Blog · 2024-11-01

Relocation news digest - November 1, 2024

Ireland: new online self-service portal launched for immigrants

On 24 October 2024, Ireland launched a new online self-service portal for immigrants called the Digital Contact Centre. The portal lets applicants book and reschedule appointments for their first registration online, sparing them the need to call the contact centre to arrange a meeting.

Users will also be able to check the status of their immigration applications through the portal. Over time, the system will allow them to raise questions about visas, registration, residence permits, travel documents and citizenship applications.

Canada: authorities announce immigration plan for 2025-2027

Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has announced the immigration plan for 2025-2027, which sets out the number of permanent residents Canada intends to admit each year and establishes overall admission targets for every immigration category.

For the first time, the plan also includes managed targets for temporary residents - notably foreign students and foreign workers.

The plan is in line with the Canadian government's aim to ease the demographic pressure caused by the rapid growth in the number of immigrants in the country.

EU: internal checks at Schengen borders

The following countries have extended internal border checks until December 2024: Italy and Slovenia.

The following countries have extended internal border checks until March-May 2025: Austria, Germany, Denmark, Norway, France and Sweden.

Kuwait: electronic visa for Russian nationals announced

At present, Russian citizens must obtain a visa from the Kuwaiti embassy to enter the country.

An electronic visa will considerably simplify the process. No details or timeline have been provided yet.

The decision was announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a meeting with his counterpart in Kuwait.

United Kingdom: authorities raise employer National Insurance contributions

The UK government plans to increase employer National Insurance contributions to fund the NHS and other public services. The rate could rise to 15.8%, generating up to £20 billion a year for the state budget.

The higher costs could make it harder to hire staff and put a cap on wage growth.

Russia: OTP Bank to raise fees on cash deposits in dollars and euros

OTP Bank, the Russian subsidiary of Hungary's OTP Group, will raise its fee on cash euro deposits from 2 November - from 2% to 5% of the amount deposited.

The fee on US dollar deposits will be 5% (previously there was no charge).

Poland: sweeping immigration policy reforms proposed

Several ministries have proposed significant changes to immigration rules, with implementation scheduled for 2025.

First, the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy plans to introduce comprehensive legislation that would fully digitise the work-permit process, require signed job offers or preliminary contracts to file an application, abolish the labour market test and impose stricter documentation requirements on employers.

Second, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will tighten access to the labour market for foreign students, as well as the rules for admitting foreigners to study in Poland.

The authorities also propose changes to the national visa process at Polish consulates and may require visa-free nationals to obtain a work visa after receiving a work permit (whereas they can currently work on the work permit alone).

In addition, criminal provisions on the employment of foreigners will be tightened.

These proposed changes are still in draft form and remain subject to further review.

UAE: incentives announced for the Blue Residence Visa

The United Arab Emirates has announced incentives for the Blue Residence Visa, including the option to sponsor family members.

This visa, which grants holders the right to live in the country for up to 10 years (renewable), has not yet taken effect, and the authorities have not yet specified when it will become available.

The Blue Visa is likely to help attract and retain talented specialists in the fields of ecology, climate change, sustainable development and renewable energy over the long term.

United States: the FY2026 visa lottery closes on 7 November

Until Thursday, 7 November 2024, applicants can register on the State Department's official lottery website.

Entries must meet the State Department's strict requirements.

Turkey: shorter waiting period for re-applying for certain work permits

Applications for assembly and maintenance service visas (AMS) and for the cross-border service provider exemption (CBSP) - which grant the right to work without a work permit for 90 days to carry out specific tasks - can now be filed once every six months.

Previously, applicants had to wait 12 months before re-applying.

Sweden: faster processing for certain visa types

Sweden has cut the standard processing time for EU Blue Card and intra-corporate transfer permit applications to 30 days, down from 90.

The shorter processing times will let foreign nationals start work sooner. They will also help employers address labour shortages more quickly and manage recruitment more flexibly.

France: authorities to tighten language requirements for residence permits and citizenship

Residence permits will now be granted only to foreigners who pass a French language exam at the A2 level.

Applicants for a ten-year residence permit must have lower-intermediate proficiency (B1 level). Applicants for French citizenship must reach at least B2 level.

Switzerland: a move to shorten the residence requirement for citizenship

Citizens will vote on whether to reduce the residence requirement for citizenship eligibility from 10 years to 5.

The petition gathered enough signatures. The decision now rests with the Swiss electorate.

FAQ

Are there border checks inside the Schengen area?

Yes. Member states periodically reintroduce temporary checks at internal borders and keep extending them, citing migration and security. It is formally an exception, but for several countries it has been close to continuous in recent years. The list of countries and border sections changes, and the Commission publishes the current one.

Do you need a passport to travel inside Schengen?

Yes, always carry an identity document: checks are random but real, and carriers ask for one at boarding anyway. If you live in the EU on a residence permit, carry the permit card together with your passport. Travelling without documents risks a fine or refusal of entry even inside the area.

How many immigrants does Canada take per year?

Canada publishes a multi year levels plan with targets by category, and after years of growth the targets were cut and, for the first time, caps were added for temporary residents such as students and workers. The plan is revised annually, and Express Entry cut off scores and invitation rounds move with it. Check the current Immigration Levels Plan on the IRCC site before building a strategy around it.

How do I book an immigration appointment in Ireland?

First registration runs on online appointments through a digital portal where you book or move slots and track your application status. Slots go quickly, so check the portal often. Dublin and the rest of the country are handled by different offices, with different procedures and waiting times.

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