NEWS
Christmas and New Year’s holiday closures will impact processing
15 Dec 15
CHINA, GLOBAL, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SOUTH AFRICA
IMPACT – MEDIUM
What are the changes? The Christmas and New Year’s holidays will close many government and private offices around the world for at least two days, with many countries observing longer holiday periods at the end of the year and the beginning of 2016.
What does the change mean? Employers should file as early as possible for visas, work permits and other services to avoid delays during the holiday closures.
- Implementation timeframe:Now through January.
- Visas/permits affected:All visas and permits.
- Who is affected:Companies needing immigration, labor and other services from government offices.
- Impact on processing times:Processing will be slower due to office closures, shorter business hours and reduced staff.
- Business impact:Holiday delays should be factored into business schedules and assignments.
- Next steps:Companies should finalize and submit applications as soon as possible.
Background: Most countries will observe Dec. 25, 2015, and Jan. 1, 2016, and many countries will also reduce business hours in the days surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Some countries may close for extended periods in the coming months. Russia observes a New Year holiday and Orthodox Christmas Jan. 1-10, with offices reopening Jan. 11. China does not mark Dec. 25 as an official public holiday, but will close Jan. 1-3 for the New Year’s holiday and Feb. 7-13 for the Chinese lunar New Year. South Africa will close offices for varying periods between Dec. 22 and Jan. 11. Mexico’s immigration services will be closed for three weeks Dec. 18 – Jan. 6.
BAL Analysis: Companies should anticipate slower processing for visas, residence permits and work permits from now until offices reopen in early January and they should plan to file immigration-related applications as soon as possible.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
Related News
-
Podcast: H-1B registration, State Department visa report, an...
2 Feb 23
-
Visa offices reopening throughout the US
CHINA, UNITED STATES 2 Feb 23
-
Short-term visa issuance resumed for Japan
CHINA 1 Feb 23
-
Podcast: H-4, L-2 settlement; private refugee sponsorship; PERM...
26 Jan 23
-
Podcast: Premium processing, labor investigations, H-2B visa opportunities
19 Jan 23
-
Podcast: Biden immigration policy, COVID vaccinations, the impact...
12 Jan 23
-
Short-term visa issuance suspended for Japan, South Korea
CHINA 12 Jan 23
-
Highly Qualified Specialist salary reports due Jan. 31
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 12 Jan 23
-
COVID-19: Many countries implement COVID-19 entry requirements for...
CHINA, GLOBAL 5 Jan 23
-
Podcast: Travel from China, interview waivers, proposed immigration...
5 Jan 23
-
COVID-19: Quarantine requirements to end
CHINA 4 Jan 23
-
Podcast: DACA litigation, consular services in China, immigration...
22 Dec 22
-
Podcast: Green Card extensions, H-2B visas, H-1B planning
15 Dec 22
-
Podcast: USCIS funding, REAL ID extension, the World...
8 Dec 22
-
Podcast: Visa delays, USCIS fees, DACA analysis
1 Dec 22
-
Visa application rejection rates increased dramatically
SOUTH AFRICA 30 Nov 22
-
COVID-19: Quarantine, testing requirements reduced
CHINA 15 Nov 22
-
Visa waiver to be extended to Kenyan nationals
SOUTH AFRICA 11 Nov 22
-
Passport fees to be increased
SOUTH AFRICA 21 Oct 22
-
Highly Qualified Specialist salary reports due Oct 31
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 6 Oct 22
-
Zimbabwe Exemption Permits extended
SOUTH AFRICA 26 Sep 22
-
Validities of certain visa, waiver applications extended
SOUTH AFRICA 19 Sep 22
-
Centralized adjudication of visa applications withdrawn
SOUTH AFRICA 13 Sep 22
-
EU suspends visa facilitation agreement with Russia
EUROPEAN UNION, RUSSIAN FEDERATION 12 Sep 22
-
APEC card holders, foreign students permitted entry
CHINA 26 Aug 22
-
Critical Skills List updated
SOUTH AFRICA 5 Aug 22
-
COVID-19: Quarantine requirement ended, land border restrictions to...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 8 Jul 22
-
Validities of certain visa, pending waiver extended
SOUTH AFRICA 6 Jul 22
-
Highly Qualified Specialist salary reports due
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 1 Jul 22
-
Government offices to close in Saudi Arabia and...
GLOBAL, SAUDI ARABIA 20 Jun 22
-
Entry requirement eased for foreign travelers
CHINA 9 Jun 22
-
Simplified residence pathway proposed for certain IT specialists
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 17 May 22
-
Eid al-Fitr holiday will close offices, consulates
GLOBAL 21 Apr 22
-
Requirements for hiring Highly Qualified Specialists to be...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 20 Apr 22
-
Simplified visa issuance suspended for certain travelers
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 8 Apr 22
-
Highly Qualified Specialist salary reports due
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 6 Apr 22
-
Requirements added for two Critical Skills visa categories
SOUTH AFRICA 25 Mar 22
-
Processing to slow during Ramadan
GLOBAL 21 Mar 22
-
Some European countries have suspended visas for Russian...
