Australia Restricts Bridging Visa B Access for Protection Visa Applicants
Since November 1, 2026, Protection visa (subclass 866) applicants can no longer apply for a Bridging Visa B to travel overseas and return while their application is pending. Read more.
Canada Extends Temporary Work Permit Measures for Haitian and Sudanese Nationals
Canada extended its temporary measures through December 30, 2027, so eligible Haitian and Sudanese nationals in Canada can apply to extend their work permits. Read more.
Chile Launches Online APEC Business Travel Card Application Process
Chile now lets eligible nationals apply for the APEC Business Travel Card entirely online and free of charge, replacing the paper-based process. Read more.
Denmark Extends Ukraine Temporary Residence Permits Through March 2028
Residence permits issued under Denmark’s Ukraine Special Act will be extended automatically through March 17, 2028, for holders who still meet the existing requirements. Read more.
Denmark Introduces New Collective Agreement Work Permit Scheme Effective January 2027
A new scheme starting January 1, 2027, lets certified employers covered by collective agreements hire eligible foreign nationals at a lower salary threshold of DKK 322,000. Read more.
France Introduces Work Authorization and EU Blue Card Changes
A new French decree speeds up residence permit decisions, shortens employer-change restrictions, eases EU Blue Card rules, and adds a work authorization exemption for certain UK-based service providers. Read more.
Ghana Enacts New Investment Promotion Authority Act
Ghana’s new law replaces the 2013 investment promotion act, creates the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, and introduces tiered expatriate quotas tied to investment levels. Read more.
Hong Kong Expands Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Arbitration Participants
Effective November 3, 2026, more participants in arbitrations held in Hong Kong can enter without an employment visa if they hold a letter from a designated arbitral institution. Read more.
Hong Kong Extends APEC Business Travel Card Visa-Free Stay to 90 Days
From November 1, 2026, eligible APEC Business Travel Card holders with pre-clearance may stay in Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days instead of 60. Read more.
Iceland Proposes Major Residence Permit Reforms
Iceland’s government approved a bill that would tighten family reunification rules, lengthen the residence period for permanent residence, and end au pair permits for non-EEA nationals, but it must still pass through the legislature. Read more.
Ireland Employment Permits Portal Taken Offline Following Security Incident
Ireland took its Employment Permits Portal offline after unauthorized activity that may have exposed basic account data, while permit processing continues and flexibility will apply to affected deadlines. Read more.
Ireland Extends Short-Stay Visa Waiver Program Through 2026
Eligible nationals who have entered the UK on a qualifying short-stay visa can visit Ireland without a separate Irish visa through December 31, 2026. Read more.
Ireland Urges Early IRP Card Renewals Ahead of Holiday Travel
Irish authorities warn that Irish Residence Permit card renewals are taking six to nine weeks, so non-EEA nationals planning holiday travel should apply as early as possible. Read more.
Kuwait Launches National Wage Payment System for Private-Sector Salaries
Kuwait’s central bank launched the Kuwait Wage Payment System (KWPS), which processes private-sector salary transfers through local banks and monitors employer compliance. Read more.
Malaysia 1:3 Internship Policy Reminder
TalentCorp issued a second reminder that employers hiring expatriates must complete MyNext onboarding and keep internship records current under the 1:3 Internship Policy. Read more.
Malaysia Moves Permission to Study and Second Work Location Applications Online
Starting November 1, 2026, eligible expatriates must file Permission to Study and Permission to Work at a Second Location applications through ESD Online, and physical submissions will no longer be accepted. Read more.
New Zealand Introduces Visa Measures Under India Free Trade Agreement
New Zealand has added two Temporary Employment Entry visa categories, longer post-study work rights for Indian PhD graduates, and a planned working holiday scheme for Indian nationals. Read more.
Philippines Streamlines Alien Employment Permit Process
New Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) rules cut documentary requirements, shorten Alien Employment Permit processing times, and simplify filing and fee collection. Read more.
Singapore Enhances Work Permit eService and Introduces Temporary Permit Process
From Nov. 29, 2026, Singapore’s myMOM Portal adds Temporary Permit applications, foreign worker profile management, and in-principle approval extensions, and workers may start only once a Work Permit or Temporary Permit is issued. Read more.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Expands Employer Transfer Options for Foreign Workers with “Absent” Status
Qiwa confirmed that foreign workers reported as “absent” may transfer to a new employer after more than 12 months in the Kingdom, provided the new employer pays any outstanding work permit fees. Read more.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Launches Status Regularization Program for Yemeni Workers
A two-month program lets eligible Yemeni workers with expired residency permits or absence reports regularize their status and transfer to new employers through Qiwa and Musaned. Read more.
Victoria, Australia Opens 2026–27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program for Subclass 190 Applicants
Victoria is now accepting Registrations of Interest for its 900 subclass 190 nomination places, but subclass 491 nominations are not yet open. Read more.
Vietnam Issues New Foreign Worker Regulations Effective December 2026
Decree No. 393/2026/ND-CP, effective December 5, 2026, updates expert and technical worker qualifications, work permit exemption categories, and online application procedures. Read more.
