Global immigration news round-up
This week, the Global Immigration team at Smith Stone Walters would like to highlight the following recent updates from Australia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Poland and Saudi Arabia.
Australia: Changes to English language requirements for visa purposes
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced that, on 7 August 2025, the accepted English Language Tests (ELT) for Australian visa purposes changed.
There are now nine tests accepted. This has increased from the five tests previously accepted.
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025, for previously accepted ELT, previous settings and requirements will stay valid for certain timeframes, depending on the visa eligibility.
The ELT changes aim to:
- ensure consistent scoring across test providers
- give more flexibility and test options for visa applicants.
Applicants for a visa that requires evidence of their English language ability must ensure that they:
- take a test that is valid for the purpose of the visa they are applying for, and
- achieve the English test scores required.
Changes to English language requirements for the Skills in Demand visa
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) also announced that changes to the English language tests (ELT) for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) (SID) will begin from 13 September 2025 (subject to the passage of relevant legislation).
Three new tests will be available to visa applicants to meet the SID visa English requirements. Some existing tests and score requirements will also change.
Applicants for a subclass 482 visa must make sure that they:
- take a test that is valid for SID visa purposes
- achieve the required test results, based on the date they take their test.
Tests taken on or after 13 September 2025
DHA will align test requirements for SID visa purposes on or after 13 September 2025 with the Vocational level of English proficiency outlined in the Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN25/016).
There will be no changes to language testing exemptions for the SID visa.
Those who take a test that offers the single skill retake, and that is accepted by the department, may be able use these results for their application.
DHA will no longer accept Cambridge C1 Advanced Tests taken on or after 13 September 2025 for SID visa purposes. Those who have booked a test with this provider must ensure they take their test before this date.
Tests taken before 13 September 2025
Tests taken before 13 September 2025 will maintain a three-year validity period for SID visa purposes. DHA will continue to accept these tests, subject to the validity and test score requirements specified in the Migration (Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024.
Labour agreement stream
Applicants in this stream must have English language skills suitable to perform their nominated occupation. English requirements may be specified in the Labour Agreement between the employer and the Commonwealth.
DHA will publish more detailed information about the new requirements from 13 September 2025 on the Subclass 482 English requirements page.
Malaysia: Enhanced online document sighting function to take effect
The Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department of Malaysia has announced that, effective 7 August 2025, it will introduce an enhanced Online Document Sighting function within the ESD Online system. This is in addition to the previously-announced enhanced Online Company Interview function taking effect on 6 August 2025.
The latest enhancement is designed to offer Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) applicants the following:
- Centralised document sighting notifications: Document sighting requirements (if applicable) will be communicated directly through the ESD Online, providing better clarity and accessibility to users;
- Improved scheduling flexibility: Companies will be able to select the earliest available document sighting slot when rescheduling;
- Clearer communication and documentation guidance: Any additional documentation required to support EP or PVP applications will be clearly outlined via the ESD Online.
Mexico: Guidelines published for new electronic visa
On 25 July 2025, the Ministries of the Interior (SEGOB) and of Foreign Affairs (SRE) jointly published updated General Guidelines for Visa Issuance, which take effect 9 August 2025.
The new rules introduce electronic visas (e-Visas) and changes to some other procedures. E-Visas will be available to some nationalities for entry “without permission to perform remunerated activities”, and will not require an in-person visa appointment at a Mexican consular office.
Further details of the new requirements are expected.
Peru: Supreme decree exempting Singapore nationals from business visa
On 5 August 2025, the government published a supreme decree exempting nationals of Singapore from the temporary visa requirement when entering for business. The decree comes into force on 12 August 2025.
The maximum period of stay in Peru is up to 90 calendar days, counted from the date of entry into the country, either as a continuous visit or consecutive visits, during the period of one year.
Currently, Singapore are visa-free for entry to Peru for tourism purposes only. Since 2002, Peruvian nationals can enter Singapore visa-free for tourism or business.
Poland: New draft law introduces online residence applications
On 5 August 2025, the government announced that it had adopted a draft law amending the Act on Foreigners and certain other acts, submitted by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration.
Among other changes, the new regulations enable the submission of electronic applications for temporary residence permits, permanent residence permits and for long-term residence of the EU.
The online system will also allow Ukrainian citizens who are covered by temporary protection to apply for temporary residence for three years.
The project also introduces changes to the procedure for committing to return and placing minors in the centres.
The institution of induction on the obligation to leave Poland is introduced if the decision on deportation was issued by another EU country.
- Poland will not have to issue its own decision to return.
- This will speed up the transfer of foreigners to countries conducting the return procedure.
- This is a step towards a common system for the recognition of return decisions throughout the European Union.
The adopted solutions will come into force in accordance with the announcement of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, which will be published in the Official Journal.
Saudi Arabia: Passports directorate extends grace period for expired visit visas
Effective 26 July 2025 until 25 August 2025, the General Directorate of Passports has announced a 30-day extension of its grace period for expired visit visas.
The initial 30-day grace period began on 26 June 2025.
Holders of expired visit visas, in any category, for single or multiple entry, can apply for an exit permit without incurring an overstay fine. The application must be submitted via the Tawasul service of the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform, and applicants must pay any outstanding fees or fines using the SADAD system.
Overstaying beyond the grace period can incur a fine of up to SAR 50,000 and a multi-year entry ban.
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