GLOBAL, RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 Mar 22
-
New 2022 Critical Skills List published
SOUTH AFRICA 24 Feb 22
-
COVID-19: Country alert level modified, health requirements eased
SOUTH AFRICA 23 Feb 22
-
Highly Qualified Specialist salary reports due this month
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 18 Jan 22
-
Zimbabwe Exemption Permits not extended
SOUTH AFRICA 10 Dec 21
-
COVID-19: Countries impose new entry and travel restrictions...
GLOBAL, UNITED STATES 29 Nov 21
-
Medical exam requirement amended for residence, work permit...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 10 Nov 21
-
COVID-19: Nationwide ‘non-working days’ announced
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 27 Oct 21
-
Highly Qualified Specialist salary reports due
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 12 Oct 21
-
New 2021 Critical Skills List finalized
SOUTH AFRICA 3 Sep 21
-
COVID-19: Some countries lift or reduce travel restrictions
GLOBAL, INDIA 27 Aug 21
-
COVID-19: Entry document issuance temporarily suspended
CHINA 10 Aug 21
-
COVID-19: Validity of temporary visas extended
SOUTH AFRICA 14 Jul 21
-
Mandatory fingerprinting, photographing and medicals exams forthcoming
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 Jul 21
-
New visas for family members introduced
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 Jul 21
-
COVID-19: Entry restrictions reduced for 10 countries
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 2 Jul 21
-
‘Chinese Consul’ app launched for Chinese nationals in...
CHINA 14 Jun 21
-
COVID-19: Records of U.S. vaccines now accepted in...
CHINA 14 May 21
-
Eid al-Fitr holiday will close offices, consulates
GLOBAL 7 May 21
-
COVID-19: DHA extends validity of short- and long-term...
SOUTH AFRICA 9 Apr 21
-
Change to dependent status rules will not affect...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 30 Mar 21
-
COVID-19: Beijing, Shanghai open vaccine eligibility to foreign...
CHINA 30 Mar 21
-
COVID-19: Procedures updated for travel from some parts...
CHINA 25 Mar 21
-
COVID-19: Officials will facilitate visas for recipients of...
CHINA 18 Mar 21
-
Shanghai adds new incentives to draw top science...
CHINA 9 Mar 21
-
Draft of revised critical skills list released
SOUTH AFRICA 19 Feb 21
-
COVID-19: New travel requirements announced
SOUTH AFRICA 17 Feb 21
-
COVID-19: Requirements announced for travelers with COVID-19 vaccinations
CHINA 11 Feb 21
-
COVID-19: Land borders close
SOUTH AFRICA 19 Jan 21
-
COVID-19: Multiple countries impose new entry and travel...
GLOBAL 22 Dec 20
-
COVID-19: Tourists from all countries to be allowed...
SOUTH AFRICA 24 Nov 20
-
Government releases e-visa for citizens of 52 countries
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 19 Nov 20
-
COVID-19: Temporary entry suspension for foreign nationals from...
CHINA 11 Nov 20
-
COVID-19: Temporary concession announced for intra-company transfer visa...
SOUTH AFRICA 4 Nov 20
-
COVID-19: Visa-free status for citizens of 11 countries...
SOUTH AFRICA 22 Oct 20
-
Reminder: Third quarter salary reports due by Oct....
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 Oct 20
-
COVID-19: Immigration services resume, entry requirements announced
SOUTH AFRICA 2 Oct 20
-
COVID-19: Entry allowed for foreign nationals holding valid...
CHINA 29 Sep 20
-
Shanghai work permit application processes updated
CHINA 18 Sep 20
-
COVID-19: Relaxing of lockdown, resumption of international travel...
SOUTH AFRICA 17 Sep 20
-
COVID-19: Testing measures for passengers traveling to China...
CHINA 15 Sep 20
-
COVID-19: Visa acceptance for certain Japanese, Singaporean and...
CHINA 26 Aug 20
-
COVID-19: Lockdown alert level lowered
SOUTH AFRICA 20 Aug 20
-
COVID-19: Visa applications open for foreign nationals from...
CHINA 14 Aug 20
-
COVID-19: Entry requirements updated for foreign nationals and...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 10 Aug 20
-
COVID-19: Chinese Embassy and consulates in Korea issuing...
CHINA 6 Aug 20
-
COVID-19: Permits and visas extended until end of...
SOUTH AFRICA 30 Jul 20
-
COVID-19: Air travel from UK, Tanzania, Turkey
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 29 Jul 20
-
COVID-19: Quarantine procedure updated for travelers arriving in...
CHINA 27 Jul 20
-
Government adopts stricter border control measures
SOUTH AFRICA 24 Jul 20
-
COVID-19: Testing required for all inbound travelers
CHINA 24 Jul 20
-
COVID-19: Entrance, quarantine requirements updated for travelers from...
