Weekly Immigration Update: October 13–19, 2023
October 19, 2023
In immigration news this week:
- Israel/Palestinian Territories: Immigration authorities may be closed or partially closed throughout Israel. Access our consolidated alert for further updates – this alert will be updated on an ongoing basis – please check the alert frequently. Also check our dedicated page for relevant information.
- United States: Effective October 19, Israeli nationals may apply for visa-free business or tourism travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The State Department’s stateside visa renewal pilot is undergoing federal review, the next step toward executing the program. The pilot is expected to permit certain nonimmigrants with an expired or expiring visa to apply for renewal of their visas without the need to travel to a U.S. consulate abroad.
- Costa Rica: Effective October 16, foreign nationals and their dependents applying for initial residence permits in Costa Rica are once again required to register with their home country consulate in Costa Rica before they can apply for their initial Residence Identity Card (DIMEX).
- Malaysia: Starting November 1, companies registered with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MDEC) who plan to submit Employment Pass (EP) applications in 2024 are required to submit projections for the number of foreign nationals they seek to sponsor.
- European Union/Schengen Area: Italy will conduct internal checks at their borders from October 21 to October 30, 2023; the Czech Republic, Denmark, Poland, and Slovakia have extended their temporary border controls into November 2023; and Austria, France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden have extended their controls into May 2024. See our consolidated alert for details.
- Minimum salary updates: Belgium has updated its minimum salary levels. In Bulgaria, the national minimum wage will increase in 2024. Revised ‘maintenance/dependency’ figures have been provided for Sweden. See our consolidated alert for details.
These items and other news from Ghana, Ireland, Malaysia, the Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Important updates in immigration this week
United States, October 19, 2023
Israeli Nationals Eligible for Visa Waiver Program Starting Today
- Effective immediately, Israeli nationals are now eligible to apply for travel to the U.S. visa-free for business or pleasure under the Visa Waiver Program.
- The effective date for Israeli eligibility to travel under VWP has been moved up from the previously announced date of November 30.
To view entire article, click here.
United States, October 18, 2023
Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot Moves Closer to Implementation
- Details of the State Department’s long-awaited stateside visa renewal pilot are undergoing federal review, the next step toward executing the program.
- The pilot is expected to permit certain nonimmigrants with an expired or expiring visa to apply for renewal of their visas without the need to travel to a U.S. consulate abroad.
- The pilot is currently expected to start later this year.
To view entire article, click here.
Malaysia, October 17, 2023
Opening of Projection Applications for Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Companies
- Companies in Malaysia registered with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MDEC), who plan to submit Employment Pass (EP) applications in 2024 are required to submit projections for the number of foreign nationals they seek to sponsor.
- MDEC will start accepting projection applications starting November 1, 2023.
- Although there is no deadline for submission, affected employers who do not have approved projections for 2024 cannot submit initial or renewal Employment Pass applications until they obtain the required approval.
- Foreign nationals already in Malaysia may need to leave if their new work passes cannot be obtained prior to the expiry of the current one.
To view entire article, click here.
Costa Rica, October 13, 2023
Consular Registration Requirement Reinstated for Residence Permit Applicants
- Effective October 16, 2023, foreign nationals and their dependents applying for initial residence permits in Costa Rica will again be required to register with their home country consulate in Costa Rica before they can apply for their initial Residence Identity Card (DIMEX).
- This requirement was implemented in Costa Rica in 2012 but subsequently suspended in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period.
- This may add administrative hurdles, possible additional costs, and potential delays for foreign nationals.
- Exceptions apply for foreign nationals whose home country does not have consular representation in Costa Rica, and those applying for a cross-border permit or for an extension of their tourist stay.
To view entire article, click here.
Other weekly news briefs
Ghana/South Africa, October 17, 2023
Reciprocal Tourism and Business Visa Waiver to be Implemented
Ireland, October 16, 2023
Citizenship Applications Now Available Online
Malaysia, October 17, 2023
Afghani Applicants Subject to Additional Documentary Requirements for Employment Passes and Dependent Passes
Philippines, October 17, 2023
Easier Process for Downgrading PEZA Visas
Russia, October 16, 2023
Entry Restrictions for Ukrainian Nationals Entering From Third Countries
Saudi Arabia, October 16, 2023
Additional Incentives Announced for Regional Headquarters Program
United States, October 16, 2023
H-2B Cap Reached for First Half of FY 2024
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
