What's changed .

ATCM 47 held in Milan, Italy (June–July 2025)

The 47th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Milan, Italy from 23 June to 3 July 2025. Continued development of the Antarctic tourism management framework (begun formally in 2022), adoption of several measures on site-specific guidelines and station-management, and admission of new observers to the ATCM process.

Who it affects: All ATS participants; continued tourism-framework discussions.

Antarctic Treaty System Secretariat ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 10 Jun 2025

Announced Residency

Migration Advisory Committee recommends reducing family-visa threshold

The MAC's statutory review of the family-visa financial requirement, published in June 2025, concluded that the £29,000 threshold is high by international standards and recommended a more reasonable range of £23,000–£25,000 for most partners. The Labour government is considering the recommendations; no implementation decision has been published as of April 2026.

Who it affects: UK residents planning future partner-visa applications; signals potential near-term reduction.

Migration Advisory Committee ↗ · House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jun 2025

In force Residency

JPJapan

Permanent Residence revocation framework expanded under 2024 amendments

Diet amendments to the Immigration Control Act (June 2024, in force June 2025) expanded the grounds on which Permanent Residence (eijuken) can be revoked — explicitly including failure to pay tax or social-security contributions and certain criminal convictions. A controversial reform that critics argue erodes the security of long-term-resident status; supporters frame it as integrity enforcement.

Who it affects: Permanent Residence holders, especially those reliant on social-security or tax payment compliance.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan ↗ · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 20 May 2025

In force Residency

Family regrouping permitted after one year of residence

Under the 2025 Immigration Regulation, non-EEA residents with permits including the DNV, HQP, and NLV can apply for family regrouping after one year of residence — rather than waiting until the first renewal (typically two years). Materially shortens the timeline for reuniting with a spouse and dependent children.

Who it affects: DNV, HQP, NLV, and other non-EEA residence-permit holders seeking family regrouping.

Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · BOE — Boletín Oficial del Estado (Spanish Official Gazette) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 20 May 2025

In force Residency

New Immigration Regulation (Real Decreto 1155/2024) enters force

Real Decreto 1155/2024 — a comprehensive update of the Immigration Regulation — entered force on 20 May 2025. Material changes include: family regrouping permitted after one year of residence (previously at first renewal), updated definitions for several residence categories, and clarified pathways between permit types. Also implements changes to the Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa operational procedures.

Who it affects: All non-EEA residents and applicants to Spanish residence permits from 20 May 2025.

BOE — Boletín Oficial del Estado (Spanish Official Gazette) ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · La Moncloa — Spanish Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 3 Apr 2025

In force Residency

Golden Visa abolished from April 2025

The Ley Orgánica 1/2025 was published in the BOE and eliminated Spain's Golden Visa ("Visado de Residencia para Inversores") from 3 April 2025 — ending the €500,000 real-estate-investment residency route that had run since 2013. Existing holders and applications lodged before 3 April 2025 continued to be processed under the previous rules.

Who it affects: Prospective investor-residence applicants; existing holders retain their status until renewal.

Boletín Oficial del Estado ↗ · Gobierno de España — La Moncloa ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 3 Apr 2025

In force Residency

Golden Visa (investor residency via real-estate) abolished

The Residence by Investment programme allowing residence in exchange for €500,000 in Spanish real estate was abolished on 3 April 2025, via modification of Ley 14/2013 under the Organic Law on the right to housing (Ley de Vivienda). Other investment routes (public-debt, business capital) remain, but the widely-used real-estate route is closed. Application submitted before the cut-off date continue to process under prior rules.

Who it affects: High-net-worth non-EEA applicants to the Spanish investor-residence route via real estate.

BOE — Boletín Oficial del Estado (Spanish Official Gazette) ↗ · La Moncloa — Spanish Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2025

In force Residency

SGSingapore

Overseas Singaporean Unit talent-attraction programme expanded

The Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) under the Public Service Division expanded its return-to-Singapore programme for overseas Singaporean professionals — accelerated EP processing for foreign spouses, additional housing-search support, and signalling-targeted partnership with Contact Singapore. Indirect effect on the EP pipeline; explicit prioritisation of Singaporean-citizen-led talent flows.

Who it affects: Singaporean citizens overseas considering return; broader signal on talent attraction.

Prime Minister's Office, Singapore ↗ · Singapore Economic Development Board ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2025

In force Residency

Asylum and migrant-transit processing expanded at Mexico's southern border

Following the US Trump administration's January 2025 orders tightening US border enforcement, Mexico expanded its own asylum and transit-processing capacity at the southern border (Chiapas, Tabasco) through 2025 — expanded COMAR (refugee commission) processing, temporary migrant-transit cards, and integration programmes for those granted refugee status. Practical effect on mover-relevant immigration channels is indirect.

Who it affects: Transit migrants and asylum seekers; indirect impact on Mexican employers relying on migrant labour.