CHINA 23 Jul 20
-
COVID-19: Russia clarifies coronavirus requirements for travelers
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 21 Jul 20
-
COVID-19: Travel restrictions updated
SOUTH AFRICA 9 Jul 20
-
Reminder: Second quarter salary reports due in July
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 8 Jul 20
-
COVID-19: One-time entry for foreign highly qualified specialists
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 2 Jul 20
-
COVID-19: Medical examination to include COVID-19 test
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 29 Jun 20
-
Validity expiration suspended
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 18 Jun 20
-
Immigration registration process updated
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 10 Jun 20
-
COVID-19: Lockdown further relaxed as country moves to...
SOUTH AFRICA 29 May 20
-
COVID-19: Movement control order extended
SOUTH AFRICA 14 May 20
-
COVID-19: Inbound foreign travel suspension extended
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 11 May 20
-
COVID-19: Government to begin easing nationwide lockdown May...
SOUTH AFRICA 30 Apr 20
-
COVID-19: Incoming travelers required to undergo 14-day quarantine
CHINA 29 Apr 20
-
COVID-19: Lockdown extended for 2 weeks, additional temporary...
SOUTH AFRICA 17 Apr 20
-
COVID-19: China closes embassy, consulates in US
CHINA 14 Apr 20
-
COVID-19: Medical observation mandatory for travelers entering Shanghai,...
CHINA 1 Apr 20
-
Entry suspended, travel restrictions, quarantine measures imposed
CHINA 27 Mar 20
-
Government orders country locked down for 21 days
SOUTH AFRICA 24 Mar 20
-
Measures implemented to ease requirements for current visa,...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 23 Mar 20
-
Cities implement measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission from...
CHINA 23 Mar 20
-
Guidance issued on COVID-19 travel, visa restrictions
SOUTH AFRICA 20 Mar 20
-
Borders closed to foreign nationals
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 17 Mar 20
-
Travel ban on 8 countries announced to combat...
SOUTH AFRICA 16 Mar 20
-
Iran and South Korea travel restrictions issued
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 6 Mar 20
-
Suspension of visa-related services in China continues
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 26 Feb 20
-
Some foreign students will not require a work...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 20 Feb 20
-
Coronavirus: Visa extensions allowed for certain Chinese nationals...
SOUTH AFRICA 19 Feb 20
-
Government suspends issuance of work visas, e-visas in...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 6 Feb 20
-
Travel bans implemented in effort to contain spread...
GLOBAL 3 Feb 20
-
Government clarifies immigration policies in response to coronavirus
CHINA 31 Jan 20
-
Measles requirements extended for foreign nationals
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 30 Jan 20
-
Reminder: 4th-quarter salary reports due in January
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 30 Dec 19
-
Shanghai officials move to streamline Category A work...
CHINA 12 Dec 19
-
Document burden relaxed for traveling minors
SOUTH AFRICA 3 Dec 19
-
E-visas to be rolled out following pilot phase
SOUTH AFRICA 13 Nov 19
-
144-hour visa-free transit extended to 3 more cities...
CHINA 8 Nov 19
-
Companies are recommended to submit report on measles...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 24 Oct 19
-
Letters of Invitation no longer issued in paper...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 4 Oct 19
-
Income tax changes may have immigration consequences
CHINA 27 Sep 19
-
Bill eases procedure for obtaining Permanent Residence Permits
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 23 Sep 19
-
Update: Officials announce nationals eligible for e-visa travel...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 20 Sep 19
-
New rule for applicants seeking SAQA certificate
SOUTH AFRICA 20 Sep 19
-
Reminder: 3rd-quarter salary reports due in October
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 20 Sep 19
-
Measles immunization required for foreign workers
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 17 Sep 19
-
E-visas to be available for St. Petersburg, Leningrad...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 29 Aug 19
-
Penalties imposed for companies employing foreign nationals without...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 9 Aug 19
-
Visa waivers to take effect for New Zealand,...
SOUTH AFRICA 9 Aug 19
-
Individual travel to Taiwan suspended
CHINA 7 Aug 19
-
Draft of revised Critical Skills list expected by...
SOUTH AFRICA 6 Aug 19
-
Immigration measures aimed at boosting economic, social development...
CHINA 2 Aug 19
-
Department of Home Affairs agenda includes e-visas, visa...
SOUTH AFRICA 17 Jul 19
-
Machine-readable permits now issued in China
CHINA 10 Jul 19
-
2nd-quarter salary reports due in July
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 20 Jun 19
-
Bill proposes eased procedure for obtaining permanent residence...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 11 Jun 19
-
Eid al-Fitr holiday will close offices, consulates
GLOBAL 30 May 19
-
State fees for invitation letters must be paid...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 28 May 19
-
Short-term work authorization restricted to 180 days per...
SOUTH AFRICA 22 May 19
-
Process for obtaining passports, travel permits eased
CHINA 17 May 19
-
Update: upcoming obligations for companies inviting foreign nationals...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 29 Apr 19
-
Processing to slow during Ramadan
GLOBAL 23 Apr 19
-
HQS work permit processing discontinued at central migration...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 8 Apr 19
-
1st-quarter salary reports due in April
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 26 Mar 19
-
Employers planning for more restrictive Critical Skills List
SOUTH AFRICA 12 Mar 19
-
Lunar New Year holiday to close offices
CHINA 29 Jan 19
-
Labor authorities issue draft regulations on certification of...
