What’s new in global immigration?

10.06.2021

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.

Romania: Plans to adopt a digital nomad visa

Romania announced that it will be joining the growing list of countries that offer digital nomad visas to remote workers. The proposal to the new legislative measures has come in response to the effects of coronavirus on workplace arrangements of many.

The introduction of the digital nomad visa is planning to modify the regulations for individuals from outside the EU and EEA area and offer fewer constraints to work for a fixed period of time in Romania. The requirements for the visa include:

Being employed for an international company, or;
Working for a company they have registered outside Romania.
Having proof of being an employee, or;
Being an owner of a company registered outside of Romania.
Proof of income to at least the equivalent of the average national income, and;
Health insurance covering the period of the visa.

The new rules for the digital nomad visa are yet to be approved by the Romanian Parliament. You can keep up to date with the latest global immigration news at Smith Stone Walters.

Cameroon: Employers to prioritise locals over foreign workers

The government of Cameroon has issued a mandate to prioritise the employment of locals in public-private partnership investment projects in the country. The plan is aimed at boosting its employment rates to recover from the job losses faced by locals, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

To provide some background, Cameroon does not impose quotas on foreign workforce or reserve its posts solely to nationals. Foreign investors are able to employ specialists of their choice; however, employment by a local entity may be a condition for a work permit.

The new restrictions are expected to primarily impact lower-skilled foreign workers, as employers will be limited to only employ foreign workers for certain position at specified skill level. Additional responsibilities for employers will include the submission of a skills transfer plan, where the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training will investigate to confirm that there are no locals available to fill the position.

Singapore: Updates on work permit requirements

The family members of foreign workers holding Dependant’s Pass (DP) only required a Letter of Consent (LOC) to legally work in Singapore before 1 May 2021. With the introduction of a new rule, it became obligatory for DP holders to apply to an appropriate work pass (i.e. Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit) in order to work.

It should be noted that current LOC holders are still able to work until their LOC expires. Furthermore, DP holders who own a business in Singapore are able to run their business under the new rules, given that the business generates local employment.

The Ministry of Manpower further clarified exemptions from certain requirements for DP holders when applying for Work Permits. These include not having to submit medical results every six months, obtaining security bonds and the constraint to pregnancy under Work Permit visa.

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.