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Feb 2025

In force Residency

UMA value updated for 2025 — residency income thresholds rise

The Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA) value rose to MXN 113.14/day on 1 February 2025 (MXN 3,439.46/month) — a 4.4% increase. All Mexican residency income-threshold tests (Temporary Resident financial solvency, Permanent Resident high-net-worth, Investor) are indexed to multiples of UMA. Practical dollar-equivalent thresholds update each year with this adjustment.

Who it affects: All residency applicants whose income-threshold tests are indexed to UMA.

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) ↗ · Diario Oficial de la Federación ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 20 Jan 2025

In force Residency

Presidential executive orders on immigration issued on inauguration day

A series of executive orders issued on 20 January 2025 substantially reshaped US immigration policy — ending CBP One parole appointments at the southern border, ending Biden-era humanitarian parole programmes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, directing enhanced interior enforcement, and initiating a review of refugee-admission ceilings. Subsequent implementing orders and court rulings have tempered, expanded, or delayed various elements.

Who it affects: Broad immigration ecosystem — asylum, border enforcement, parole programmes, humanitarian protections.

The White House ↗ · US Department of Homeland Security ↗ · USCIS — US Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Residency

DACA programme remains under litigation; no new applications accepted

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) remains under continued federal court litigation following the 5th Circuit's September 2023 ruling upholding the July 2021 district-court order that found the programme unlawful. Existing DACA recipients continue to be able to renew; no new initial applications are being processed pending final judicial resolution. Congressional legislation remains the only reliable permanent-status path.

Who it affects: Approximately 580,000 current DACA recipients and a larger pool of potentially-eligible undocumented youth.

USCIS — US Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · US Department of Homeland Security ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Residency

French-language requirement for multi-year residence cards

Under decrees implementing the 2024 Loi Immigration, from 1 January 2025 applicants for a multi-year carte de séjour (carte pluriannuelle) must demonstrate at least A2 French proficiency (up from A1), and applicants for a ten-year carte de résident must reach B1 (up from A2). Exemptions apply for specified health and age grounds.

Who it affects: Third-country nationals renewing short-term cards into multi-year or long-term residence.

Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · Légifrance ↗ · Office français de l'immigration et de l'intégration ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Residency

CACanada

Permanent-residence admission targets reduced for 2025–2027

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan reduced PR targets from 500,000/year (prior plan) to 395,000 (2025), 380,000 (2026), 365,000 (2027) — a material reduction driven by the federal government's response to housing-supply and infrastructure pressure following record post-pandemic admission volumes.

Who it affects: Future permanent residents; sectors dependent on immigration-driven labour growth.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 23 Dec 2024

In force Residency

CACanada

"Flagpoling" — border-exit-and-re-entry work-permit activation — restricted

IRCC and CBSA restricted the long-standing informal practice of "flagpoling" (exiting at a US border and immediately re-entering to activate a new work permit) from December 2024. Most work-permit activations now must be processed at a Canadian port of entry via formal admission rather than same-day exit-re-entry. Materially changes the logistics of in-Canada status transitions.

Who it affects: Temporary residents in Canada seeking to activate new work permits without travelling abroad.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 7 Dec 2024

In force Residency

AUAustralia

ENS (subclass 186) qualifying period reduced under SID transition

The Employer Nomination Scheme qualifying period was reduced under the SID transition — SID holders can apply for ENS after just 2 years with their sponsor (previously 3 years under TSS). Further reduces the temporary-to-permanent pathway friction.

Who it affects: SID 482 visa holders seeking permanent residence.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Dec 2024

In force Residency

DHA digital visa system rollout under Minister Schreiber

Minister Schreiber's major modernisation commitment launched in late 2024 — phased rollout of a fully digital visa and permit application system, integrated online appointment scheduling, and standardised turnaround-time targets. Material operational improvement across most visa categories through 2025, though backlog clearance from the pre-2024 era continues.

Who it affects: All visa and permit applicants processing through DHA.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Dec 2024

In force Residency

Republican Engagement Contract mandatory for first residence permits

From December 2024, applicants for a first multi-year residence permit must sign the Republican Engagement Contract, committing to respect "the principles of the Republic" (laïcité, equality, freedom of expression, etc.). Breach can ground residence-permit refusal or revocation. Criticised by civil-society organisations as introducing a vague and potentially arbitrary test.

Who it affects: All new applicants to multi-year residence permits from December 2024.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Stamp 4 after 2 years on CSEP — retained under the 2024 reforms

The 2024 Employment Permits Act retained the existing fast-track to Stamp 4 (indefinite residence, unrestricted labour-market access, no further permit renewal required) for Critical Skills Employment Permit holders after two years on the permit. This remains a material advantage of CSEP over the General Employment Permit (which requires five years).

Who it affects: Critical Skills Employment Permit holders approaching the two-year anniversary of their first permit.