SOUTH AFRICA 28 Jan 19
-
Visa applicants in Canada must appear in-person for...
CANADA, CHINA 18 Jan 19
-
New obligations set for companies inviting foreign nationals...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 17 Jan 19
-
4th-quarter salary reports due in January
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 27 Dec 18
-
144-hour visa-free transit extended to 5 more cities...
CHINA 13 Dec 18
-
Russian men restricted from entering Ukraine
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, UKRAINE 5 Dec 18
-
New Home Affairs minister appointed in cabinet reshuffle
SOUTH AFRICA 5 Dec 18
-
Draft immigration regulations published
SOUTH AFRICA 4 Dec 18
-
New measures look to improve entry and exit...
CHINA 4 Dec 18
-
South Africa, Kenya reach agreement on 10-year visas
KENYA, SOUTH AFRICA 3 Dec 18
-
Preregistration to be required for Indian nationals traveling...
, INDIA 27 Nov 18
-
Biometrics requirements set for visa applications in UK
CHINA, UNITED KINGDOM 21 Nov 18
-
Online procedures now available for Shanghai’s 144-hour transit...
CHINA 7 Nov 18
-
Offices to close for Diwali
GLOBAL, INDIA, SINGAPORE 1 Nov 18
-
Two fraudulent websites target international travelers
GLOBAL 3 Oct 18
-
Visa rules eased for business travelers, minors
SOUTH AFRICA 27 Sep 18
-
Offices to close for Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day
CHINA 21 Sep 18
-
New immigration incentives aimed at drawing high-talent foreign...
CHINA 21 Sep 18
-
3rd-quarter salary reports due in October
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 19 Sep 18
-
Visa overhaul aims to attract business
SOUTH AFRICA 12 Sep 18
-
Taiwan extends visa-free travel to Russian nationals
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, TAIWAN 6 Sep 18
-
Residence permits to replace work, study authorization for...
CHINA 30 Aug 18
-
UAE, Russia reach deal on visa-free travel
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 30 Aug 18
-
Work permit requirements to be waived for residents...
CHINA 14 Aug 18
-
Visa-free entry to be extended for World Cup...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 7 Aug 18
-
Implementation of new registration rules inconsistent from office...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 27 Jul 18
-
DHA director-general resigns, Gigaba pledges continuity
SOUTH AFRICA 25 Jul 18
-
New registration rules place responsibility on host companies
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 2 Jul 18
-
Updates to World Cup registration requirements
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 21 Jun 18
-
2nd-quarter salary reports due in July
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 21 Jun 18
-
Eid al-Fitr holiday will close offices, consulates
GLOBAL 8 Jun 18
-
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP and Deloitte UK...
GLOBAL 6 Jun 18
-
World Cup registration requirements updated
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 21 May 18
-
Cabinet to hear proposal to remove Israel visa...
SOUTH AFRICA 18 May 18
-
Unannounced immigration inspections conducted in Cape Town
SOUTH AFRICA 14 May 18
-
Fingerprints now required on arrival
CHINA 3 May 18
-
Additional registration requirements set for World Cup
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 3 May 18
-
Processing to slow during Ramadan
24 Apr 18
-
Updated forms issued for expatriate labor reporting
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 11 Apr 18
-
Russia to expel U.S. diplomats, close consulate in...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, UNITED STATES 29 Mar 18
-
Electronic visas to be introduced
SOUTH AFRICA 26 Mar 18
-
Offices to close for Easter holidays
26 Mar 18
-
1st-quarter salary reports due in April
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 15 Mar 18
-
New central immigration bureau to be established
CHINA 14 Mar 18
-
Shanghai begins issuing ‘Foreign Talent’ visas
CHINA 12 Mar 18
-
Public prosecutor slams naturalization procedures
SOUTH AFRICA 5 Mar 18
-
DHA conducts immigration raid for expired work visas
SOUTH AFRICA 27 Feb 18
-
Gigaba returns as Minister of Home Affairs in...
SOUTH AFRICA 26 Feb 18
-
New 5-year visa and residence permits now available...
CHINA 22 Feb 18
-
Pro-business leader replaces Zuma as President
SOUTH AFRICA 15 Feb 18
-
Russia updates work permit procedures
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 12 Feb 18
-
Another celebrity banned for overstaying visa
SOUTH AFRICA 7 Feb 18
-
Officials extend deadline for Zimbabwean Exemption Permits
SOUTH AFRICA 6 Feb 18
-
China to provide visa-free entry for UAE nationals
CHINA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 2 Feb 18
-
Mozambique increases visa fees in South Africa
MOZAMBIQUE, SOUTH AFRICA 25 Jan 18
-
Authorities resume issuance of hard-copy invitation letters
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 22 Jan 18
-
Chinese New Year holiday to close offices
ASIA, CHINA 19 Jan 18
-
Agreement reached on mutually preferential visa regime
ANGOLA, CHINA 17 Jan 18
-
China plans visa changes to attract high-level foreign...
