States are experimenting with various approaches to attract qualified foreign professionals and regulate their immigration flows, ranging from simplifying to tightening the rules. The objective remains consistent: addressing labor shortages.
Hong Kong updates visa application rules
Effective January 17, 2025, all visa applications, including initial applications and extensions, must be submitted online. This mandate applies to various permits, such as those under the Mainland China Talent Admission Program, work permits, and visas for investment, training, dependents, and the working-holiday program. The shift to online applications removes the need for paper submissions and in-person appointments at immigration services. Hong Kong authorities expect this change to reduce processing times.
Thailand's long-term visa regulations streamlined to attract expats
Launched in 2022, Thailand's 10-year visa program has been updated to draw more foreign talent and enhance the country's competitive edge against other Asian nations. The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) has simplified immigration rules for investors, executives, and highly skilled professionals, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The BOI has eliminated the previous requirements of 5 years of professional experience and a minimum annual income for these individuals. This change targets affluent expatriates, aiming to boost investment in Thailand. Additionally, the minimum income threshold for companies has been reduced, facilitating the recruitment of more qualified foreigners. Now, foreigners are permitted to sponsor an unlimited number of dependents.
Greece: Should we expect further tightening of Golden Visa regulations?
Several online media report that Greece is poised to impose further restrictions on its Golden Visa program. Following an increase in the minimum real estate investment in tourist areas from 400,000 to 800,000 euros, Greece is now considering a rule requiring the investment to be in a single property of at least 120m², rather than spread across multiple properties. Additionally, this property would not be eligible for short-term seasonal rentals. These stricter measures aim to steer wealthy expatriates' investments toward higher-priced properties that are typically out of reach for locals. This move comes as the housing crisis in Greece intensifies, with the Golden Visa program frequently cited as a factor driving up housing prices.
Japan increases visa fees
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced several increases in visa fees, effective from April 1, 2025. The fee for a permanent residence permit will rise from 8,000 to 10,000 yen ($51 to $63), applicable for both online and in-person applications. Fees for changing status or extending a stay will now be 5,500 yen ($35) online and 6,000 yen ($36) on-site, an increase from the previous 4,000 yen ($25). The multiple-entry visa fee will be adjusted to 6,500 yen online and 7,000 yen ($44) on-site, up from 6,000 yen. Additionally, the fee for the Authorized Employment Certificate (CAE) will increase from 1,200 yen ($8) to 1,600 yen ($10) online and to 2,000 yen ($13) on-site. The duration of the startup visa has been extended from one year to two years, although the initial validity period remains at six months, with the option for one renewal.
Indonesia: Strict measures against foreigners working on tourist visas in Bali
In response to the illegal employment of foreigners holding tourist visas and protests from local taxi drivers and tour guides, Bali has adopted a strict enforcement policy. On January 8, an Indian national was arrested under suspicion of working illegally. The acting governor of Bali, along with immigration services, has declared a zero-tolerance approach to illegal foreign workers. Increased surveillance will be implemented in tourist areas, targeting not only traditional tourists but also digital nomads suspected of working locally or on tourist visas. Preventative measures will also be enhanced to inform tourists of the legal restrictions on working while visiting.
France: Reform of the Schengen Visa
President Macron announced a significant reform of the Schengen Visa in early January, structured around two main pillars: tightening rules for nationals from certain non-cooperative countries and easing regulations for foreign talents and cooperative nations. This reform includes the widespread adoption of the Schengen Information System to enhance the sharing of visa applicant data among member states. Increased controls are planned to curb illegal immigration. Moreover, France aims to expedite the digitization of visa processes to shorten processing times and streamline procedures. Foreign talents, particularly those in sectors facing shortages, may see more lenient conditions. However, ongoing political uncertainties in France cloud the precise outcomes of this reform initiative.
Spain considers tax on real estate purchases by non-Europeans
Following the intended discontinuation of the Golden Visa program, Spain is now addressing issues with Airbnb, which it partially blames for the housing crisis. The government is considering imposing a tax of up to 100% on homes purchased by non-European expatriates, who accounted for 27,000 transactions last year, as stated by the Prime Minister. These homes are frequently used for seasonal rentals, which undermines the availability of long-term rentals for local residents. Several Spanish cities have already implemented bans on these short-term rentals in response to the situation.
