TRANSIT VISA
Singapore is making life tougher for global talent
Singapore's 2022 points-based employment pass system, requiring a salary minimum for overseas employees, may affect its business hub status. It addresses local job concerns, crucial for the People’s Action Party's election prospects. The American Chamber mentions US firms' talent shortage. Ministry of Manpower notes local job growth and non-resident employment drop in 2024.
Australia's new visa rules kick in; here's how they will affect Indians
Starting July 1, individuals seeking Australian student visas must apply from outside the country. This change affects holders of certain visas, including Visitor and Temporary Graduate visas, who can no longer apply for Student visas while in Australia. Applications submitted within Australia before July 1, 2024, will still be processed, and Working Holiday Maker and Work and Holiday visa holders remain unaffected.
Amazon & Google suspending green card applications: Why EB-5 visa a perfect fix for H-1B challenges and tech layoffs
The EB-5 visa program provides stability, job creation, and a streamlined immigration process, making it a reliable alternative for those facing uncertainties in the tech industry. With a direct path to green card status and economic growth opportunities, EB-5 offers a secure pathway to permanent residency.
Delhi Airport sets biometric gate for faster immigration check
Delhi International Airport has introduced biometric registration kiosks for faster immigration processing, under the supervision of the Bureau of Immigration. The kiosks will halve the time required to process visas for foreign nationals arriving in India with a visa where biometric information was not collected during the application process.
Smooth flying: India plans to simplify immigration checks for international trips
The Indian government aims to develop airports as transit hubs for South Asia, incorporating a strategy called the confluence of flights. This allows travelers on connecting flights under the same ticket number, or PNR, to complete customs and immigration checks at their initial departure point and final destination, bypassing intermediary checks during layovers.
Study Abroad: Challenges and opportunities for Indian students
Studying abroad has long been a cherished aspiration for many Indian students, offering opportunities for global careers and expanded knowledge. Despite the challenges posed by stricter immigration policies and increased scrutiny, the desire for international education remains strong. Factors driving this trend include the diversity of academic programs, global exposure, availability of scholarships, and access to advanced technology and innovation.
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Flying to the UAE? Dubai, Abu Dhabi increase checks to prevent misuse of tourist visas
Stricter immigration checks at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports now require visitors to show proof of ₹60,000 in their bank account or a credit card and return ticket. First-time travelers from Tamil Nadu and Kerala are under scrutiny.
Is it a good idea for laid off H-1B workers to switch to a US tourist visa, and back again?
When laid-off H-1B workers consider transitioning to B-1/B-2 visitor status for job searching, they gain valuable time and a streamlined process back to H-1B, endorsed by USCIS. This strategic move offers a safety net and opportunity for a successful career transition in the U.S.
UK tightens student visa rules but keeps Indian students' favourite graduate route intact for now
The UK's Graduate Route scheme, popular with Indian students for post-study work, remains safe for now, though it will be "kept under review," as the government announced new proposals to tighten student visa regulations to prevent misuse for immigration. The measures follow a 10% fall in net migration, welcomed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The Home Office highlighted a 25% drop in visa applications due to stricter rules on family dependents and plans to regulate international student recruitment to crack down on rogue agents.
Do you need a transit visa on your next international trip?
Indian passport holders may need a transit visa when transiting through certain countries, depending on the country’s specific immigration policies and the duration and nature of their transit. Below is a list of some countries where Indian citizens typically require a transit visa:
What is 'Garden Leave' & does the 60-day H-1B visa grace period apply to such situations?
The termination of H-1B workers can be complex, especially when garden leave is involved. The ambiguity arises from the period between formal notice and payment cessation. While USCIS guidelines lean towards the formal notice date for termination, discretion is allowed based on individual circumstances.
Can a foreigner on a work visa in Dubai switch to UAE Golden Visa?
If you're a mainland Dubai-based employee seeking a UAE Golden Visa for property purchase, you can maintain employment eligibility. Notify your employer before obtaining the visa to smoothly cancel and reapply for a work permit, adhering to legal steps and document requirements for a seamless transition.
Are foreign students taking advantage of UK's graduate visas? Govt-backed review finds no evidence
A recent report by the Migration Advisory Committee highlights the vital role of international graduates under the UK's Graduate Route visa, benefiting universities and enriching research. Concentrated among top nationalities, this route has seen significant growth, raising concerns about exploitation but overall contributing positively to the higher education sector.
Panama's next president says he will shut down one of the world's busiest migration routes
Panama's President-elect Jose Raul Mulino aims to close a major migration route, impacting 500,000 people. Organized crime involvement and challenges in operations and logistics cast doubt on the plan's success.
Saudi Arabia opens Umrah pilgrimage to all visa holders
Saudi Arabia has expanded access to Umrah pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, allowing individuals with any type of visa to participate. The Ministry of Haj and Umrah emphasized the ease of performing Umrah from any location and with any entry visa, including personal, family, transit, labor, and e-visas. Pilgrims are encouraged to use the Nusuk application for Umrah permits and follow designated ritual timings at the Grand Mosque.
