Saudi Arabia – Validity of Block Visas Reduced to One-Year

Posted on October 27, 2017

  Effective immediately, companies in Saudi Arabia will have to utilize their block visas more quickly in order to hire foreign employees. The Saudi Ministry of Labor has announced that it is reducing the validity period of its block visas… Read more »


Singapore – Mobile Phone Numbers Required for Work Permit Issuance or Renewal

Posted on October 27, 2017

  Effective November 17, 2017, employers must provide their foreign workers’ mobile phone numbers when completing the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM’s) Online Foreign Worker Address Service (OWAS) updating prior to issuing or renewing their Work Permits (WPs). Note that this… Read more »


Azerbaijan – No More Post-Arrival Change of Status for Foreign Workers or Business Travelers

Posted on October 20, 2017

  Effective immediately, foreign nationals travelling to Azerbaijan for work or business must obtain the appropriate work or business visa before travelling. Previously, most foreign nationals travelling to Azerbaijan for work or business would enter the country on an e-visa… Read more »


Belgium – Minimum Base Salary to Increase in Flanders

Posted on October 20, 2017

  Beginning January 1, 2018, the minimum base salary will increase in Flanders.  The minimum base salary in Wallonia and Brussels will also increase in January 2018 but the figures have not yet been released. The minimum base salary will… Read more »


Guatemala – Legalization of Documents Waived Under Apostille Convention

Posted on October 20, 2017

  Effective September 18, 2017, the Hague Apostille Convention has entered into force in Guatemala. Guatemalan documents for use in other signatory countries, and documents from other signatory countries for use in Guatemala, will no longer require consular or embassy… Read more »


Malaysia – Improvements Expected by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Posted on October 20, 2017

  Effective November 15, 2017, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will implement four new process improvements regarding processing times, online payment, an improved website, and revised charges. The current system of processing is as follows: Company Assessment – 1… Read more »


India – PIO Cards soon to be Invalid

Posted on October 13, 2017

  Effective October 2018, the International Civil Aviation Organization will no longer accept the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards as valid travel documents.  Foreign nationals holding PIO cards should convert their existing cards to the Overseas Citizen of India… Read more »


Oman – Salary Threshold Halved for Sponsoring Dependents

Posted on October 13, 2017

  Effective immediately, foreign national employees in Oman earning at least OMR 300 (about USD 780) per month are permitted to sponsor their family members for dependent residence permits.  Previously, the salary threshold for dependent sponsorship was OMR 600 per… Read more »


United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi Dependent Residence Permit Requires Abu Dhabi Tenancy Contract

Posted on October 13, 2017

  Effective immediately, foreign nationals employed in Abu Dhabi who wish to sponsor family members for initial or renewal dependent residence permits must submit a Tawtheeq (a residential lease registered in Abu Dhabi) In support of the application. Employees who… Read more »


Qatar – New Policy for Visa on Arrival

Posted on October 13, 2017

  Foreign nationals that are eligible for a visa on arrival must exit and re-enter the country if applying for a change of status to residency or employment for their visa.  The new policy does not affect dependent family members… Read more »