Oman Launches Free 14-Day Tourist Visa With Option to Extend Stay Oman has revised its immigration rules, rolling out a free 14-day tourist visa for eligible travellers while giving visitors greater flexibility if they want to extend their stay. Under the updated Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law, eligible visitors can now convert this short-stay visa into another tourist visa category before it expires, as long as they meet the necessary conditions and pay the...

Mozambique Resumes ETA Requirement for Visa-Free Travellers Mozambique has reinstated its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for travellers from 29 visa-exempt countries, after resolving technical problems that had stalled the system for months. Starting July 31, 2026, eligible visitors must once again obtain an ETA before boarding their flight. The ETA rule was originally introduced in April 2025 but suspended weeks later due to issues with the online application portal....

Canada Introduces Stricter C20 Work Permit Criteria for Foreign Applicants Canada has tightened the eligibility criteria for employer-specific work permits under the C20 Reciprocal Employment category, making it harder for multinational companies to bring new hires directly into Canada without an existing overseas employment history. Updated guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now requires foreign nationals to already have an employer-employee relationship with...

South Africa to Introduce ZAR 500 ETA Fee for International Travellers 2026 Indian passport holders travelling to South Africa for tourism or business can currently apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), and that process may soon carry a flat ZAR 500 fee (roughly ₹2,500). South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has published draft regulations introducing this charge. The public can submit comments until August 11, 2026, and if the proposal is approved, the fee...

Japan Proposes Tougher Permanent Residence Requirements Japan is planning to raise the bar for foreign nationals applying for permanent residence, with new eligibility standards that could take effect for applications submitted from April 2027, pending final approval later this year. The change would affect foreign professionals living and working in Japan, particularly those hoping to settle there long-term, by making the path to permanent resident status more demanding. Japan Proposed New...

UK Temporary Work Visa 2026: Types, Requirements, Costs and How to Apply The United Kingdom offers several temporary work visa routes for people who want to work in the country for a limited period. These routes cover jobs and activities ranging from seasonal agricultural work and the creative industries to charity work, religious activities and approved exchange programmes. If you are considering working temporarily in the UK in 2026, it is important to understand that there is not one...

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...