa with extended validity. Details on the application process for the Digital Nomad visa are not yet available.
- Brexit: Application deadlines for UK national residents under the Withdrawal Agreement have passed in Finland, France and the Netherlands. Individuals are urged to apply promptly and/or seek counsel on leniency policies. Late applicants may not be granted status and may risk penalties. Further details are published here.
These items and other news from Iraq, Peru, Russia, South Sudan, and Uganda follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Important updates in immigration this week
Peru, October 7, 2021
Delays in Adjudication of Most Immigration Applications
- Foreign nationals applying for an in-country initial or renewed visa or seeking to update their Peruvian identity card are currently experiencing adjudication delays due to backlogs at the National Superintendence of Immigration.
- Processing times are currently three months or more for initial visa applications (up from the legal standard processing time of 30 business days), and 1.5 months or more for renewal applications (up from the usual two weeks). Though foreign nationals can apply on the online portal to update their Peruvian identity cards, the National Superintendence of Immigration is not currently processing these requests.
- Foreign nationals and employers should expect delayed work start dates for the next several months.
To view entire article, click here.
United States, October 6, 2021
FY 2023 Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Opens Today
- Entrants have until Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at noon EST to register online at the State Department’s official lottery website.
- Lottery applications must conform to the State Department’s strict requirements.
To view entire article, click here.
Sri Lanka, October 5, 2021
New Visa Options for Digital Nomads and Tourists Launched
- Sri Lanka has introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa and a new tourist visa with extended validity.
- The government has not yet made the Digital Nomad visa available and details of the application process are still pending. When it becomes available, holders of the Digital Nomad Visa will be able to perform work for their overseas employer remotely in Sri Lanka.
- Extended tourist visa applicants can now log on to the Sri Lanka Tourist Mobile App and apply under the Online Electronic Tourist Visa Activation System. Holders of the visa must limit their work activities to representing their overseas company and promoting their services in Sri Lanka.
To view entire article, click here.
Austria, October 4, 2021
Posted Worker Notification Rules Relaxed
Rules for posted worker notifications in Austria have been amended, with key changes including:
- A new requirement for a service contract between an employer based in the European Union/European Economic Area/Switzerland and an Austrian company for posted worker rules to apply for direct client assignments;
- The addition of new exemptions from posted worker rules, including for employees who earn at least EUR 6,660 gross monthly; and
- More transparent sanctions for employers violating posted worker rules.
To view entire article, click here.
United States, October 4, 2021
FY 2023 Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Opens October 6
- Entrants have from Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at noon EDT until Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at noon EST to register online at the State Department’s official Diversity Visa lottery website.
- Lottery applications must conform to the State Department’s strict requirements.
To view entire article, click here.
Other weekly news briefs
Iraq/Iraqi Kurdistan: Temporary Border Closures Due to Parliamentary Elections – All country borders in Federal Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan are expected to close at 21:00 local time on October 9 and reopen at 6:00 local time on October 11 due to parliamentary elections on October 10, 2021. During that time, travelers will not be able to enter or exit from Iraq or Iraqi Kurdistan via land, air or sea and should postpone travel until the borders have reopened.
Russia: Highly Qualified Specialist Salary Notifications Due October 29 – Employers have until October 29, 2021 to file third quarter notifications for salaries paid to highly-qualified specialists (HQS) using new notification forms. The notification must state the salary paid to HQS from July 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. The reported HQS salary should be no less than RUB 167,000 per calendar month or RUB 501,000 per quarter (if there was a break in work during the reported period). Violations of the established notification procedures, including failure to notify, will result in administrative fines for the employer.
Uganda/South Sudan: Visa Waiver Agreement Signed – Uganda and South Sudan have signed an agreement allowing nationals of each country to travel visa-free to the other country for tourism and business, effective immediately. Authorities have not yet confirmed the permitted length of stay. The visa waiver is part of an initiative in East Africa to foster regional integration.
Russia: Highly Qualified Specialist Salary Notifications Due October 29 – Employers have until October 29, 2021 to file third quarter notifications for salaries paid to highly-qualified specialists (HQS) using new notification forms. The notification must state the salary paid to HQS from July 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. The reported HQS salary should be no less than RUB 167,000 per calendar month or RUB 501,000 per quarter (if there was a break in work during the reported period). Violations of the established notification procedures, including failure to notify, will result in administrative fines for the employer.
Uganda/South Sudan: Visa Waiver Agreement Signed – Uganda and South Sudan have signed an agreement allowing nationals of each country to travel visa-free to the other country for tourism and business, effective immediately. Authorities have not yet confirmed the permitted length of stay. The visa waiver is part of an initiative in East Africa to foster regional integration.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
