Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
Canada: Immigration concessions for eligible Iranians extended
As of March 1, 2024, the immigration benefits offered to eligible Iranians have been extended until February 28, 2025. The Canadian government has introduced new measures to assist temporary Iranian residents in Canada, starting from March 1, 2023. These measures include a pathway for open work permits (allowing self-employment or work for any Canadian employer), prioritization of their immigration applications, and the waiver of specific processing fees for Iranians looking to extend their stay in Canada, as well as for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Iran applying for passports or permanent resident travel documents.
The summary was prepared using information from the Government of Canada
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 Margarida Luis (Immigration coordinator, AMER).
Asia-Pacific
Singapore: Removal of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all Work Pass holders and any related passes
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has recently announced that effective March 1, 2024, all Work Pass holders, and any related Passes are no longer required to adhere to the COVID-19 Vaccination requirements.
All new and renewal applications are no longer required to submit any COVID-19 Vaccination documents and may proceed to complete the issuance of passes even those submitted and approved prior to March 1, 2024.
MOM still encourage that to protect from severe illness, there are still free vaccinations or additional doses by approaching the vaccination locations and may refer to the Vaccination Locations Link.
This summary was prepared using information from the Ministry of Manpower
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 Jane Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Hungary: Reintroduction of “Guest Investor Residence Permit”
Hungary has reintroduced its golden visa program, known as the “Guest Investor Residence permit”. This permit offers work and residence rights for 10 years (with one renewal), along with access to Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Eligible applicants can invest in a specific fund, residential real estate market, or donate to a higher education institution to qualify. Family members of the main permit holder can also apply for dependent residence permit. The program aims to attract foreign investment to Hungary, following the discontinuation of a previous golden visa scheme in 2017.
This summary was prepared using information from Hungarian National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing
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 Veronika Vitkova (Team Leader, EMEA).
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