Immigration Digest: 26th March 2024

China and Singapore

China and Singapore have agreed to a mutual 30-day visa-free entry travel agreement, effective since February 9th, allowing entry for business, travel, leisure and sightseeing. More information is available here.

United Kingdom

A report has been released by the UK Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) analysing planned changes to the Skilled Worker (SW) immigration category and making recommendations.

These recommendations include:

Replacing the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) with the Immigration Salary List (ISL);

Raising the threshold for the SW route (except Health & Care worker (H&CW) visa) from £26,200 to £38,700.

For occupations on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), setting a threshold of either £30,960 or the threshold specific to their occupation, depending on which is higher.

H&CW Visa:

Lowering the general threshold from £38,700 to £29,000, and for ISL occupations, setting a threshold of either £23,200 or their occupation-specific threshold, depending on which is higher.

More information is available here.

United Kingdom

Starting from April 6th 2024, the UK will no longer require employers to renew their sponsorship license, the UK Home Office has announced. Sponsorship licenses due to expire on or after April 6th need not apply to renew their license. The government have extended all expiring licenses for a further ten years.  More information is available here.

United Kingdom

Starting April 4th, the Home Office has announced changes to the UK immigration system, as a result of their five point plan to reduce net migration. These include:

• The minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa application rising to £38,700 or the standard rate for the role.
• A serious reduction of the number of occupation codes appearing on the Immigration Salary List.
• The salary discount for roles on the Immigration Salary List will be removed.
• Transitional salaries will apply to current Skilled Worker visa-holders who apply for visa extensions or employer changes.

More information is available here.

Germany

Fans attending the UEFA European Championship in June and July of 2024 should expect visa processing delays given the demand. More information is available here.

France

Ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games, France is implementing a number of updates to their visa and immigration policies, including:

• A 90-day work permit exemption will apply to sporting events.
• Three visa categories have been highlighted for non-EU/Schengen nationals who require visas.
  • Schengen Visa and an Accreditation Card from the Olympic Consulate will be required for members of the Olympic Family.
  • Ordinary Schengen visas will be required for those who have been invited by the OCOG.
  • Regular attendees will require an ordinary Schengen visa.

More information can be found here.

Philippines

Due to the spread of Ebola, the Philippines has required medical clearance for a number of nationalities, however, from February 2024, this has been suspended for nationals of 53 countries. More information is available here.

United Arab Emirates

Initiatives have been introduced in the UAE to increase what is known as Emiratisation, meaning localisation, in private companies. A goal has been set of 75,000 Emirati citizens  working in the private sector in the next half-decade.  In practice, for companies with over 50 workers, this will look like a 10% increase in Emiratisation for skilled jobs by 2026. Companies with between 20 and 49 workers, will need to hire at least one Emirati national, or incur a financial penalty. More information is available here.

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