CHINA 10 Jan 18
-
4th-quarter salary reports due in January
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 21 Dec 17
-
Chinese Embassy in Copenhagen now requiring interviews for...
CHINA, DENMARK 20 Dec 17
-
Biometric background checks to be required for domestic...
SOUTH AFRICA 20 Dec 17
-
Holidays to slow processing
13 Dec 17
-
New time frame set for work permit renewals
CHINA 12 Dec 17
-
Invitation letters to be sent only in electronic...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 12 Dec 17
-
Visa services at 3 Russian consulates to resume
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, UNITED STATES 6 Dec 17
-
Biometrics required for visa applicants in Stockholm and...
CHINA, SWEDEN 29 Nov 17
-
Foreign nationals may register using host’s address
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 27 Nov 17
-
Singapore passport leads world in visa-free access
, SINGAPORE 22 Nov 17
-
South Africa, Angola set to implement visa waiver
ANGOLA, SOUTH AFRICA 22 Nov 17
-
Officials extend biometrics, documentation deadline for Zimbabwean Exemption...
SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE 10 Nov 17
-
Visa applicants at High Commission must appear in...
NIGERIA, SOUTH AFRICA 3 Nov 17
-
New Minister of Home Affairs appointed in reorganization
SOUTH AFRICA 17 Oct 17
-
Offices to close for Diwali
GLOBAL, INDIA, SINGAPORE 17 Oct 17
-
Discretionary processing changes are delaying applications
CHINA 16 Oct 17
-
Enforcement increasing on Russian-Belarus mutual entry ban on...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 16 Oct 17
-
Foreign nationals in Singapore applying for Chinese visas...
CHINA 6 Oct 17
-
China issuing shorter-validity visas to Indian nationals on...
CHINA, INDIA 29 Sep 17
-
New rules set for Chinese nationals seeking visas...
CHINA, PHILIPPINES 27 Sep 17
-
Third-quarter salary reports due in October
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 27 Sep 17
-
Offices to close in early October for holidays
CHINA 12 Sep 17
-
New program announced for Zimbabweans holding special permits
SOUTH AFRICA 8 Sep 17
-
Ruling clears path to citizenship for children born...
SOUTH AFRICA 7 Sep 17
-
Technical problems on the mend in Russian migration...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 30 Aug 17
-
Offices to close for Mid-Autumn Festival
ASIA, CHINA 25 Aug 17
-
Technical problems causing delays at migration office
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 22 Aug 17
-
Offices to close for Eid al-Adha
GLOBAL, SAUDI ARABIA 21 Aug 17
-
Reapplication period for Zimbabwean Special Permits to open
SOUTH AFRICA 8 Aug 17
-
ANC proposes sector-based caps on foreign workers
SOUTH AFRICA 2 Aug 17
-
Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei expected to offer 6-day...
CHINA 2 Aug 17
-
Government publishes White Paper to overhaul immigration system
SOUTH AFRICA 31 Jul 17
-
Russia to begin issuing e-visas for visits to...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 31 Jul 17
-
Applicants for Indian visas must appear in person...
INDIA, SOUTH AFRICA 20 Jul 17
-
Initial assessment aids applicants for general work visas
SOUTH AFRICA 13 Jul 17
-
Deadline approaches to resubmit misplaced permanent residence applications
SOUTH AFRICA 27 Jun 17
-
New registration requirements in effect during Confederations Cup
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 27 Jun 17
-
Home Affairs minister sets out immigration priorities
SOUTH AFRICA 23 Jun 17
-
Second quarter salary reports due in July
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 21 Jun 17
-
Strike by Home Affairs workers averted
SOUTH AFRICA 16 Jun 17
-
Ban on Turkish nationals to be lifted
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, TURKEY 14 Jun 17
-
National Assembly passes Border Management Authority Bill
SOUTH AFRICA 12 Jun 17
-
DHA workers set to strike June 19 as...
SOUTH AFRICA 7 Jun 17
-
Public worker union threatens to shut down Department...
SOUTH AFRICA 6 Jun 17
-
Russia announces new registration requirements ahead of international...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 24 May 17
-
UK raises threat level following Manchester attack
UNITED KINGDOM, GLOBAL 23 May 17
-
Minister announces Cabinet approval of immigration plans
SOUTH AFRICA 19 May 17
-
Flights from Belarus to Russia treated as international...
BELARUS, RUSSIAN FEDERATION 19 May 17
-
Processing to slow during Ramadan
GLOBAL 15 May 17
-
Photo requirements strictly enforced at Chinese consulates
CHINA, UNITED STATES 11 May 17
-
New Home Affairs Minister asked to review burdensome...
SOUTH AFRICA 2 May 17
-
Home Affairs Ministry signals intent to prioritize critical...
SOUTH AFRICA 25 Apr 17
-
Easter holidays to close offices
GLOBAL 12 Apr 17
-
Dalian introduces ‘4 New Policies’ to boost foreign...
