Lucy Halse

The Schengen Area, also called the “Schengen Zone,” consists of 26 countries across Europe.

The UK has announced a series of changes to their immigration rules aimed at enticing foreign workers to remain in the UK. Changes take effect in the early spring and mid-summer of 2021.

The Government of Benin has announced plans to implement an electronic Passport (ePassport) system designed to expedite clearance and facilitate entry for passport holders at ports of entry.

Estonia has updated its national minimum salary levels for 2021. Minimum monthly salary levels have risen 2.9% from 2020. The new minimum wages are in effect nationwide through March 2, 2022.

The Netherlands is now allowing more activities for UK national business visitors. UK nationals may now perform more activities without a work permit, including research and analysis.

The Government of the UK has released a 2021 Budget Report with changes to the country’s immigration regime. The 2021 Budget Plan unveils several proposed plans.

To attract more skilled foreign workers, the Chinese government has relaxed eligibility requirements and certain rules for Shanghai Work Permit applicants.

The Ukrainian government has posted new minimum wage levels for 2021. The minimum salary level nationwide is now UAH 60,000 per month. New salary levels affect new, pending and existing applications.

The Government of Thailand has added more requirements for 90-day report applications.

The Italian government has published new guidance for UK nationals following the Brexit transition.

France has provided more information for UK nationals to secure post-Brexit residency rights. UK nationals must file their applications for a new residence permit before July 1, 2021.

The Austrian government has issued updates for U.K nationals following the Brexit transition. U.K. nationals must file an application for a new residency permit by December 31, 2021.

On Mar. 1, 2021, some Chinese nationals will be eligible for visa waivers. Eligible travelers must buy a tourism package from a tour agency registered in Costa Rica upon entry.

The Saudi government has created a new short-term work visa for certain foreign nationals. Qualified employees may work in Saudi Arabia for a visa-sponsoring entity up to 90 days per year.

The National Assembly has approved a comprehensive immigration reform bill that replaces the Visa de Excepcion de Corta Duracion with an Acts of Commerce Visa.

In 2022, the Government of Singapore will lower its S Pass quota for the manufacturing sector. Quotas will drop from 20 percent to 18 percent in 2022, and will be further reduced to 15 percent in 2023

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, a new law will prevent international businesses without regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia from contracting with institutions, agencies & funds owned by the Saudi government.

Greece has announced its EU Blue Card quota for 2021-2022. The latest quota includes 380 spots in the Attica region and 226 spots available across Greece.

The Saudi Council of Ministers has approved a new database called the United National Employment Platform to help job seekers by facilitating and streamlining the employee recruitment & hiring process

The Irish government has published actions it intends to take this year to simplify and digitize Ireland’s immigration services in 2021.