Irish Immigration Service ↗ · Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Residency cards issued with chip and biometric verification

INM began issuing new residency cards with embedded chips and biometric data from September 2024 — replacing the legacy physical photo-laminate format. Existing cards remain valid through their expiry; renewals automatically issue the new format. Supports the broader federal ID-verification modernisation.

Who it affects: New Temporary Resident and Permanent Resident card issuances.

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Two-month visa amnesty launched September 2024

The federal government launched a two-month visa amnesty (September–October 2024, later extended to end-December 2024) allowing visa-overstayers to either regularise their status or leave the UAE without penalty. The largest such amnesty since 2018; widely-used by long-term overstayers.

Who it affects: Non-UAE residents with overstays seeking to regularise or exit without penalty.

ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ↗ · Emirates News Agency (WAM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Family-visa sponsor income thresholds clarified federally

ICP issued clarifying guidance in mid-2024 on family-visa sponsor income thresholds across emirates: AED 4,000+/month for spouse/children with employer-provided accommodation (or AED 4,000 plus accommodation evidence if not), and AED 20,000+/month to sponsor parents. Reduces the historic emirate-by-emirate variation in interpretation.

Who it affects: UAE residents sponsoring family members.

ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ↗ · GDRFA — General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (Dubai) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

ITItaly

Questura permesso di soggiorno digitalisation pilot launched

The Ministry of the Interior launched a pilot digitalisation of the permesso di soggiorno (residence-permit) application process in selected major Questure from September 2024. Online pre-submission of documents, reduced in-person appointments, and digital status tracking. Processing times remain variable (4–18 months depending on Questura); the pilot does not yet extend nationally.

Who it affects: All non-EU residents renewing or applying for permesso di soggiorno.

Ministero dell'Interno ↗ · Governo Italiano ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

NLNetherlands

Asylum Distribution Act (Spreidingswet) scheduled for withdrawal

The Asylum Distribution Act, which had required all Dutch municipalities to participate in housing asylum seekers on a per-capita basis, was committed for withdrawal in the coalition agreement. Implementation obligations on municipalities were suspended in practice; concrete repeal legislation entered the parliamentary process in late 2024.

Who it affects: Asylum-seeker capacity distribution across Dutch municipalities.

Government of the Netherlands ↗ · Hoofdlijnenakkoord — Coalition Agreement (May 2024) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

NLNetherlands

Family reunification for recognised refugees sharply restricted

Under the coalition agreement, family reunification rules for recognised refugees were tightened: faster-track "Nareis" provisions were narrowed, and the previous one-year grace period for submitting applications without income-threshold assessment was re-examined. Civil-society organisations have flagged compatibility concerns with EU and ECHR family-reunion case law.

Who it affects: Recognised refugees seeking to bring family members to the Netherlands.

Government of the Netherlands ↗ · Hoofdlijnenakkoord — Coalition Agreement (May 2024) ↗ · European Commission — Migration and Home Affairs ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Blue Residency launched for environmental contributors

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security launched the "Blue Residency" — a 10-year residency for individuals making exceptional contributions to environmental protection, sustainability, conservation, or related fields. Eligibility via direct nomination by entities or self-application with supporting evidence. Distinct from the Golden Visa's broader categories.

Who it affects: Environmental scientists, conservationists, and recognised environmental contributors.

ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ↗ · Emirates News Agency (WAM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Exceptional regularisation for workers in shortage occupations

Law 2024-42 created a time-limited, exceptional regularisation route (admission exceptionnelle au séjour) for non-EU workers without legal status who have been employed for at least 12 months in officially-recognised shortage occupations (métiers en tension) and have been in France for at least three years. Implementing decree issued August 2024; the route runs as an experiment through end-2026.

Who it affects: Non-EU workers in irregular status employed in French shortage-occupation sectors.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 19 Aug 2024

Repealed Residency

Keeping Families Together parole enjoined and terminated

The Keeping Families Together parole-in-place program for non-citizen spouses of US citizens, announced 17 June 2024 and opened 19 August 2024, was blocked by a federal court on 26 August 2024 and permanently vacated on 7 November 2024. A change in administration in January 2025 confirmed non-revival. Applications filed during the brief window received no adjudication.

Who it affects: Non-citizen spouses of US citizens who would have qualified; included for historical context.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · The White House ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Aug 2024

In force Residency

Visa fraud backlog clearance and amnesty programme launched

The Schreiber-led DHA reform launched a comprehensive backlog clearance and anti-fraud programme from August 2024 — targeting the several-year processing backlog that had accumulated pre-2024. Parallel anti-fraud enforcement resulted in visa-agent deregistrations and employee dismissals. Operational improvement has been substantial through 2025, though applicants report variable experience.

Who it affects: Applicants with pending visa/permit processing for 12+ months.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Aug 2024

In force Residency

NZNew Zealand

Parent Category Resident Visa reopened with revised criteria

The Parent Category Resident Visa was reopened from August 2024 with revised criteria — income threshold for the NZ-based sponsor, age-based subcategories, and a modest annual quota. Had been closed to new applications since 2016; reopening restores a structural pathway for family reunification of skilled migrants' parents.

