Blog · 2024-12-14

Relocation news digest - December 14, 2024

Tokyo introduces a four-day work week

Tokyo plans to introduce a four-day work week for public-sector employees in a bid to support working mothers and lift the country's record-low birth rate.

Under the new arrangement, which takes effect in April, staff will be entitled to three days off a week. The government also announced a separate measure allowing parents of children in the first through third grades of primary school to trade part of their salary for the option of leaving work early.

"We will review working styles with flexibility in mind, so that no one has to give up their career," said Governor Koike.

Japan's birth rate continues to fall despite the government's efforts.

Slovakia rolls out a new digital immigration platform

From 15 December 2024, foreign nationals will be able to use a digital platform for the following immigration procedures:

applying for any type of residence permit;
extending a temporary residence permit;
applying for a passport;
renewing an EU Blue Card.

After submitting an application online, applicants will have 30 days to provide their fingerprints in person, after which the residence permit will be delivered to them by courier.

The Philippines launches VAT refunds to boost tourism and shopping

Non-resident tourists who spend at least $52 at accredited stores will be able to reclaim the tax at the airport.

The initiative is expected to increase tourist spending by 30%.

Uzbekistan backs a visa regime with Russia

MP Alisher Kadyrov voiced support for tightening Russia's migration laws and called on Central Asian countries to back the introduction of a visa regime.

EU: ETIAS and EES go live

EU authorities have officially announced the gradual rollout of the EES over a 180-day period. Initially, only a small share of border crossings will be recorded through the system.

Italy: stricter residence rules for sponsoring family members

The Italian government has approved an amendment under which a foreign national's family members may reside in the country as dependents only if the primary applicant has lived in Italy continuously for at least two years - up from the previous one-year requirement.

Cyprus visas become harder for Russian citizens

Applicants must now provide:

a digitally signed 10-year statement from the Pension and Social Insurance Fund;
bank statements for the past three months;
salary records for the past six months.

Documents should be submitted no later than 15 days in advance.

EU Council approves Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen accession from 1 January

EU member states have decided to lift checks on people at internal land borders with Bulgaria and Romania from 1 January 2025.

UAE banks extend payment processing times with Russia

UAE banks have lengthened the processing time for Russian business payments to an average of two weeks. The situation worsened in November following the imposition of US sanctions.

UAE: tougher document checks for visa applications

UAE authorities have introduced a stricter document-verification procedure. All applicants must provide confirmed hotel reservations and round-trip flight tickets. Those holding valid visas for Canada, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom or the United States may be asked to submit copies of them.

Applicants are also asked to provide a police clearance certificate and proof of financial means. Flight tickets are subject to thorough authenticity checks.

FAQ

Can you apply for Slovak residency online?

Slovakia moved its main immigration steps onto a digital platform: first-time residence applications, extensions of temporary residence and EU Blue Card renewals. The form goes in online, but you still give fingerprints in person, usually within a month of filing, after which the card is delivered by courier. The range of services handled digitally keeps growing, so check the current list with the immigration police before filing.

What is the EU Blue Card?

The Blue Card is a work and residence permit for skilled professionals in the EU who hold a degree or proven relevant experience and earn above a set salary threshold. It lets you bring your family and makes moving to another EU country easier after a qualifying period. Each country sets its own salary threshold and usually updates it every year.

How do tourists claim a VAT refund abroad?

Tax free works like this: as a non-resident shopper you get a special receipt in the store, prove at departure that the goods are leaving the country, and then collect the refund in cash, to a card or through an operator. There is almost always a minimum purchase amount and a deadline for taking the goods out. Countries launch and adjust these schemes to boost tourism, so check local rules on the spot.

Does Japan have a four day work week?

Not as a national rule, but pilots exist. Tokyo introduced a three-day weekend option for its own public employees and let parents of young schoolchildren finish earlier in exchange for part of their pay. It is a response to record low birth rates rather than a change to labour law. For a foreign employee, hours and overtime come down to the contract with the specific employer.

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