Argentina Launches Citizenship by Investment Program
The government of Argentina has announced the launch of a new Citizenship by Investment Program designed to attract foreign capital and strengthen the country’s international investment profile. Read more.
Australia Tightens Student Visa Application Rules for Onshore Applicants
Australia has introduced new application rules for the Student Visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) that limit who can apply from within the country and restrict certain dependent family member options, effective October 2, 2026. Read more.
Bahrain Expands Foreign Worker Usage Rules
The Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) of Bahrain announced amendments to foreign work permit regulations through Resolution No. 2 of 2026. Read more.
Japan Expands Pre-Arrival Tuberculosis Screening Requirements for Foreign Nationals
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare updated guidance on the country’s pre-arrival tuberculosis screening program on September 25, 2026. Read more.
Japan Revises Permanent Residence Guidelines
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has revised its permanent residence guidelines effective October 1, 2026. Read more.
Wallonia, Belgium Updates Shortage Occupation List for Foreign Workers
The Walloon Public Service published an updated list of shortage occupations that supports the employment of certain third-country (non-EU) nationals in the French-speaking region of Belgium. The revised list took effect on October 1, 2026, and will remain valid through September 30, 2027. Read more.
Malaysia Budget 2027 Introduces Foreign Worker Compliance Measures and New Work Rights for Foreign Spouses
Malaysia’s 2027 budget introduces new employer compliance measures aimed at reducing undocumented foreign worker employment and expands work authorization options for certain foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens. Read more.
Tanzania Introduces Mandatory Government Travel Insurance for Visitors
Tanzania has introduced a mandatory requirement for inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar. The requirement took effect on October 1, 2026. Read more.
Republic of Korea Formalizes Visa Quota Pre-Announcement System
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) of South Korea announced that the Regulations on the Operation of the Visa Issuance Quota Pre-Announcement System took effect on July 1, 2026. Read more.
Saudi Arabia Allows Skilled Foreign Workers to Process Family Visas Alongside Work Permits
The Ministry of Interior announced that, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, skilled expatriate heads of household are now permitted to bring eligible family members to Saudi Arabia through a simplified process. Read more.
Sweden Updates Family Immigration Rules and Residence Permit Requirements
The Swedish Parliament has adopted new immigration rules related to family ties that took effect on October 1, 2026. Read more.
United Kingdom Introduces Contactless Airport eGates
The Home Office and Border Force have begun rolling out a new contactless eGate system at United Kingdom (UK) airports. The technology, launched on October 6, 2026, is intended to speed up passenger processing while maintaining existing border security checks. All UK airport eGates are expected to be upgraded by early 2027. Read more.
New Zealand Launches Hybrid Parent Resident Visa Selection System
Immigration New Zealand announced that, effective October 5, 2026, all valid Parent Resident Visa Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be placed in a single pool under a new hybrid selection model. Read more.