Sweden proposes stricter citizenship criteria for foreigners
On January 15, the Swedish government proposed new criteria for granting citizenship, requiring "honorable conduct" from applicants. This condition means that potential citizens must not have committed misdemeanors, crimes, or be in debt. Additionally, the reform suggests the introduction of a knowledge test about Swedish society and values. This would complement existing stringent conditions, such as extending the residency requirement from five to eight years and passing a Swedish language test. These measures aim to ensure that new citizens are well-integrated and uphold the values of the country.
Germany: Recruitment boost for foreign professionals in kindergartens
Germany has initiated an unprecedented pilot project to address labor shortages in the early childhood sector by recruiting foreign professionals, primarily from Spain. This initiative marks a significant step in bolstering the workforce necessary to support kindergartens across the country.
United Kingdom: Tighter regulations for employers sponsoring skilled workers
Effective December 31, 2024, UK employers face stricter rules regarding the sponsorship of skilled foreign workers. Employers are now responsible for covering certain costs that were previously recoverable, such as the sponsorship license fee, which is approximately 2,000 pounds sterling. Additionally, they must pay 239 pounds sterling for each sponsorship certificate issued for recruited expatriates. However, employers are still allowed to require expatriates to pay their own visa, dependents, and health surcharge fees. Employers failing to comply with these new regulations risk losing their sponsorship license.
United States: Continuation of H-1B visas for tech
President Trump recently announced the continuation of H-1B visas for technology professionals. Meanwhile, health professionals are advocating for similar flexibility, emphasizing that their roles are as critical as those in the tech sector, particularly given the aging population and the trend of Americans avoiding hard-to-fill jobs. While some tech companies are criticized for preferring expatriate employees due to lower costs, the health sector faces such severe shortages that cost reduction is not a concern. Forecasts indicate a shortage of nearly 200,000 nurses by 2030, with a current gap of 79,000. The demand is especially high in nursing homes and geriatric care. Proposals include reviving the visa program for nurses and introducing a new visa category for nursing aides to address these critical needs.
Canada: Expansion of eligible programs for Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP)
While adopting a more restrictive overall immigration policy, Canada remains committed to attracting and retaining foreign talent, as evidenced by the expansion of programs eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP enables graduates to remain and work in the country for up to three years. Newly included programs that qualify for this permit are child development, Montessori teacher training, and childcare service provider training, reflecting Canada's focus on strengthening its workforce in these essential sectors.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) updates
Effective September 26, 2024, Canada has updated the unemployment rate thresholds that impact employers' ability to recruit foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Now, Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) applications are suspended in areas where the unemployment rate exceeds 6% or the offered salary falls below the regional average. As a result, cities such as Saint John, Guelph, and Barrie are excluded from conducting LMIAs until at least April 2025. Conversely, cities like Vancouver, Abbotsford, Winnipeg, and Brantford have been added to the program, reflecting shifts in local labor market conditions.
Limitation of Family Open Work Permits (FWOP)
Effective January 21, 2025, Canada has introduced specific criteria for spouses of international students and workers eligible for Family Work Open Permits (FWOP). Spouses of international students can now apply for a FWOP only if the student is enrolled in designated programs such as 16-month master's degrees or longer, doctoral programs, or certain professional courses. Similarly, spouses of foreign workers are eligible for FWOP only if the foreign worker is employed in a profession identified as being in shortage or designated as a "priority" by the government, which includes sectors like health and construction. A comprehensive list of these sectors will be published soon. However, spouses of workers in the process of obtaining permanent residency or those covered under free trade agreements remain unaffected by these new restrictions.
Saudi Arabia: Visa extension from abroad is now possible
Saudi Arabia has introduced a convenient update for expatriates: foreign workers can now extend their Saudi visas even while abroad, a policy that also applies to domestic workers employed by expatriates. Specifically, exit and return visas can be extended remotely. The necessary procedures can be completed using the Absher and Muqeem platforms, both of which are accessible via Google Play and the App Store, facilitating a more flexible and efficient process for maintaining legal status in Saudi Arabia.
Niger updates regulations on the entry and stay of foreigners
Amid ongoing political turmoil with President Bazoum and his wife Hadiza detained by the junta since July 26, 2023, Niger has introduced stringent new regulations governing the entry and stay of foreigners. The ordinance, issued by General Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in 2023 and declared himself head of state, mandates that all foreigners must possess valid travel or residence documents. Additionally, the ordinance enforces stricter requirements for declaring one's place of stay. Violations of these rules may lead to severe penalties, including expulsion, prison sentences ranging from 2 to 5 years, and substantial fines between 5 and 50 million CFA francs (approximately $7,855 to $78,553). These measures aim to enhance national security and prevent infiltrations amidst escalating tensions with neighboring countries.