CHINA 5 Apr 17
-
New Minister of Home Affairs appointed in Cabinet...
SOUTH AFRICA 31 Mar 17
-
Invitation letter no longer required for work visas
CHINA 23 Mar 17
-
First quarter salary reports due in April
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 23 Mar 17
-
Security measures advised in wake of London attack
UNITED KINGDOM, GLOBAL 22 Mar 17
-
New work permit system set to launch nationwide...
CHINA 21 Mar 17
-
Visa-free agreement to take effect March 30
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SOUTH AFRICA 13 Mar 17
-
Photo requirements strictly enforced at some Chinese embassies,...
CHINA 1 Mar 17
-
UAE introduces visa on arrival for Russian travelers
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 1 Mar 17
-
Minister confirms Cabinet will consider comprehensive immigration reform...
SOUTH AFRICA 27 Feb 17
-
South Africa puts pause on recently announced visa...
SOUTH AFRICA 23 Feb 17
-
Home Affairs to prioritize employment of local workers
SOUTH AFRICA 16 Feb 17
-
New policies on validity of visas announced
SOUTH AFRICA 3 Feb 17
-
Department of Home Affairs debunks social media messages...
SOUTH AFRICA 25 Jan 17
-
Quarterly reports on foreign salaries due
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 11 Jan 17
-
Chinese New Year holiday to close offices
CHINA, SINGAPORE 10 Jan 17
-
China begins offering 10-year multiple-entry visas to Israeli...
CHINA, ISRAEL 30 Dec 16
-
Fourth quarter salary reports due Jan. 31
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 21 Dec 16
-
Shanghai introduces new policies aimed at attracting foreign...
CHINA 19 Dec 16
-
Visa exemption to be eliminated
NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA 14 Dec 16
-
DHA looking to add immigration inspectors, adds temporary...
SOUTH AFRICA 14 Dec 16
-
Holidays to slow processing
GLOBAL 13 Dec 16
-
India opens 3 visa application centers in South...
INDIA, SOUTH AFRICA 13 Dec 16
-
Minimum wage announced, will apply to foreign workers
SOUTH AFRICA 12 Dec 16
-
South Africa opens visa applications centers in Botswana,...
BOTSWANA, SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE 12 Dec 16
-
Israel begins offering 10-year multiple-entry visas to Chinese...
CHINA, ISRAEL 7 Dec 16
-
Celebrity case offers a lesson to travelers
SOUTH AFRICA 28 Nov 16
-
Expedited processing no longer available to certain nationals...
CHINA 22 Nov 16
-
New work authorization procedures introduced in 10 cities/provinces
CHINA 8 Nov 16
-
Program for Chinese travelers now accepting enrollments
CHINA, UNITED STATES 4 Nov 16
-
South Africa grants 3-month visa extensions to certain...
SOUTH AFRICA 4 Nov 16
-
More companies exempt from ban on Turkish workers
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 2 Nov 16
-
Finance Minister reconfirms plans to accelerate immigration reforms
SOUTH AFRICA 1 Nov 16
-
Temporary visa application office opens in Cape Town
SOUTH AFRICA 24 Oct 16
-
Israel to offer 10-year multiple-entry visas to Chinese...
CHINA, ISRAEL 21 Oct 16
-
Cape Town visa application center closes temporarily
SOUTH AFRICA 19 Oct 16
-
Offices to close for Diwali
INDIA, SINGAPORE 17 Oct 16
-
Shanghai now requiring confirmation letters for some foreign...
CHINA 14 Oct 16
-
Automated police clearance system postponed
SOUTH AFRICA 5 Oct 16
-
New Zealand to impose visa requirement on South...
NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA 4 Oct 16
-
New foreign employment management system to be implemented
CHINA 27 Sep 16
-
Automated police clearance system to be implemented Oct....
SOUTH AFRICA 26 Sep 16
-
Third quarter salary reports due Oct. 31
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 22 Sep 16
-
Proposed amendments to 2014 immigration regulations published
SOUTH AFRICA 20 Sep 16
-
Deadline for Lesotho nationals to regularize status approaches
LESOTHO, SOUTH AFRICA 16 Sep 16
-
South Africa changes visa validity start date
SOUTH AFRICA 13 Sep 16
-
Offices to close for national holiday
CHINA 12 Sep 16
-
Peru to ease entry for some Chinese travelers
CHINA, PERU 9 Sep 16
-
Head Migration Office closed for move
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 6 Sep 16
-
Authorities in Beijing, Shanghai stop issuing M visa...
CHINA 6 Sep 16
-
Offices to close for Eid al-Adha
GLOBAL 1 Sep 16
-
Self-service entry now available at Shanghai airport
CHINA 31 Aug 16
-
Consulates requiring some applicants to submit old passports
CHINA 25 Aug 16
-
Russian migration office changes requirements for AEB member...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 17 Aug 16
-
Guangdong Province introduces immigration reforms
CHINA 15 Aug 16
-
New version of invitation letters must be used...
