Lucy Halse

IRCC has resumed online citizenship tests after an eight-month suspension. The initial pilot phase will include 5,000 high-priority and pre-pandemic applications.

The Burgh Quay Registration Office has reopened. Updated protocols are in place for immigration registration renewals at Burgh Quay and local Garda Stations.

Effective Dec. 1, 2020, the Government of the United Arab Emirates will allow certain foreign investors to fully own local companies without an Emirati sponsor.

The Kuwaiti government will no longer accept work permit and residency renewals for expatriates aged 60 or over. The change takes effect on January 1, 2021.

The Swiss government has specified annual quotas for EU/EFTA service providers and third-country specialists. There is a separate quota for UK nationals in 2021 following the Brexit transition.

Russia will grant entry for citizens of 52 countries through e-visas on January 1, 2021. The e-visa program is an extension of a pilot program launched in 2017.

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has issued a ministerial decision to raise the minimum wage for Saudi workers. The minimum wage mandates will take effect in April 2021.

The Government of the UK has issued guidance for a new immigration system starting December 1, 2020. The guidance follows the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules released in October 2020.

The government has extended a visa fine waiver from November until December 31, 2020. The order applies to residency, tourist, and visit visa holders whose visas expired before March 1, 2020.

Eligibility for long-term residence permits will expand on December 1, 2020. New categories include doctors, certain specialists, PhD holders, and engineers. Applicants must be residents of the UAE.

Migration Colombia has updated criteria to fulfill immigration obligations and administrative procedures for imposing sanctions. Changes are outlined in Resolution 2357.

Singapore will launch a new work pass called Tech.Pass in 2021. The work pass allows individuals to invest, start and run a business, and give lectures. Certain qualifying criteria apply.

Comments are open for the Critical Skills Occupations List and Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits until December 11, 2020.

Denmark has issued guidance for UK citizens residing in Denmark following the Brexit transition. UK citizens in Denmark must apply for new residence status in 2021 under the Withdrawal Agreement.

In 2021, Canada will create two additional immigration pathways for Hong Kong residents who want to study, work, or seek asylum in Canada as part of the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan.

Learn more about U.S. consulate closures due to COVID-19.

On March 14, 2021, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) will implement a labor law to improve transparency and mobility for private sector employees.

The Canadian government will award additional points for bilingual and French-speaking applicants who are applying through the Express Entry system.