Global immigration
news round-up

16 September 2020

Global immigration rules are changing by the day, both in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and as a result of legislative updates across the globe.

Smith Stone Walters is here to help businesses and individuals keep on top of these developments and identify any changes that may impact your immigration goals. With this in mind, we would like to highlight the following key updates in global immigration.

Singapore: Significant changes to the work pass framework

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has recently tightened the criteria for approving work passes to enable businesses to grow and to support employment opportunities for locals.

The changes will impact both the Employment Pass and S Pass categories, and includes the following:

  • Extending the job advertising requirement to include the S Pass route
  • Increasing the required advertising period from 14 to 28 days for roles posted on MyCareersFuture.sg
  • Increasing the qualifying salaries

Much like in the US, these measures are seen as protective steps over the home economy and a drive to increase employment of Singaporean Nationals. The timeline over which the changes are being implemented can be found on the MOM website here.

Employers should not only factor in the longer advertising period in their hiring timeline, but they should also review salaries and ensure that they meet the new thresholds. For further guidance in this area, please contact a SSW consultant.

Ireland: Atypical Worker Scheme goes digital

Ireland has moved to now accept online applications under the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS). In order to make use of this service, the applicant or their representative must be registered with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

Those with paper application forms for the AWS have until 18 September 2020 to make their application. Thereafter, only online applications will be accepted.

This short term route will still require supporting documentation but with the new digital process, this can now be uploaded online, rather than presented in hard copy. This change completes the transition to online applications for all of Ireland’s work based categories.

Japan: Rules relaxed for re-entry of foreign nationals

From 1 September 2020, all foreign nationals with residence in Japan will be able to re-enter the country with a valid re-entry permit or special re-entry permit.

Until this announcement, foreign nationals were only able to return to Japan if they had departed the country before the entry ban was imposed on their countries of destination. Exceptions to this general rule did apply, such as those with urgent medical matters, but the large majority of foreign residents in Japan were affected.

This change impacts those who have been stuck outside Japan and those who have had to put their travel plans on hold and are yet to leave Japan, proving relief for not only the individual but employers too.

This new provisions apply to:

  • Permanent residents
  • Spouse or child of a permanent resident
  • Spouse or child of a Japanese national
  • Long-term residents
  • Those with special exceptional circumstances.

Let us help you reach your global immigration goals

At Smith Stone Walters, moving people across borders is our business. Our team of immigration experts manage and support immigration moves throughout the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.

If you need advice or support in reaching your business’s global immigration goals, Smith Stone Walters would be delighted to help. Contact us today to discuss your requirements – we are immigration experts.

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