Bermuda Clarifies Work Permit Policy Amid Ongoing Labor Shortages
On August 7, 2026, the Government of Bermuda issued clarification regarding its work permit policy, citing the island’s aging population and shrinking workforce as key drivers of ongoing labor shortages across multiple sectors. Read more.
Colombia Suspends In-Person Immigration Services at Seven Offices Following Earthquake
Migración Colombia has temporarily suspended in-person services at seven immigration offices following an earthquake on August 10, 2026, while safety inspections are conducted. Read more.
Canada Expands Online Passport Renewal to All Eligible Adult Canadians
On July 28, 2026, the Government of Canada announced that online passport renewal is now available to all eligible adult Canadians living in Canada. Read more.
Canada, Ontario Launches New Workforce Priority Stream Under OINP
Ontario has replaced its Employer Job Offer streams with a new Workforce Priority stream, introducing revised eligibility criteria for employers and foreign workers seeking provincial nomination. Read more.
Hong Kong Expands Visa-Free Access with Nicaragua and Solomon Islands
Hong Kong SAR passport holders can now travel visa-free to Nicaragua and, from August 26, 2026, to the Solomon Islands for stays of up to 30 days. Read more.
India Expands E-Visa Entry Network with 11 Additional International Ports
India has expanded its e-Visa program by authorizing 11 additional international entry points, increasing the total number of e-Visa-enabled ports to 88. Read more.
Ireland Requires Multi-Factor Authentication for ISD Customer Service Portal
Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery now requires multi-factor authentication for all Customer Service Portal users. Read more.
Japan Proposes Updates to Permanent Residence Guidelines
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency opened a public consultation on proposed revisions to its Permanent Residence (PR) guidelines, with comments accepted through September 4, 2026. Read more.
New Zealand Announces Changes to Seasonal Worker Program
New Zealand will implement reforms to its Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme beginning in 2027, introducing simplified recruitment processes, greater worker flexibility, and updated employer compliance requirements. Read more.
New Zealand Removes Hepatitis B and C from Resident Visa High-Cost Health Conditions List
New Zealand will no longer automatically assess resident visa applicants with hepatitis B or hepatitis C as failing health requirements, following changes to its high-cost health conditions list. Read more.
New Zealand Updates Parent Resident Visa Selection Process
New Zealand will introduce a new hybrid selection system for the Parent Resident Visa category on October 5, 2026, combining queue-based and ballot selections. Read more.
Poland Deadline for PESEL UKR Holders to Confirm Passport Information
Poland reminds Ukrainian nationals who obtained a PESEL UKR status based solely on a declaration of identity to present a valid passport at a municipal office in Poland by August 31, 2026, or risk losing status and temporary protection beginning September 1, 2026. Read more.
Slovakia Implements Foreign Worker Employment Changes
Slovakia introduced legislative changes affecting the employment of third-country nationals, including new provisions for holders of temporary protection for Ukrainians and updated work authorization requirements. Read more.
Sweden Allows Certain Temporary Residence Permit Holders to Apply for Citizenship
Sweden now permits certain holders of temporary residence permits to apply for citizenship without first obtaining permanent residence status. Read more.
South Africa Proposes New ETA and Online Immigration Processing Fees
South Africa proposed new immigration fee regulations that would introduce a ZAR 500 Electronic Travel Authorization processing fee and additional fees for online visa and permit applications. Read more.
Thailand Extends Stay and Work Authorization for Certain Migrant Workers Through 2027
Thailand extended temporary stay and work authorization for eligible migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam through December 11, 2027, to help address labor shortages and support business continuity. Read more.
United Kingdom Expands Global Talent Visa for Researchers
The United Kingdom expanded its Global Talent Visa program, allowing more than 100 research-intensive companies to support the recruitment of leading international researchers and scientists. Read more.
