Armenia to Digitize the Residence Permit Application Process Beginning November 2026
Armenia will launch a new electronic residence permit application system on November 1, 2026, digitizing residency status procedures and replacing existing application platforms. Read more.
Australia Increases Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Effective July 2026
The Australian government announced annual indexation increases to skilled visa income thresholds effective July 1, 2026. Read more.
Australia Increases Visa Application Fees Effective July 2026
Australia increased government visa application fees across multiple visa categories effective July 1, 2026, with many application charges rising by approximately 25% compared to previous levels. Read more.
Cyprus to Require Medical Examinations for Immigration Permit Applications
Cyprus will require additional medical documentation, including blood tests and tuberculosis screening results, for immigration permit applications under Categories A–F submitted on or after September 1, 2026. Read more.
Iceland Removes Work Permit Requirement for International Students
Iceland now allows holders of valid student residence permits to work without obtaining a separate work permit, simplifying employment access for international students. Read more.
Italy Enables Digital Employment Contract Signing for Additional Work Authorization Applications
Italy has expanded the digital signature functionality on the Ali Sportello Unico portal, enabling employers to electronically sign employment contracts for additional work authorization application types. Read more.
India Launches Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card
India launched the Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card, introducing a fully digital OCI process that eliminates certain booklet reissuance requirements. Read more.
Ireland Issues Guidance for Employers on Delayed IRP Card Renewals
Ireland confirmed that eligible foreign nationals awaiting renewal of their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards may continue to work for up to 12 weeks after the card’s expiration if they have submitted a timely renewal application and meet specific requirements. Read more.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Extends Work Permit Compliance Deadline for Certain Foreign Workers
Saudi Arabia extended its grace period for employers to regularize certain expired or unissued work permits for foreign workers, providing additional time to complete required labor authorization procedures before enforcement measures apply. Read more.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Increases Engineering Saudization Requirement to 30%
Saudi Arabia has begun enforcing a 30% Saudization requirement for engineering professions in the private sector. Read more.
New Zealand Requires Police Certificates Upfront for Student and Temporary Visa Applications
New Zealand will now require eligible student and temporary visa applicants to submit required police certificates at the time of application, with missing documents potentially resulting in visa refusals or shorter visa validity periods. Read more.
Qatar Establishes Framework for Freelance and Part-Time Work
Qatar amended its Labor Law to establish a legal framework for freelance and part-time work and introduce qualification requirements for certain occupations. Read more.
South Africa Requires Online Traveler Declarations from July 2026
South Africa now requires most travelers entering or departing the country to submit an online traveler declaration before travel, effective July 1, 2026. Read more.
United Arab Emirates Expands Visa-on-Arrival Eligibility for Nationals of Six Countries
The United Arab Emirates expanded its visa-on-arrival program to eligible nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa who hold qualifying residence permits from certain countries. Read more.
United Kingdom Expands Right-to-Work Compliance Requirements
The United Kingdom will expand right-to-work obligations from October 1, 2026, extending compliance requirements and potential penalties to contractors, subcontractors, online platforms and other non-traditional work arrangements. Read more.
