Andorra Approves Reduced 2026 Immigration Quota of 800 Permits
On April 29, 2026, Andorra approved the 2026 General Immigration Quota, setting a reduced limit of 800 total permits for new residence‑and‑work and frontier‑worker authorizations. Read more.
Canada Accelerates Permanent Residence Processing for Workers in Smaller and Rural Communities
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun fast-tracking eligible permanent residence applications from workers already living and working in smaller and rural communities as part of its new in Canada Workers Initiative. Read more.
Canada Clarifies Rules for Continued Work Authorization Under R186(u)
Canada updated its program delivery instructions to clarify how foreign nationals may continue working while a work permit renewal is in process under R186(u). Read more.
Finland to Set Income Thresholds for Family Reunification by Government Decree
On April 29, 2026, Finland announced a new legislative project to amend the Aliens Act and introduce government‑set income thresholds for family‑reunification applications. Read more.
Hong Kong Raises Statutory Minimum Wage
The Hong Kong Labor Department has confirmed that the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) has increased from HK$42.1 to HK$43.1 per hour, effective May 1, 2026. Read more.
India Confirms Visa‑Free Airport Transit for Indian Nationals in France
India confirmed that Indian nationals no longer need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) when transiting through airports in the European territory of France. The policy has been in effect since April 10, 2026. Read more.
India e‑Arrival Card for All Foreign Nationals Within 72 Hours Before Arrival
As of April 1, 2026, India’s digital e‑Arrival Card is now fully mandatory for all travelers, and the paper disembarkation form has been discontinued. Read more.
India Expands OCI Eligibility for 5th and 6th Generation Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka
India announced a significant expansion of eligibility for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card on April 20, 2026. As a result, officials will now allow 5th- and 6th-generation Indian-origin Tamils (IOTs) in Sri Lanka to apply for OCI status, increasing the previous generational cap from 4th generation. Read more.
India Notifies Citizenship Amendment Rules with New Provisions for OCI Cardholders
India has released the Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2026, outlining revised processes for individuals applying for Indian citizenship and updating compliance requirements for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. Read more.
Malaysia Shortens Appeal Window for Rejected EP and PVP Applications
Effective May 15, 2026, Malaysia will require all online appeals for rejected Employment Pass and Professional Visit Pass applications to be submitted within 14 days, replacing the previous six-month timeframe. Read more.
Netherlands Updates Renewal Process for Highly Skilled Migrant Residence Permits
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) has updated the online renewal process for Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) residence permits. Read more.
Norway Extends Suspension of Returns to Iran Through September 2026
Norway extended the suspension of forced returns to Iran until September 20, 2026, due to ongoing instability in the country. Read more.
Netherlands Updates Application Process for Issuing Provisional Residence Permits
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) has announced changes to the application process for issuing a provisional residence permit (MVV). Read more.
United Arab Emirates Updates Eligibility Rules for Two-Year Property Investor Visa
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has updated the eligibility criteria for the two-year property investor residence visa, removing the minimum property value requirement for sole owners and introducing a new threshold for jointly owned properties. Read more.
The United Kingdom Priority Change of Circumstances Service for Worker and Temporary Worker Sponsors
On May 1, 2026, the United Kingdom (UK) Home Office published updated guidance for the Priority Change of Circumstances (CoS) Service, which allows Worker and Temporary Worker sponsors to request expedited processing for certain license changes. Read more.
Venezuela Implements Digital Visa Application System for Business Travel
The Venezuelan Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs launched a new electronic system for foreign nationals to submit tourist and business visa applications. Read more.
