Blog · 2024-05-25

Relocation news digest - May 25, 2024

🇰🇪 Kenya: immigration application processing temporarily suspended

The Kenyan authorities have suspended the processing of immigration applications - including permanent residence, residence permits, citizenship, and work or study permits - for two weeks.

Applications for the electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for business and tourism will continue to be processed as usual.

🇸🇪 Sweden: passport details for work and study permits can now be submitted online

Passport details previously had to be submitted in person at a consulate. The new system covers citizens of 23 countries, with plans to expand it in the near future.

🇪🇺 EU: Schengen visa fees are going up

From 11 June, applying for a Schengen visa will become more expensive. The fee will rise to €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12 - a 12% increase on the current price.

The hike is attributed to inflation and the EU's drive to raise civil servants' salaries.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: seasonal worker visas extended to 2029

The UK government has announced that its seasonal worker visa scheme will run until 2029. Under the programme, 43,000 visas will be available for the horticulture sector and 2,000 for poultry in 2025.

🇬🇪 Georgia: Red Wings to launch scheduled flights from St Petersburg to Batumi

The scheduled service begins on 13 June. The airline will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays.

🇳🇴 Norway: authorities ban entry to Russian tourists

From 29 May, Russian citizens arriving in Norway for tourism will be refused entry. The ban applies to all holders of Schengen visas issued by other countries.

Exceptions will be made for Russians travelling to the country for study or work, or to visit close relatives - parents, children and spouses.

🇦🇪 UAE: ten-year visa introduced for outstanding contributions to the environment

The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates has approved a new long-term visa category - the "Blue Residency Visa." It will allow foreign nationals who have made an exceptional contribution to environmental protection to live and work in the UAE for 10 years.

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan: Red Wings resumes flights from Samara to Almaty

Flights begin on 7 June, operating once a week on Fridays.

🇦🇺 Australia: authorities to introduce a new national visa

By July 2024, the Australian government plans to close the Business Innovation and Investment visa and replace it with a new National Innovation visa.

Through the new national visa, the authorities aim to consolidate the BIIP and Global Talent visa programmes.

🇮🇱 Israel: electronic entry authorisation scheme launched for Russians

From 1 June, Israel is launching a pilot electronic entry authorisation scheme for tourists who can visit the country visa-free.

Applicants must complete an entry authorisation form in advance, attaching a scan of their passport, flight tickets, medical insurance, and general details of the planned trip. A fee of around $7 will apply.

Applications will be processed within 48 hours, and the authorisation is valid for two years.

US and German citizens will take part in the pilot. From 1 August, the electronic authorisation will become mandatory for citizens of all countries that have a visa-free agreement with Israel - including Russia.

🇿🇦 South Africa: digital nomad visa introduced

The South African government has introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing foreign nationals with a sufficient level of income to reside in the country while working as freelancers or employees for entities outside South Africa.

The Department of Home Affairs will publish more detailed information about the programme in the official gazette in the coming months.

FAQ

How much does a Schengen visa cost?

The consular fee is the same across Schengen states, lower for children, and a visa centre service fee is charged on top. The tariff is revised every few years in line with inflation and went up by roughly 12 percent in 2024. Take the exact amount for your filing date from the consulate of the country you apply to.

Can Russians enter Norway on a Schengen visa?

Norway closed entry to Russian tourists, including those holding Schengen visas issued by other countries. Exceptions cover work and study trips and visits to close relatives. Other neighbours of Russia introduced similar bans and the wording of exceptions gets amended, so check before travelling.

How do you get a 10 year visa in the UAE?

The UAE keeps expanding its long term residency line up: the Golden visa for investors, outstanding talent and selected professions, plus a Blue visa for people who have contributed to environmental protection. Each category has its own criteria and supporting documents. The list keeps growing, so check the current categories on the government portal.

Does Australia have an investor visa?

Australia closed its old business innovation and investment programme and shifted the focus to talent and innovation, folding the previous streams into a new national innovation visa. There is no straightforward buy your residency option left. Criteria continue to be revised, so check the Department of Home Affairs for what applies now.

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