GER-many opportunities for Indian students as European bigwig looks to fill labour gap
Germany is facing a severe labor shortage and an aging population, with estimates suggesting a deficit of 7 million skilled workers by 2035. The country currently has around 700,000 unfilled job vacancies, leading to a decline in economic growth potential from 2% in the 1980s to 0.7%. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck highlights migration as a crucial solution to this issue, warning that failure to address it could further reduce the growth rate to 0.5%.
Trump called the H-1B visa 'very bad' for Americans. Truth Social applied for one
Trump Media & Technology Group, led by Devin Nunes, applied for H-1B visas for Truth Social workers. Jared Kushner's firm also utilized the program. The H-1B visa system faces scrutiny for potential exploitation of foreign workers with Trump's conflicting stances.
H-1B visa holders are switching jobs more than ever; here is the entire process explained
H-1B workers are increasingly switching jobs, with over 1 million job switches recorded from fiscal year 2005 to 2023. Tighter labor market conditions, H-1B cap constraints, and government policies facilitating job transitions contribute to this trend. However, challenges persist for H-1B workers, including unequal treatment in the labor market and green card processing constraints. New employers must navigate a fee structure that varies based on their size and the status of their workforce.
Sri Lanka launches new e-visa system: Everything you need to know
Sri Lanka launched an e-visa system, streamlining the visa application process for travellers. The initiative offers updated requirements, fees, and validity periods, enhancing efficiency and convenience for various nationalities visiting for tourism, business, or transit.
UK begins eVisa rollout with plan to replace immigration documents by 2025
UK has started issuing eVisas for enhanced securit, with a plan to completely replace physical documents by 2025. eVisas are pivotal in enhancing border security by minimizing the risks associated with fraud, loss, and misuse of physical documents, the UK Home Office said in a statement.
American dream fading? Things don’t look too good for those seeking to migrate to US, especially Indians
The US has restricted legal immigration since the 1920s. David J Bier, director, immigration studies at Cato Institute, points out that the system utterly fails those aspiring to pursue the 'American Dream' in lawful and orderly ways. His Feb 2024 study, 'Green Card Approval Rate Reaches Record Lows', shows that only 3% of those who have submitted GC applications will receive permanent status during FY2024 (fiscal ending Sept 30, 2024).
Indians traveling to South America via Istanbul will now need an e-ATV
Indian and Nepalese passport holders transiting via Istanbul Airport to certain countries need to obtain an 'Electronic Airport Transit Visa' (e-ATV) from the Turkish Embassy website by April 15, 2024, ensuring compliance with regulations and smoother transit.
H-1B visa lottery conducted, USCIS begins sending out notifications to successful applicants
US completes H-1B selection for FY 2025, notifies myUSCIS accounts. Indians secure 70% visas. Transition to lockbox. New Form I-129 edition, updated fees effective April 1, 2024. No grace period after deadline.
Canadian minister seeks more opportunities for temporary residents to gain permanent residency
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller has proposed increasing "domestic draws" for temporary residents already in Canada who are seeking permanent residency (PR). These draws would target individuals with work or study permits, aiming to alleviate strains on sectors like housing and healthcare.
A $2 billion airport will test Modi’s mission, Adani’s ambitions
In many ways, the Adani Group-helmed $2.1 billion project in the satellite city of Navi Mumbai is a microcosm of the massive infrastructure overhaul underway in India as its Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to outrun China. For Gautam Adani, it’s a test of whether he can put India on the global aviation map.
What EB-5 applicants should do as visa costs soar almost 200%
USCIS announces significant fee adjustments for EB-5 visas, including a 204% increase for I-526/I-526E Immigrant Petition and a 154% increase for I-829 Petition. Indian investors can leverage the LRS before fiscal year-end, seeking advice for efficient investment and application processing.
Dubai’s Golden Visas are helping the city defy global office slump
Dubai's economy is thriving as it attracts expatriates, expands business licenses, and experiences high demand for commercial real estate. From crypto investors to rich Indians looking for second homes, as well as young job seekers, the city's reforms and flexible residency rules have made it a desirable destination for individuals and businesses, leading to population growth and increased investment.
UK to replace physical biometric immigration cards with e-visas by 2025
The UK is set to replace physical biometric immigration cards with e-visas by 2025. As part of a digital border initiative, the move aims to transition away from physical documents and towards a digital approach similar to Australia's system. The decision is a result of the post-Brexit status and the expiration of existing Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) by December 2024.
Do you need a transit visa for your next foreign trip?
The misconception that you will need a transit visa only if you plan to leave the airport premises is wrong. There are two types of transit visas that countries offer - the transit visa and an airport transit visa. The latter confines passengers to the transit zone during the specified time, without allowing clearance through immigration.
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