CHINA 4 Aug 16
-
Argentina to ease entry for some Chinese travelers
ARGENTINA, CHINA 2 Aug 16
-
Additional procedures set for some employers in Shanghai
CHINA 26 Jul 16
-
China joins engineering accord, easing migration path to...
AUSTRALIA, CHINA 5 Jul 16
-
Israel, China reach agreement on 10-year visas
CHINA, ISRAEL 29 Jun 16
-
Immigration authorities now enforcing insurance requirements
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 16 Jun 16
-
Eid al-Fitr holiday will close offices, consulates
GLOBAL 15 Jun 16
-
Sino-French intern program launched
CHINA, FRANCE 9 Jun 16
-
Chengdu strictly enforcing registration procedures
CHINA 8 Jun 16
-
All visa applications in India now require lodging...
SOUTH AFRICA 7 Jun 16
-
Shanghai exempts some applicants from medical report requirement
CHINA 27 May 16
-
Shanghai requiring timely annual work permit inspections
CHINA 27 May 16
-
Offices to shorten business hours, slow processing during...
GLOBAL 18 May 16
-
Visa rules to be liberalized for Kenyan nationals
SOUTH AFRICA 9 May 16
-
New Zealand moves to ease travel for Chinese...
CHINA, NEW ZEALAND 6 May 16
-
Decree shuffles immigration services
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 28 Apr 16
-
Quarterly salary reports due by April 29
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 12 Apr 16
-
Policy change on asylum seekers faces legal challenge
SOUTH AFRICA 11 Apr 16
-
Prosecutions on the rise for misuse of business...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 29 Mar 16
-
Electronic system announced for Chinese nationals holding 10-year...
CHINA, UNITED STATES 17 Mar 16
-
Beijing launches online visa and permit services
CHINA 10 Mar 16
-
Passport validity rules to change
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 16 Feb 16
-
Fines enforced for failure to report passport changes
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 11 Feb 16
-
Health insurance rules to take effect
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 8 Feb 16
-
Multi-entry visitor visas with longer validity periods now...
SOUTH AFRICA 1 Feb 16
-
Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing to offer 6-day visa-free transit
CHINA 28 Jan 16
-
Beijing to ease immigration rules to attract foreign...
CHINA 19 Jan 16
-
China begins issuing 2-year multiple-entry visas to UK...
CHINA, UNITED KINGDOM 14 Jan 16
-
Russia imposes new restrictions on Turkey
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, TURKEY 14 Jan 16
-
Lunar New Year holiday to close offices
CHINA 13 Jan 16
-
UK set to implement visa agreement with China
CHINA, UNITED KINGDOM 7 Jan 16
-
The year ahead: Immigration trends to look for...
AUSTRALIA, BRAZIL, CANADA, SWITZERLAND, CHINA, EUROPEAN UNION, UNITED KINGDOM, GLOBAL, SINGAPORE, UNITED STATES, SOUTH AFRICA 6 Jan 16
-
Senior immigration official charged in corruption probe
SOUTH AFRICA 29 Dec 15
-
Visa centers, other service providers to close for...
SOUTH AFRICA 14 Dec 15
-
Shanghai enforcing deadline for changes to residence permits
CHINA 8 Dec 15
-
Beijing work permit system to launch Jan. 4
CHINA 1 Dec 15
-
Labour market testing to be waived in some...
AUSTRALIA, CHINA 30 Nov 15
-
Russia to impose visa, work permit sanctions on...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, TURKEY 30 Nov 15
-
Beijing to launch new work permit management system
CHINA 16 Nov 15
-
Offices to close for Diwali
GLOBAL, INDIA, SINGAPORE 9 Nov 15
-
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement released
GLOBAL, UNITED STATES 5 Nov 15
-
Significant delays reported at South Africa’s Indian missions
INDIA, SOUTH AFRICA 30 Oct 15
-
DHA offers proposals to alleviate burdensome rules on...
SOUTH AFRICA 26 Oct 15
-
Quarterly salary reports due by Oct. 30
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 8 Oct 15
-
Consular services at US embassies and consulates unavailable...
GLOBAL, UNITED STATES 2 Oct 15
-
Offices to close for one week
CHINA 17 Sep 15
-
China added to Australian Work and Holiday Visa...
AUSTRALIA, CHINA 16 Sep 15
-
Technical difficulties delaying some applications
SOUTH AFRICA 9 Sep 15
-
Offices to close for Eid al-Adha
GLOBAL 8 Sep 15
-
Biometrics to be required of Russian applicants for...
EUROPEAN UNION, RUSSIAN FEDERATION 21 Aug 15
-
Shanghai issues new rules to attract foreign science,...
CHINA 20 Aug 15
-
Beijing enforcing age limit on foreign workers
CHINA 10 Aug 15
-
Processing delayed during WWII commemoration
CHINA 5 Aug 15
-
APEC business card to be valid for 5...