Who it affects: Parents of NZ citizens and residents seeking permanent residence.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 22 Jul 2024

Repealed Residency

Rwanda removals scheme formally abandoned by Labour government

Shortly after taking office, the Labour government formally ended the UK–Rwanda asylum-removals scheme. Planned removals did not take place; Rwanda-scheme infrastructure and associated Treaty arrangements were wound down. Related components of the Illegal Migration Act that depended on the scheme became operationally inert.

Who it affects: Asylum-seeker processing; broader political signalling on asylum policy direction.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Jul 2024

In force Residency

NLNetherlands

Hoofdlijnenakkoord — coalition commits to "strictest asylum policy ever"

The four-party coalition of PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB published its Hoofdlijnenakkoord ("outline agreement") in May 2024, taking office 2 July 2024. The agreement commits to a tightening of asylum and migration policy including: the scrapping of the Asylum Distribution Act (Spreidingswet), reduction of temporary asylum residence permits from five to three years, and severe tightening of family reunification rules for recognised refugees. Many individual measures have faced legal and parliamentary contestation through 2025.

Who it affects: Asylum seekers, recognised refugees, and their family members applying for reunification.

Hoofdlijnenakkoord — Coalition Agreement (May 2024) ↗ · Government of the Netherlands ↗ · European Commission — Migration and Home Affairs ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

OFII digital integration platform (Forum Réfugiés) rolled out

The French immigration and integration office (OFII) launched a new digital platform from July 2024 to manage the Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine (CIR) — the mandatory integration contract for new residents. Replaces paper-based booking and progress tracking for French-language and civic-education courses.

Who it affects: New non-EU residents subject to the CIR (most non-Talent permit holders).

OFII — Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

INM appointment system digitalised with uniform online booking

From mid-2024 INM rolled out a uniform online appointment (cita) system across major cities, replacing the previous fragmented regional booking. Materially improved predictability of appointment availability — though Mexico City and Guadalajara INM offices have remained oversubscribed through 2024–2025 with several-month waits at peak times.

Who it affects: All INM residency applicants and those renewing permanent-resident cards.

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

Polícia Federal migration-processing substantially digitalised

Polícia Federal's online migration-services platform was substantially expanded through 2024 — online RNM (residence card) renewal applications, digital appointment booking, and integrated document submission. Physical attendance required only for biometrics. Materially reduces the historic in-person-queuing friction.

Who it affects: All non-Brazilian residents and applicants interacting with Polícia Federal for RNM issuance.

Polícia Federal — Migração ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

AUAustralia

Net Overseas Migration target reduced progressively

The Migration Strategy set a Net Overseas Migration (NOM) target trajectory stepping down from the 2022–23 peak of ~528,000 — targeting 260,000 for 2024–25 and broadly returning to the pre-pandemic ~235,000 trajectory by mid-2027. Combined with tightened student-visa rules and 188 pause, the effect has been material through 2024–2026.

Who it affects: All future Australian immigration volumes across categories.

Australian Government ↗ · Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

Digital RNM card / CRNM-Digital rollout

Polícia Federal began issuing the digital RNM card (CRNM-Digital) alongside the physical card from mid-2024 — allowing residents to present identification via a government-verified mobile application. Material for everyday interactions with banks, airlines, and service providers; some legacy systems continue to require the physical card.

Who it affects: New and renewing foreign residents in Brazil.

Polícia Federal — Migração ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

Asylum fast-track procedure expanded

Law 2024-42 expanded the scope of the accelerated asylum procedure (procédure accélérée) to include applicants from a wider set of safe countries of origin, those posing a public-order threat, and re-applications following negative first decisions. OFPRA (French asylum agency) decision timelines targeted at 15 days under this route. Contested in administrative courts; key provisions remain in force.

Who it affects: Asylum applicants from designated safe countries or under fast-track triggers.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

Family reunification income and language conditions tightened

Income conditions for family reunification were raised from the SMIC to the SMIC plus a margin indexed to household size. Language requirement for accompanying family members raised from A1 to A2. Minimum prior residence for the French-resident sponsor remains 18 months. Changes were contested by associations representing migrant families but were upheld in their core elements.

Who it affects: Non-EU residents seeking to bring family members to France.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · OFII — Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 30 Jun 2024

In force Residency

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) phase-out extended

The ZEP programme — operating since 2010 for Zimbabwean nationals working in SA — was set for phase-out. The final extension to 30 June 2024 required ZEP holders to apply for mainstream visa types. A significant proportion converted successfully; others faced tough decisions around legal status. Litigation and public-interest advocacy continued through 2024–2025.

