AUSTRALIA – Changes to the Subclass 457 Program

Posted on October 23, 2014

Following the recommendations of an independent review panel, the Australian government has decided to make several changes to the subclass 457 visa program. Changes include the following: Streamlining the sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications by rewarding applicants deemed as ‘low-risk’… Read more »


COLOMBIA – TP-4 Visa Applications to Require Local Contract or Service Agreement

Posted on October 23, 2014

The TP-4 Visa is issued to foreign nationals that are entering Colombia due to an employment relationship, contract, or service agreement with a Colombian company, organization, or individual. In 2013, a decree was issued that stated all foreign employees must… Read more »


INDIA – Employers to Provide EPFO ID Number

Posted on October 23, 2014

Recently, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), has become more proactive in ensuring that companies are compliant with the EPFO’s rules. Companies – particularly those employing foreign workers – have a legal obligation to add to the fund. Each month,… Read more »


INDIA – PIO Cards Now Valid for Life

Posted on October 23, 2014

Effective immediately, the Union Home Ministry of India has determined that the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card will now be valid for life. This also means that the holder of a PIO card will be exempt from certain police… Read more »


SOUTH KOREA – Changes to ARC Collection Rules

Posted on October 23, 2014

A recent change by the Seoul Office of the South Korean Immigration Service has declared the following change to the collection of Alien Registration Cards (ARC): depending on the type of visa one holds, he/she may no longer delegate a… Read more »


UK/IRELAND – Scheme to Benefit Chinese and Indian Nationals

Posted on October 23, 2014

As a result of a recent agreement made between the U.K. and Ireland, Chinese and Indian nationals holding certain short-stay visas issued by either country will be permitted to visit both the U.K. and Ireland with only one visa. However,… Read more »