Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
Panama: Visa exemption
The Panamanian government has issued a decree expanding visa-exempt status for foreign nationals from visa-required countries. Any foreign national requiring a visa to enter the Republic of Panama, who holds a valid visa or residence permit issued by Canada, the United States, Australia, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, or any European Union member state, is permitted to enter the Panamanian territory. The visa issued by these countries must be a multiple-entry visa, previously used in the issuing country, and valid for at least six months at the time of entry into Panama.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Embassy of Panama
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).
Asia-Pacific
Thailand: Launch of biometric ID system at six airports
The Airport Authority of Thailand (AOT) has introduced a new automated biometric identification system used at the airports, from November 1 for domestic passengers and the service is expected to be extended to international passengers beginning 1 December. The biometric system, powered by Facial Recognition technology, will electronically store passengers’ biometric data and travel itineraries, enabling them to pass through checkpoints without needing to present their passports or boarding passes. The system is available at six airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Mae Fah Luang Airport, Phuket Airport, and Hat Yai Airport.
This summary was prepared using the information from the The Government Public Relations Department
New Zealand: New Classification Systems
The New Zealand Government have announced that the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is to be replaced with separate systems for both countries. The change is a result of a consultation period between the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Statistics New Zealand. On review, they determined that the labour markets in both countries have changed and the differences between the two markets mean it is no longer practical to rely on joint classifications.
Immigration New Zealand currently assess Accredited Employer Work Visas against ANZSCO (Australian New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations). ANZSCO defines roles with a broad description and applies a level to each position between 1 and 5. ANZSCO levels 1, 2 & 3 are generally management or technical positions, where levels 4 & 5 are typically administrative or labour based roles which don’t necessarily require experience or advanced qualifications.
Moving forward, ANZSCO will be replaced by the National Occupation List (NOL). This is an independent New Zealand focused occupation classification, administered by Statistics New Zealand. This should allow more alignment with New Zealand based roles. It would appear they will continue to use levels 1 – 5 in the new list.
The first version of the NOL will be released on November 20, however Immigration NZ have acknowledged that it will take some time for them to transition to the new system. As a result, they will continue to use ANZSCO in the immediate term, with a switchover date to be announced later in 2025.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Immigration New Zealand
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 Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Ireland: New online immigration self-service portal
The Irish Department of Justice introduced the launch of the Digital Contact Center (DCC) for their immigration services. This new platform allows immigration customers to book and amend first-time registration appointments online, eliminating the need to call a contact center. Additionally, the system enables applicants to check the status of their applications. In due time it will also allow applicants to ask questions about visas, registration, domestic residence permissions, travel documents, EU treaty rights and citizenship applications.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Irish Immigration
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 Joanna Sogeke (Team Leader, UK) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
South Africa: New points-based system for work visas
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has released the guidelines for a points-based system that assesses qualifications, language proficiency, work experience and salary to determine visa eligibility for foreign nationals.
The criteria for the new points-based system are determined as follows:
| Â | Criteria | Points (%) | Criteria | Points (%) |
| Occupation | Occupation on the Critical Skills List | 100 | ||
| Qualifications | South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 9 and 10 | 50 | South African NQF levels 7 and 8 | 30 |
| Offer of Employment (Mandatory) | Above R976,194 (about US$55,260) gross per annum | 50 | Between R650,976 and R976,194 gross per annum | 20 |
| Work Experience | 5-10 years | 20 | 10+ years | 30 |
| Employment Status | Offer from Trusted Employer | 30 | ||
| Language Skills | Proficient in at least one official language | 10 |
Applicants must meet all prescribed requirements (e.g., police clearance, medical report) for either a critical skills work visa or a general work visa and must earn 100 points to obtain either of them.
If the 100-point threshold is reached through an occupation listed on the critical skills list, and all other requirements are met, the applicant may be issued a critical skills work visa.
If the 100-point threshold is reached through a combination of points not related to an occupation on the critical skills list, and all other prescribed requirements are met, the applicant may be issued a general work visa.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Department of Home Affairs
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 Sabrina Crespo (Team Leader, EMEA) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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