Who it affects: Approximately 178,000 Zimbabwean nationals previously on ZEP.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 29 Jun 2024

In force Residency

Government of National Unity formed after May 2024 election

The 29 May 2024 election ended ANC's 30-year single-party majority. A Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed on 29 June 2024 with ANC, DA, IFP, and smaller parties. Home Affairs ministry went to the DA (Dr Leon Schreiber), producing a notable shift in tone and operational delivery. ANC retains dominant constitutional and economic ministries.

Who it affects: Broad policy direction; Home Affairs under DA minister.

South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 4 Jun 2024

In force Residency

Lei dos Estrangeiros reform — "expressão de interesse" route ended

Decree-Law 37-A/2024 ended the Article 89(2) "manifestation of interest" (expressão de interesse) route — under which non-EU nationals could enter Portugal on a tourist visa and legalise their status from within the country after starting employment and registering with Segurança Social. New applications must now go through a consular visa in the country of origin. Transitional rules protected applications filed before the reform date; the change materially tightened the immigration route most heavily used by Brazilian and Asian workers.

Who it affects: Non-EU nationals planning irregular-to-regular transition from within Portugal, particularly from Brazil, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Portuguese Government Portal ↗ · Diário da República ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 3 Jun 2024

In force Residency

AIMA backlog resolution plan announced (400,000+ pending files)

The Montenegro government announced a structured plan to clear the backlog of roughly 400,000 pending residence-permit cases inherited from the SEF-to-AIMA transition. The plan included dedicated processing task-forces ("Grupo de Missão") and later automated-decision procedures for specified application categories. Processing times for residence-permit renewals remained well above AIMA's target throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Who it affects: Non-EU residents awaiting residence-permit issue or renewal; an important context for arrival planning.

AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Portuguese Government Portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Residency

ITItaly

Anagrafe residency declarations fully digitised through ANPR

All comuni completed migration to the Anagrafe Nazionale della Popolazione Residente (ANPR) platform by mid-2024, enabling residence-declaration (cambio di residenza) requests to be filed nationally online. The change reduced in-person municipal appointments for movers registering residence and streamlined codice fiscale issuance for EU residents.

Who it affects: All new residents registering residence in Italian municipalities.

Ministero dell'Interno ↗ · Governo Italiano ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Residency

KRSouth Korea

Alien Registration Card renewal window extended

The renewal window for ARC and re-entry permits was extended from June 2024, allowing applications up to 4 months before expiry (previously 2 months). Reduces overstay risk caused by Korea Immigration Service processing delays — a recurrent applicant complaint through 2023.

Who it affects: All long-term non-Korean residents holding Alien Registration Cards.

Hi Korea — Korea Immigration Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 30 May 2024

In force Residency

ATCM 46 held in Kochi, India (May 2024)

The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Kochi, India from 20–30 May 2024 — India's first time hosting after becoming a Consultative Party. Delegates from 56 nations and 10 observer organisations attended. Key topics: tourism framework development (no consensus reached), environmental protection enhancements, and seven new Historic Sites and Monuments.

Who it affects: All ATS participants; particularly relevant for tourism-management framework development.

Antarctic Treaty System Secretariat ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 May 2024

In force Residency

Stamp 0 (financially independent residents) criteria updated

ISD updated the eligibility criteria for Stamp 0 — the residence permission for financially independent non-EEA nationals — in May 2024. The required minimum guaranteed annual income rose to €50,000 per applicant, private health insurance must be continuous, and renewals require proof of maintained financial resources.

Who it affects: Retirees and financially independent non-EEA residents of Ireland.

Irish Immigration Service Delivery ↗ · Department of Foreign Affairs ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 11 Apr 2024

In force Residency

Family visa minimum income threshold raised from £18,600 to £29,000

Effective 11 April 2024, the income threshold for sponsoring a partner on a family visa rose from £18,600 (in place since 2012) to £29,000. The previous Conservative government committed to further increases — to ~£34,000 and then ~£38,700 — which were not implemented. The Labour government has paused further increases pending the Migration Advisory Committee review.

Who it affects: UK residents sponsoring non-UK partners on family visas from 11 April 2024 onwards. Not retrospective.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗ · Migration Advisory Committee ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Residency

EGEgypt

Hard-currency-earning Egyptians abroad programme launched

The Ministry of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates launched programmes targeting Egyptians abroad through 2024 — hard-currency-denominated property-purchase schemes, car-import concessions, and facilitated investment routes. Designed to strengthen foreign-currency inflows. Mover-relevant as indicator of state priorities and as practical context for Egyptian-passport-holder returnees.

Who it affects: Egyptian diaspora returning or maintaining ties; property-market context.

State Information Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Residency

CACanada

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) closed to new applicants

The CUAET emergency programme, launched in March 2022 after Russia's full-scale invasion, closed to new applicants from 1 April 2024. Existing CUAET holders retained their three-year work/study authorisation. Replaced by standard humanitarian and general-immigration pathways for further Ukrainian applicants.

