Belgium to Introduce New Registration Certificate Format in September 2026
Belgium will replace its current Registration Certificate (“orange card”) with a more secure passport-style booklet beginning Sept. 28, 2026, though the change will not affect residence rights or eligibility requirements. Read more.
Belgium Updates Rules for Cross-Border Workers
Belgium has introduced new regulations for cross-border workers, replacing rules dating back to 1981 and establishing new requirements for workers residing in neighboring countries and the United Kingdom. Read more.
Chile Launches Digital Work Authorization Certificate
On August 14, 2026, Chile’s National Migration Service (SERMIG) introduced a new digital Work Authorization (Habilitación Laboral) process tool for foreign nationals seeking employment in Chile. Read more.
China Expands Visa-Free Entry Programs for Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam Nationals
On August 20, 2026, China announced the expansion of its visa-free entry or transit permissions to include nationals of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam. Read more.
Czechia to Temporarily Suspend EPMV Job Vacancy Registry Access for Scheduled Maintenance
The Czech Ministry of the Interior announced that the Central Register of Job Vacancies (EPMV), a key system used for foreign national work authorization processes, will be unavailable from August 26, 2026, through September 4, 2026, due to scheduled technical maintenance. Read more.
Iceland Updates Collective Protection Processing for Ukrainians
Iceland has issued new guidelines for processing new collective protection applications related to the war in Ukraine, effective August 23, 2026, without affecting individuals who already hold collective protection in the country. Read more.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Raises Saudization Rates for Project Managers in 2027
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will increase the Saudization rate for project management professions in the private sector to 70% beginning February 14, 2027, requiring affected employers to meet higher national workforce localization targets. Read more.
Malaysia Revises Expatriate Salary Policy
Malaysia’s revised expatriate salary policy now applies to all Employment Pass (EP) applications submitted on or after June 1, 2026. Authorities continue to assess applications filed before that date under the previous framework. Read more.
Namibia Introduces New Employment Permit for Investors
Namibia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) has announced that a new Employment Permit to Conduct Business will take effect on September 1, 2026. Read more.
New Zealand Moves Most Visitor Visa Applications to Enhanced Online System
Beginning September 24, 2026, New Zealand will require most applicants to submit new visitor visa applications through its enhanced Immigration Online system. Read more.
New Zealand Updates Active Investor Plus Visa Requirements
New Zealand has announced several updates to its Active Investor Plus Visa program aimed at providing greater clarity on investment, source-of-funds and application requirements for foreign investors. Read more.
Poland Restricts Work Authorization Eligibility Under Visa-Free Entry for Citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela
Poland will prohibit citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela from working while in the country under the visa-free travel regime beginning August 22, 2026, though individuals already working under existing permissions may continue until their authorized visa-free stay expires. Read more.
Republic of Korea Revises Region Visa Program for 2027-2028
The Republic of Korea will reform its region-specific visa program for 2027 and 2028 in order to better address labor shortages in specific locations. Read more.
Singapore Updates COMPASS C1 Salary Benchmarks for Employment Pass Applications
Singapore has updated the COMPASS C1 salary benchmarks for Employment Pass applications, introducing new August 2026 salary thresholds that determine how many salary-related COMPASS points candidates can earn based on their age and industry sector. Read more.
Taiwan Urges Nationals to Postpone Travel to Uganda Following Entry Restrictions
Taiwan has urged its nationals to postpone tourism and business travel to Uganda following recent reports of Taiwanese travelers experiencing entry difficulties at Entebbe International Airport. Read more.
United Kingdom Home Office Announces Sponsor Management System Security and Compliance Changes
The U.K. Home Office has updated sponsor guidance to introduce mandatory MFA for Sponsor Management System users, remove Level 2 user roles and implement new sponsor license security measures beginning in September 2026. Read more.
Vietnam Expands VNeID Eligibility for Foreign Nationals
Vietnam expanded eligibility for its VNeID electronic identification system, allowing foreign nationals who legally enter or reside in the country to obtain digital identity accounts. Read more.
