Immigration news updates for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) – closed to new applications
Under its Migration Strategy, the Government of Australia has decided to halt any further allocations for the BIIP as it contemplates a new visa for talent and innovation. The proposed National Innovation visa is expected to be introduced by the end of 2024.
Since the BIIP is permanently discontinued, no new applications are accepted for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa. The Migration Review has determined that the BIIP has not been economically beneficial for Australia.
Existing Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa applications will be processed in accordance with Government priorities and Migration Program planning levels. Furthermore, the BIIP policy guidance will be enhanced to ensure that all business migrants coming to Australia have a successful business background and will contribute positively to Australia’s economy.
All subclass 188 visa holders qualifying for the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa, can proceed on this pathway post-July 2024.
This summary was prepared using information from the Australian Government
Vietnam: Authority over work permit matters in Ho Chi Minh City delegated to the City government
The Government of Vietnam has issued a decree dated July 10, 2024 pertaining to the implementation of a pilot program where the Ho Chi Minh City government will be delegated to manage certain matters directly such as labour and immigration ones.
The decree states that the People’s Committee of the City has the power to grant job position approval, certify eligibility for exemption of work permits, and issue, reissue, renew and revoke work permits for organizations, agencies and enterprises holding business licences in the City.
Although the decree officially came into effect on July 10, 2024, there has not yet been any actual changes to the work permit requirements and/or processes. The Ministry of Labor (MOLISA) still handles the work permit applications as before until further notice.
People’s Committee of the City has not made any announcements and/or indications regarding their plans on how they will manage work permits. Those potentially affected (i.e. organizations, agencies and enterprises holding business licences in Ho Chi Minh City) will need to monitor the situation closely and be prepared to adjust to upcoming changes without prior notice.
This summary was prepared using information from our local service provider.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) and Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Portugal: Extension of expiration date for immigrant papers & visas to June 30, 2025
Portugal has announced a one-year extension for the validity of immigration documents and visas, now set to expire on June 30, 2025. This move comes as part of a series of actions aimed at addressing the substantial backlog of immigrant regularization cases. The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has disclosed that Portugal is currently managing 410,000 unresolved cases involving immigrants. Consequently, the Portuguese government has resolved to extend the validity period of these documents and visas by an additional year to facilitate the regularization process.
This summary was prepared using information from the Schengen News
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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