AUSTRALIA – DIBP Workers’ Strike Likely to Cause Travel and Processing Services Delays

Posted on September 18, 2015

Employees of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) are scheduled to strike during September 16 – 23. Those traveling to and from Australia may experience delayed immigration clearance and processes at various entry ports and at visa processing… Read more »


CHINA – Government Offices to Close for One Week

Posted on September 18, 2015

In observation of China’s National Day, government offices will close during October 1-7. Processing for visas, permits and other immigration services will be delayed as government offices in China and Chinese consulates abroad will be closed during that time. Delays… Read more »


CZECH REPUBLIC – Amendment to the Act on Employment

Posted on September 18, 2015

As of August 17, 2015, a significant amendment to the Act on Employment was inaugurated in the Czech Republic. The “Fiction of a Work Permit” concerning employed non-EU nationals who are extending their Employee Cards in the Czech Republic is… Read more »


EUROPEAN UNION – Border Controls and Volume of Asylum Applications Hinder Travel Throughout EU and Schengen Area

Posted on September 18, 2015

Due to the high number of asylum applications and recently implemented border controls, travelling to, from and within the European Union and the Schengen Area has become rather difficult. Immigration services and overall travel may be affected by processing delays… Read more »


MEXICO – Streamlined Procedure for Visitors Entering by Land from the United States

Posted on September 18, 2015

Effective immediately, the National Immigration Institute (INM) in Mexico has announced a fast-track procedure for non-visa required nationals entering Mexico by land from the United States for non-remunerated activities including business or leisure. The new system is intended to speed… Read more »


PHILIPPINES – Companies Must Train Local Workers per Revised Employment Permit Guidelines

Posted on September 18, 2015

Beginning September 28, 2015, stringent revisions to employment permit regulations established by the Department of Labor and Employment will come into effect. The revisions will require that companies train two local workers for each foreign worker in non-managerial positions, in… Read more »


RUSSIA – Schengen Visa Information System Implemented

Posted on September 18, 2015

On 14 September 2015, the European Union Visa Information System (VIS), which requires all Schengen visa applicants to register their biometric data, was expanded to Russia. From 12 October 2015, the VIS will also start operating in China, Japan, Mongolia, North… Read more »