New Zealand to End At-Home OET for Immigration; New Policy Begins July 13 New Zealand is introducing another important immigration update for healthcare professionals planning overseas opportunities. From July 2026, applicants using the Occupational English Test will face stricter testing requirements aimed at strengthening examination integrity and identity verification. The change means remote testing will no longer qualify for immigration purposes. Healthcare workers planning work or...

Guyana Tightens Work Permit Procedures with Mandatory In-Person Biometric Endorsements Guyana is changing how foreign workers complete employment immigration procedures. Applicants can no longer rely on authorised representatives to finalise work permit endorsements. Instead, the country now requires personal attendance for biometric registration before endorsement approval. This update adds another step for international professionals planning employment in Guyana. As immigration systems...

Quebec Reopens Family Sponsorship Intake Starting July 2 Amid Policy Updates Quebec is reopening its family sponsorship programme and creating renewed opportunities for families seeking permanent reunification. After reaching previous intake limits, the province is introducing a structured system designed to balance demand while maintaining access for eligible applicants. Starting July 2, 2026, Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Quebec can once again sponsor qualifying...

Saudi Arabia Removes Work Permit Exemptions for Premium Residency Holders Saudi Arabia has introduced a significant employment compliance change affecting Premium Residency holders. Foreign nationals under this programme must now obtain a separate work permit before beginning employment. The update removes the earlier exemption that allowed eligible residents to work without additional authorisation. For professionals considering long-term opportunities in Saudi Arabia, this change adds...

South Korea Broadens Premium Visa Eligibility to Include Researchers and Professors South Korea has broadened access to its Top-Tier Visa programme by extending eligibility to professors and researchers in science and technology disciplines. Effective June 1, 2026, the expansion creates additional opportunities for highly skilled academics seeking long-term residency and professional growth. The revised policy reflects South Korea’s continued efforts to strengthen innovation and attract...

Ireland Implements Stricter Family Reunification Requirements: Enhanced Financial and Housing Checks Ireland has introduced stricter family reunification rules, creating new financial and accommodation obligations for foreign residents. Effective June 12, 2026, the updated policy raises sponsorship thresholds and introduces housing verification for certain applicants. These changes are expected to affect many foreign workers and families planning long-term settlement in Ireland. For...

Qatar Cuts Grace Period for Residence Permits to 14 Days, Tightens Overstay Rules Qatar has reduced the grace period granted to foreign residents after the expiry or cancellation of their residence permits. Under the new rule, individuals now have only 14 days to leave the country or regularise their immigration status, down from the previous 30-day allowance. The change introduces stricter compliance expectations for expatriates and employers while reinforcing Qatar’s ongoing efforts...

New Zealand Announces Significant Skilled Migrant Visa Reforms 2026 New Zealand has unveiled major reforms to its skilled migration system for foreign workers. The changes officially take effect on August 24, 2026, across multiple visa categories nationwide. The update impacts wages, qualifications, employment checks, and long-term residence pathways for migrants. Authorities have redesigned the Skilled Migrant Category to improve clarity and consistency for applicants. The reform also...

New Zealand Announces Major Skilled Migrant Visa Reforms Effective August 2026 New Zealand has confirmed a major overhaul of its skilled migration system, with new rules taking effect from August 24, 2026. The reforms introduce updated wage policies, revised qualification standards, expanded residence pathways, and tighter verification of employment and work experience. For skilled professionals planning long-term relocation, the changes offer greater predictability in some areas while...

Vietnam Introduces Digital Arrival Cards at Hanoi and Da Nang Airports Vietnam has expanded its digital arrival process by introducing its online Pre-Arrival Information system at additional international airports. Travellers arriving in Hanoi and Da Nang can now complete part of their entry formalities before departure instead of waiting until arrival. The expansion marks another step in Vietnam’s broader effort to modernise border procedures and improve traveller experiences. By...

India’s 30-Day Tourist e-Visa Updated to Permit Multiple Entries for Global Travelers India has introduced an important update to its 30-day tourist e-Visa by expanding entry privileges for international travellers. Approvals issued from June 12, 2026, now indicate multiple-entry access instead of the previous two-entry limit, giving visitors greater flexibility during their travel period. Although the visa duration remains unchanged, the new entry arrangement allows tourists to move...

Quebec Reopens PEQ Applications: Eligibility Criteria for July 2026 Applicants Quebec has announced the temporary return of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), reopening one of its most popular immigration pathways for eligible foreign workers and international graduates. The program will accept applications again from July 2, 2026, through July 2, 2028, creating renewed opportunities for individuals seeking permanent residence in Canada. The reopening comes after the PEQ remained closed...