Aruba Minimum Hourly Wages 2026
Aruba will implement a mandatory minimum hourly wage of AWG 11.58 for all employees aged 18 and over. Read more.
Canada’s New Citizenship Rules Now in Effect
Canada has amended the Citizenship Act through Bill C-3, which is now in force. The changes restore citizenship rights to Canadians born or adopted abroad who previously faced restrictions under the “first generation limit.” To learn more about Bill C-3, click here.
Denmark’s New Quota Scheme for Doctors
Denmark announced that the new quota scheme will regulate the number of foreign doctors allowed to work in the country. Read more.
Finland Updates Temporary Protection Rule
Finland has confirmed that individuals who have already received temporary protection in another European Union (EU) country are not eligible to apply for the same status in Finland. Read more.
France Minimum Wage Increase 2026
France announced a 1.18% increase to the minimum wage (SMIC) effective 1 January 2026. Read more.
New Zealand Increases VAC Service Fee 2026
New Zealand has confirmed that applicants using VACs operated by VFS Global will pay higher service fees, effective from 2026. Read more.
Philippines Annual Report 2026
The Philippines confirmed that all registered foreign nationals holding valid visas and Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I Card or paper-based) must complete the Annual Report in person or through authorized exemptions. Read more.
Singapore COMPASS Education and Shortage Occupation List 2026
Beginning 1 January 2026, Singapore will implement updated education qualification lists and the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) criteria under the COMPASS system for Employment Pass (EP) applications. Read more.
South Africa Proposes Immigration Reform in 2026 White Paper
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has published a draft White Paper proposing major reforms to citizenship, immigration, and refugee policy, with public comments due by January 31, 2026. Read more.
Sweden Embassy Changes 2026
Sweden announced embassy closures in Bolivia, Liberia, and Zimbabwe in 2026 to prioritize increased development assistance for Ukraine. Read more.
Sweden Publishes Government Bill on Labor Migration Reforms
Sweden’s Government Bill Prop. 2025/26:87 represents the final step in the legislative process before adoption, meaning only limited changes are expected ahead of a parliamentary vote. Read more.
Thailand Temporary Relaxation for E Work Permit Submissions
Thailand confirmed that, due to ongoing upgrades and occasional system errors in the E Work Permit platform, employers may now submit applications at TIESC in two formats. Read more.
