The KPMG team regularly monitors recent developments across the globe in the
Immigration space and publishes them as Immigration News Highlights. Please find
the key developments that occurred over the last week enumerated below. Click
here to find all issues of the Immigration News Highlights on the GMS Flash
Alert: Immigration page.
The information in Immigration News Highlights is sourced from the independent third parties listed below and shall not
be attributed to KPMG. It does not represent the views or opinions of KPMG International Limited or any KPMG member
firm. This information is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice or serve as a substitute
for any professional advice, consultation, or service, [and should not be relied on without further consultation].
Although we make reasonable efforts to update this information, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees,
whether express or implied, that this information is accurate, complete, or up to date.
Americas Asia Pacific Europe and Africa
Americas
United States
July 2024 Visa Bulletin
The July 2024 Visa Bulletin shows significant changes from the previous month, including a
nearly one-year retrogression in the EB-3 Dates of Final Action Chart for Professional and
Skilled Workers, and advancements for India in the EB-1 Dates of Filing Chart and Date of Final
Action Chart by almost one year. USCIS will continue to accept Form I-485 applications using
the Final Action Dates Chart for all employment-based preference categories.
Read More
United States
US announces new process to promote the unity and stability of families
The Department of Homeland Security has announced a new process to promote family unity in
the immigration process, allowing certain noncitizen spouses of US citizens to apply for lawful
permanent residence without leaving the US. This process is available to those who have lived in
the US for 10 years or more, do not pose a threat to public safety or national security, and meet
other eligibility criteria. Approximately 500,000 noncitizen spouses and 50,000 children may be
eligible for this process. The application process will involve filing a form with USCIS, paying a
fee, and providing supporting documentation.
Read More
United States
USCIS issues policy guidance on customer service and confidentiality protections for certain
naturalized US citizens
The USCIS has issued new guidance in the Policy Manual, stating that confidentiality protections
under 8 USC 1367 end at naturalization, allowing naturalized U.S. citizens who were previously
protected under this provision to access e-filing and customer service tools without restrictions.
This change responds to stakeholder requests and aims to eliminate barriers to case processing,
improve response times, and facilitate family reunification and humanitarian sponsorship. The
guidance terminates the protections after naturalization, enabling naturalized citizens to request
replacement naturalization certificates, ask or answer questions about financial support for
parole applicants, and exchange information with USCIS more freely.
Read More
Asia Pacific
Australia
Restricting onshore visa hopping to the student visa program
The Australian government is strengthening the integrity of the student visa program to ensure
that only genuine students are granted visas and to provide opportunities for students who
receive qualifications in Australia to contribute to the country's economic growth. As part of this
effort, certain temporary visa holders, including Temporary Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew
visa holders, will no longer be able to apply for a student visa while in Australia from 1 July 2024.
Read More
Australia
Australia announces work and holiday program
Australian authorities have announced that applications for the Australian Government's 2023-24
Work and Holiday program for Indonesian nationals are now closed due to high demand, as the
country-specific annual visa quota has been reached. The Department of Home Affairs website
provides information on annual Work and Holiday program limits. However, applications for the
2024-25 Work and Holiday program will reopen on 1 July 2024.
Read More
Australia
Australia ends Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)
The Australian government has announced that it will close the BIIP permanently from July 2024,
citing poor economic results for Australia. No new applications for the Business Innovation and
Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa will be accepted, and current applications will be
processed according to government priorities and migration program planning levels. However,
existing subclass 188 visa holders can continue the pathway to the Business Innovation and
Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa if they meet the criteria.
Read More
Malaysia
Pre-arrival requirement for foreigners
Malaysian authorities announced that all foreign travelers must complete the Malaysia Digital
Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days prior to their arrival in Malaysia. The steps are fill out the
MDAC online, submit it within 3 days of arrival, and proceed to the auto gates upon arrival. The
auto gate facility is available for immigration clearance at KLIA entry point for 63 countries
starting 1 June 2024. Exemptions from MDAC requirement include Singaporeans and
diplomatic/official passport holders working in Malaysia.
Read More
Thailand
Thailand scraps proposed tourism fee
The Thai government has scrapped a proposal to charge a THB300 tourism fee for air
passengers, which was initially proposed in February 2023. The policy faced opposition
announced on 8 June that it would be cancelled. Instead, the government aims to boost tourism
by extending visa stays for tourists, remote workers, postgraduate students, and retirees, and
believes that allowing more tourists to enter without the fee will lead to increased spending on
shopping and other activities, generating more revenue in the long run.
Read More
South Korea
South Korea unveils new "K-culture visa"
South Korean government is introducing a new "K-culture visa" to attract foreigners who want to
receive training in the entertainment industry, such as K-pop, choreography, and modeling. The
visa, launching on a trial basis this year, will allow foreigners to stay in the country for extended
periods while studying at training academies.
Read More
Europe and Africa
Denmark
Denmark to ease residence rules for foreign workers from July 1
Danish authorities have introduced new residence rules for foreign workers, effective 1 July
2024. The changes include an expanded Job Change rule, updated Danish bank account
requirements, and a new residence permit scheme for expatriate Danes' family members.
Additionally, foreign workers will be able to apply for an extension of their stay under the Fast-
Track scheme's short-term route without visiting a SIRI department, if they submit their request
before their current permit expires and their stay does not exceed 90 days in Denmark within the
last 365 days. Applications submitted before July 1 will be rejected, and eligible applicants must
apply after the policy takes effect.
Read More
European Union
Cape Verdeans required to pay EUR67.5 for Schengen Visa fees
European Union has announced that starting from 11 June 2024, Cape Verde nationals applying
for a Schengen visa at any EU Member State consulate or visa center in the country must pay a
fee of EUR67.5, an increase of EUR5. Meanwhile, nationals of most other countries must now
pay EUR90 per Schengen visa application. However, visa fees under other visa facilitation
agreements remain unchanged at EUR35.
Read More
Finland
Finnish Immigration Service implements automated monitoring for specialists' residence permits
The Finnish Immigration Service is introducing an automated post-decision monitoring system
for specialists' residence permits, effective 17 June 2024. The system will ensure that permit
holders continue to meet the necessary requirements throughout their stay in Finland, focusing
on key criteria such as salary meeting the income threshold. The new system will apply to all
residence permits for specialists issued on or after 1 January 2023.
Read More
Greece
Greece has opened applications for 5,000 seasonal workers from Egypt
Greece governments bilateral agreement with Egypt has been implemented, allowing Greece to
bring in seasonal workers from Egypt to fill labor shortages in the agricultural sector. The
agreement, which was reached in November 2023, covers 5,000 seasonal farm workers, and
comes into effect on 10 June 2024. Electronic platform will be available on the Greek Migration
and Asylum Ministry's website, enabling employers to submit applications to hire Egyptian
seasonal workers in the agricultural sector.
Read More
Thomas Wolf
Head of KPMG’s Global
Immigration Network
T: +49 30 530 199-300
E: twolf@kpmg-law.com
social.kpmg
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