Latest updates in global immigration
Global immigration rules and procedures are changing by the day, as governments around the world begin to ease lockdown measures and certain overseas visa centres begin a phased reopening. However, certain restrictions and exemptions are still in place in most countries, therefore travellers should be aware of the current rules in their destination country before travelling.
With this in mind, Smith Stone Walters would like to highlight the following key updates in global immigration this week.
Ireland: Blanket permission renewals extended
The Immigration Naturalisation Immigration Service (INIS) has extended residence permissions for those currently resident in Ireland. This blanket grant covers those both those who have a permit that has previously expired since 20 March 2020 and those whose permit will expire up to 20 April 2021.
An individual need not be physically present in Ireland in order to benefit from this automatic extension. The approach has arisen not only due to closures of processing centres, but significant backlogs, meaning applications are taking longer than usual to process.
Singapore: Personal details updates for work pass holders
Singapore has decreased the time work pass holders have to update their personal details following a change. This impacts the following categories:
- Work Permit
- S Pass
- Employment Pass
Previously, individuals had 14 days to update any changes to their personal details, such as a new address or mobile phone number. This now must be completed within five days. Changes must be notified using the FWMOMCare mobile phone application or the Employment Pass website.
This represents yet another move forward for Singapore in the digitisation of its immigration system, designed to make the system easier for individuals and to introduce a higher degree of traceability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Germany: Increased flexibility over the right to work
Under a new law in Germany, individuals who are applying to change employers or change visa category to an employer permit, will be permitted to commence work with a new employer earlier in the process.
Previously, applicants had to wait until the final residence permit was printed before starting work. Now, an individual is able to commence work once the immigration officer orders the permit to be printed.
As the printing process can take up to six weeks, this new measure is an improvement for both individuals and employers alike. To demonstrate work authorisation during this six week period, a visa holder will be issued with a temporary permit.
SSW is available to assist with any right to work queries globally and encourages employers to make the necessary checks to avoid a potential compliance risk.
SSW Global Immigration
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. We have spent years refining our global immigration capability, with a carefully selected choice of local partners to meet every client need.
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.