Who it affects: Ukrainian nationals seeking emergency travel authorisation to Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 8 Mar 2024

Announced Residency

MAMorocco

Family Code (Mudawana) reform announced; consultation ongoing

King Mohammed VI publicly committed to reforming the Family Code (Mudawana) in 2024 — addressing topics around marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance. Consultation ongoing through 2025. For foreign mover-relevant impact: expected clarifications on inter-faith marriage, property registration under marriage contracts, and inheritance between non-Moroccan and Moroccan spouses.

Who it affects: Foreign-Moroccan marriages, family reunification, inheritance.

Gouvernement du Maroc ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2024

In force Residency

HKHong Kong

New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) launched

A revamped Capital Investment Entrant Scheme launched on 1 March 2024 — distinct from the original CIES which was suspended in 2015. Minimum investment HKD 30 million (~US$3.8M) into a portfolio of permissible investments (Hong Kong-listed equities and debt, qualifying CIES-eligible investment funds, plus a HKD 3 million contribution to the CIES Investment Portfolio). Initial 2-year residence; renewable; path to Permanent Residence after 7 years.

Who it affects: High-net-worth investors considering Hong Kong residency.

Government of the Hong Kong SAR ↗ · Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2024

In force Residency

Path from Critical Skills to Stamp 4 simplified

ISD simplified the transition from a Critical Skills Employment Permit to a Stamp 4 (full residence without employer tie) from March 2024. After 21 months on a Critical Skills permit, holders can apply for a Stamp 4 letter of support without renewing the permit. The change materially shortened the practical path to free labour-market access.

Who it affects: Critical Skills permit holders approaching 21 months of work in Ireland.

Irish Immigration Service Delivery ↗ · Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 7 Feb 2024

In force Residency

China opens Qinling Station — fifth Chinese Antarctic base

China's fifth Antarctic station, Qinling, opened on Inexpressible Island in the Ross Sea on 7 February 2024. Designed to accommodate 80 expeditioners in summer, 30 in winter. Materially expands the Chinese Antarctic programme's geographical reach. Part of the broader expansion of Antarctic research capacity by rising-powers' national programmes.

Who it affects: Research and support staff of the Chinese Antarctic programme (CHINARE); broader geopolitical context of Antarctic research.

Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 7 Feb 2024

Repealed Residency

Bipartisan border-security and immigration-reform bill failed in Senate

A bipartisan border-security and immigration-reform bill negotiated by Senators Lankford, Sinema, and Murphy failed a procedural vote in the Senate on 7 February 2024, after opposition from then-former-president Trump. Represented the closest Congress has come to major immigration reform since 2013. Subsequent administrative actions by both the Biden (2024) and Trump (2025) administrations have substituted for legislative change in practice.

Who it affects: Broad US immigration policy — no major legislative reform enacted.

The White House ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 26 Jan 2024

In force Residency

Loi Immigration (Law 2024-42) enacted — largest reform in a decade

Law 2024-42 "pour contrôler l'immigration, améliorer l'intégration" received the Constitutional Council's partial validation on 25 January 2024 and was promulgated on 26 January 2024. The law reshaped residence-permit categories, created the Talent permit framework, strengthened integration obligations (including the Republican Engagement Contract), lengthened the carte de résident residency condition from 5 to 7 years, and introduced a dedicated residence permit for non-EU medical professionals (PADHUE).

Who it affects: All non-EU applicants to French residence permits, naturalisation, and family reunification.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Gouvernement.fr ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2024

In force Residency

EGEgypt

Egyptian skilled-worker outflow to Gulf continues

Continued structural outflow of Egyptian skilled workers to Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) through 2024–2026 — driven by UAE Golden Visa attraction and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 labour demand. Mover-relevant context: Egyptian tech and professional labour market operates in a regional competition with significant outbound pressure; foreign employers in Egypt face competitive hiring dynamics.

Who it affects: Egyptian labour market; broader economic context.

State Information Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2024

In force Residency

Ukrainian and Afghan humanitarian visa programmes continue

The humanitarian-reception programmes for Ukrainian (since 2022) and Afghan (since 2021) nationals remain in force through 2024–2025. Simplified consular processing, automatic residence-visa eligibility, and accelerated RNM issuance. Approximately 150,000 Ukrainians and 30,000 Afghans have been admitted under these programmes.

Who it affects: Ukrainian and Afghan nationals seeking humanitarian reception in Brazil.

Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública — Migrações ↗ · Itamaraty — Ministério das Relações Exteriores ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2024

In force Residency

Public charge rule reverted to pre-2019 "totality of circumstances" framework

The 2022 final rule reverting the public-charge inadmissibility determination to a "totality of circumstances" framework (the pre-2019 standard) remains in force. USCIS Form I-944 is not required; Form I-864 affidavit of support continues to be the primary vehicle. Does not consider non-cash benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, or public housing as public charge factors.

Who it affects: All adjustment-of-status applicants and new immigrant-visa applicants.

