What’s new in global immigration?

19.05.2021

With global immigration rules and guidance changing by the day, it is important for businesses and individuals to keep on top of the latest developments to identify any changes that may impact your immigration goals.

With this in mind, Smith Stone Walters would like to highlight the following key updates in global immigration.

Malaysia and Singapore: Compassionate cross-border travel agreement

The latest update from Malaysia and Singapore is that starting this week, both countries are accepting applications for travel on compassionate grounds. This new agreement will allow citizens of both countries to travel between the two nations in the event of a death or to be with those who are critically ill.

The agreement will allow people from either country to apply for cross-border travel and both the Department of Immigration Malaysia and the Immigration Checkpoints Authority of Singapore have confirmed that only two visitors per case will be allowed to travel.

Applications can be submitted online through an enquiry form. All applicants will be expected to provide documents such as a death certificate or a doctor’s support letter for those critically ill, plus documents providing the familial connection and finally a copy of their passport biodata page.

New Zealand: New accreditation requirement for hiring companies

As of 1 November 2021, New Zealand will formally introduce the Accredited Employer Work Visa, replacing all six current temporary work visas with one.

The new system is designed to support businesses in filling genuine skills shortages and meeting labour market demand. It is also intended to give migrants more certainty about the visa process and the job they are coming to New Zealand for.

As an additional measure, employers will also be expected to demonstrate that they are compliant with associated accreditation standards, meaning all employers must be accredited to hire a migrant on the new Accredited Employer Work Visa.

Employers can apply for accreditation from September and must meet the following conditions:

They must be a genuine operating business, registered with Inland Revenue and hold a New Zealand business number
They must not have recent history of breaches of immigration and employment laws
They will take suitable steps to minimise the risk of exploitation by completing employment modules, paying recruitment costs and providing migrant workers with advice on their rights.

South Korea: Electronic travel authorisation to allow visa- free entry

The Ministry of South Korea has announced that a new Electronic Travel Authorisation system will be introduced this year.

The system will be fully implemented by September 2021, however it will first undergo a pilot launch starting May 2021. The intention is to allow visa free foreign visitors to travel more conveniently by obtaining a K-ETA in advance as well as reducing waiting times at border control.

The key points of the new system are as follows:

Will allow eligible foreign nationals to enter the country visa- free
The Electronic Travel Authorisation will be eligible to nationals of only 21 countries

Foreign nationals must provide personal and travel information through the K-ETA website at least 24 hours before travelling. The information can be uploaded here: http://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do

Need help to reach your global immigration goals?

If you have questions about global immigration issues, or if you need support in reaching your global mobility goals, we are here to help.

At Smith Stone Walters, moving people across borders is our business. Our expert team are experienced in managing and supporting immigration moves throughout the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.