USCIS — US Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2024

In force Residency

Visa Bulletin retrogression continues for key employment-based categories

Through 2024–2026 the Visa Bulletin continued to reflect significant retrogression in employment-based categories — particularly EB-2 and EB-3 for India (current priority dates in the early-mid 2010s) and China. EB-5 set-aside categories (rural, high-unemployment) remain current for most nationalities. Movement is a function of annual demand versus the 140,000 employment-based annual limit and per-country 7% cap.

Who it affects: Employment-based green-card applicants in backlogged categories and countries.

US Department of State ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2024

In force Residency

CNChina (Mainland)

Permanent Residence pathway broadened (2020 reform continued)

The 2020 PR reform — broadening eligibility for senior-employment-track applicants and family-reunion cases — has been steadily implemented through 2023–2025 with refined documentation guidance and pilot fast-track lanes for specified categories. PR issuance volumes remain very low globally; the structural selectivity has not changed despite the eligibility broadening.

Who it affects: Long-term Z visa holders considering PR application; family reunification cases.

National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · State Council of the People's Republic of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2024

In force Residency

HKHong Kong

Permanent Residence remains 7 years of continuous ordinary residence

No changes were made to the foundational 7-year continuous-ordinary-residence requirement for Permanent Residence (Right of Abode), despite various policy proposals through 2024. The "ordinary residence" test (continuous physical presence with limited gaps for travel) continues to be applied with discretionary case-by-case assessment by the Immigration Department.

Who it affects: All non-permanent-resident visa-holders working toward PR.

Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2024

In force Residency

SGSingapore

Permanent Residence eligibility frameworks unchanged but applications competitive

No formal eligibility changes to the Singapore Permanent Residence schemes (Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Worker; Investor; Foreign Artistic Talent; Global Investor Programme) through 2024–2025. ICA continues to operate a discretionary, points-influenced selection process; approval rates remain low and unpublished. PR application timelines remain 4–6 months typical.

Who it affects: Long-term EP and S Pass holders considering PR application.

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 11 Dec 2023

In force Residency

AUAustralia

Albanese government Migration Strategy released

The Albanese Labor government released its Migration Strategy on 11 December 2023 — the first major federal migration policy statement since 2011. Structural themes: simpler system, genuine skills-shortage response, faster pathway to permanent residence, tightened student-visa compliance, reduced overall intake. Implementation rolled out through 2024–2026 via regulation and legislation.

Who it affects: All future skilled migration, student, and temporary visa cohorts.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · Australian Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 27 Nov 2023

In force Residency

NZNew Zealand

National-ACT-NZ First coalition government formed

The National-led coalition government (National, ACT New Zealand, NZ First) was formed on 27 November 2023 after the October 2023 general election. Coalition agreement commitments have been implemented progressively — AEWV employer-accreditation compliance focus, minimum-wage-threshold enforcement, review of several Labour-era programmes. Overall pro-skilled-migration direction maintained.

Who it affects: Broad immigration policy direction through 2024–2026.

Beehive — NZ Government releases ↗ · New Zealand Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 29 Oct 2023

In force Residency

AIMA replaces SEF as the immigration administrative authority

The Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) was dissolved and its administrative immigration functions transferred to the newly-created Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) from 29 October 2023. Border-security functions moved to PSP, GNR, and Polícia Judiciária. The transition has been accompanied by substantial processing backlogs for residence-permit applications and renewals throughout 2023–2025.

Who it affects: All non-EU residents applying for or renewing Portuguese residence permits.

AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Portuguese Government Portal ↗ · Diário da República ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 9 Oct 2023

In force Residency

NZNew Zealand

Skilled Migrant Category reformed to 6-point qualification structure

SMC reformed from the legacy points-based Expression of Interest system to a simpler 6-point qualification structure in October 2023. Applicants gain points from qualifications (degree), income level (above median wage band), or professional registration — plus a skilled NZ job or job offer. Materially simpler to assess pre-application than the legacy scoring.

Who it affects: All prospective Skilled Migrant Category permanent-residence applicants.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 7 Oct 2023

In force Residency

Golden Visa real-estate and rental routes abolished

Under the Mais Habitação law, the Golden Visa (Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento) was restructured on 7 October 2023. The real-estate purchase route, the real-estate-capital-transfer route, and the residential-rental investment routes were abolished. Fund investment, job creation, cultural, and scientific research contributions remain — the investment-fund path is now the dominant route.

Who it affects: Prospective Golden Visa applicants; existing holders retain their status.

Diário da República Eletrónico ↗ · Governo de Portugal ↗ · AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 7 Oct 2023

In force Residency

Golden Visa real-estate route abolished under Mais Habitação

The Mais Habitação housing-reform law (Lei n.º 56/2023) abolished the residential real-estate investment route of the Autorização de Residência para Investimento (ARI, "Golden Visa") from 7 October 2023. Remaining qualifying routes include regulated investment-fund subscriptions (€500,000), qualifying business creation, cultural-heritage donation, and R&D investment. Pending applications submitted before the cut-off were processed under the prior rules.

Who it affects: Non-EU high-net-worth applicants to the Portuguese Golden Visa.

AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Diário da República ↗ · Portuguese Government Portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Oct 2023

In force Residency

Colombia joined MERCOSUL Residence Agreement as associate state

Colombia's accession to the MERCOSUL Residence Agreement as an associate state took effect from October 2023 — Colombian nationals now have access to the simplified MERCOSUL residence pathway (2-year initial residence with minimal documentation, convertible to permanent after 2 years).

Who it affects: Colombian nationals seeking Brazilian residence.

Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública — Migrações ↗ · Itamaraty — Ministério das Relações Exteriores ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 20 Jul 2023

In force Residency

Illegal Migration Act 2023 receives Royal Assent

The Act imposed a statutory duty on the Home Secretary to remove anyone arriving in the UK irregularly and provided the framework for third-country removals. Many of its provisions depended on the Rwanda scheme, which was subsequently held unlawful by the Supreme Court in November 2023 and formally abandoned by the Labour government in July 2024. Parts of the Act remain in force but its practical impact has been substantially reduced.

Who it affects: Asylum seekers arriving through irregular routes; broader policy signal on UK approach to asylum.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 6 May 2023

In force Residency

ITItaly

Cutro Decree (D.L. 20/2023) — asylum and irregular-entry tightening

Law Decree 20/2023, converted into Law 50/2023, introduced several asylum tightening measures: restricted "special protection" residence permits, criminal penalties for smugglers up to 30 years, expanded detention pre-return. Enacted after the Cutro (Calabria) shipwreck in February 2023 in which 94 people drowned. Contested in Italian and European courts; key provisions remain in force.

Who it affects: Asylum seekers and those in irregular status; migration-policy context for mover research.

Gazzetta Ufficiale (Italian Official Gazette) ↗ · Ministero dell'Interno ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2023

In force Residency

Border Management Authority operational

The Border Management Authority (BMA) became operational from April 2023, consolidating border-management functions previously split across multiple departments (Home Affairs, SAPS, SARS Customs, Department of Agriculture). Material improvement in border-post processing speed and integration; ongoing operational refinement through 2024–2026.

Who it affects: All travellers entering and exiting SA.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 15 Feb 2023

In force Residency

Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) Closed — February 2023

Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme (Irish "golden visa"), which offered residence in exchange for qualifying investments from €500,000 upwards, was closed to new applications on 15 February 2023. Existing applications in the pipeline continued to be processed. Part of a broader European trend following Portugal and Spain moves against investor-residence schemes.

Who it affects: High-net-worth non-EEA applicants considering the Irish investor-residence route.

Irish Immigration Service ↗ · Government of Ireland ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2023

In force Residency

Lula III administration inaugurated — stable migration policy

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was inaugurated on 1 January 2023, beginning the third non-consecutive Lula administration. Immigration policy has been largely stable — the Lei de Migração 2017 framework remains intact, with operational focus on processing capacity, digitalisation, and humanitarian reception (Ukrainian, Afghan refugees). No major legislative reform attempted in the first three years of the administration.

Who it affects: Broad migration-policy direction; no major structural reforms enacted to date.

Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública — Migrações ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 3 Oct 2022

In force Residency

Green Visa launched for skilled workers and freelancers

The Green Visa — 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled workers and freelancers — was launched October 2022 under the broader 2022 visa reform. Materially reduces the historic dependency on employer sponsorship. Eligibility refined through 2024 to include broader freelance categories and clearer income-evidence pathways.

Who it affects: Skilled workers and freelancers without UAE employer sponsorship.

UAE Government Portal ↗ · ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 3 Oct 2022

In force Residency

Golden Visa eligibility substantially expanded

Federal Decree-Law 21 of 2021 (in force October 2022) substantially expanded the Golden Visa scheme: lower thresholds for property-investor track (AED 2M from AED 5M), broader executive track (AED 30k+ monthly salary), expanded specialised-talent categories (PhD holders, top scientists, healthcare professionals), and inclusion of exceptional students and humanitarian workers. Continued operational refinements through 2023–2025.

Who it affects: Investors, executives, top-talent professionals, students, and humanitarian workers.

UAE Government Portal ↗ · ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 16 Aug 2022

In force Residency

Arraigo para la Formación route created

Real Decreto 629/2022 introduced a new "arraigo para la formación" (integration through training) regularisation route from 16 August 2022. Allows non-EEA residents with two continuous years of residence to regularise status by enrolling in a recognised training programme leading to an occupation on the shortage list. Has become a significant practical pathway for irregular-to-regular transition.

Who it affects: Non-EEA residents in irregular status considering regularisation through training.

BOE — Boletín Oficial del Estado (Spanish Official Gazette) ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 1 Jun 2022

Announced Residency