GLOBAL 5 Aug 15
-
Shenzhen speeds up residence permit processing
CHINA 4 Aug 15
-
Canada expands China Transit Program
CANADA, CHINA 3 Aug 15
-
Harbin to offer 72-hour visa-free transit
CHINA 31 Jul 15
-
Beijing reduces processing time for residence permit applications
CHINA 31 Jul 15
-
China added to India’s e-Tourist Visa program
CHINA, INDIA 31 Jul 15
-
7-day rule in effect for work permit corrections
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 14 Jul 15
-
Employers must report HQS salaries by July 31
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 10 Jul 15
-
Eid holiday will close offices, interrupt processing
GLOBAL 10 Jul 15
-
New rules to attract foreign experts, start-ups take...
CHINA 2 Jul 15
-
China releases details on visa-free travel for Taiwanese...
CHINA, TAIWAN 25 Jun 15
-
Electronic invitation letters expected to speed work visa...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 22 Jun 15
-
Chinese nationals may obtain 10-year visitor visas
AUSTRALIA, CHINA 19 Jun 15
-
Entry requirements to be relaxed for Taiwanese travelers
CHINA, TAIWAN 19 Jun 15
-
Australia, China sign free-trade deal
AUSTRALIA, CHINA 18 Jun 15
-
Shanghai to introduce significant immigration changes
CHINA 12 Jun 15
-
South Africa clarifies new rule on traveling minors
SOUTH AFRICA 8 Jun 15
-
Germany providing 48-hour visa turnaround for Chinese business...
CHINA, GERMANY 5 Jun 15
-
DHS looks to expand airport passenger pre-clearance in...
GLOBAL, UNITED STATES 4 Jun 15
-
Shenzhen Labor Bureau introduces online work permit submissions
CHINA 4 Jun 15
-
Employers encouraged to submit applications ahead of Ramadan
GLOBAL 1 Jun 15
-
Work Visas and Business Visas now permit part-time...
SOUTH AFRICA 27 May 15
-
Singapore extends multiple-journey visas with 10-year validity to...
CHINA, SINGAPORE 19 May 15
-
Companies may now apply for one-stop premium visa...
SOUTH AFRICA 14 May 15
-
Strict rules for traveling children to be implemented...
SOUTH AFRICA 8 May 15
-
2016 quota application period begins
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 30 Apr 15
-
Australia, Canada, Singapore report scams targeting immigrants
GLOBAL 30 Apr 15
-
One-stop premium visa service center to launch for...
SOUTH AFRICA 23 Apr 15
-
New Z visa does not invalidate existing 10-year...
CHINA 13 Apr 15
-
Employers must file HQS salary notifications by April...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 7 Apr 15
-
New passport rule being enforced for HQS work...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 3 Apr 15
-
China adds new proof requirement for business visa...
CHINA, UNITED KINGDOM 27 Mar 15
-
New law changes salary rules for foreign highly...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 18 Mar 15
-
China begins issuing 10-year visas to Canadian travelers
CANADA, CHINA 12 Mar 15
-
Lunar New Year holiday to delay processing
CHINA 10 Feb 15
-
Deadline nears for quarterly income reporting of highly...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 22 Jan 15
-
Three-year work permits offered in Beijing
CHINA 6 Jan 15
-
New rules on Short-Term Work Visas allow most...
CHINA 5 Jan 15
-
New directive allows for in-country ICT applications in...
SOUTH AFRICA 23 Dec 14
-
New requirements set for labor agreements, medical insurance...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 16 Dec 14
-
Authorities to clarify regulations on new short-term work...
CHINA 15 Dec 14
-
UK, Canada close embassies in Egypt, suspending services
UNITED KINGDOM, GLOBAL 12 Dec 14
-
Holiday period to delay processing
GLOBAL 12 Dec 14
-
Notification rules for employers of foreign workers to...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 12 Dec 14
-
Rules for employment of CIS nationals to change...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 8 Dec 14
-
Russia introduces fingerprinting in visa process
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 2 Dec 14
-
Free Trade Agreement announced
AUSTRALIA, CHINA 19 Nov 14
-
Embassy announces extended-validity visas for certain US visitors
CHINA, UNITED STATES 13 Nov 14
-
US, China reach deal on visas
CHINA, UNITED STATES 10 Nov 14
-
Critical Skills Visa documentary criteria eased
SOUTH AFRICA 7 Nov 14
-
Russia escalating deportation and entry bans for minor...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 6 Nov 14
-
South Africa issuing consecutive intra-company transfer visas to...
SOUTH AFRICA 29 Oct 14
-
Ebola-related travel restrictions spread across globe
GLOBAL, UNITED STATES 24 Oct 14
-
Work furloughs to close Beijing government offices
CHINA 14 Oct 14
-
Employers must report salaries of highly qualified specialists...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 8 Oct 14
-
FBI clearance requests experiencing long delays
GLOBAL, UNITED STATES 7 Oct 14
-
Australia latest country to report immigration scam
AUSTRALIA, GLOBAL, UNITED STATES 30 Sep 14
-
Offices to close for Muslim holiday
GLOBAL 29 Sep 14
-
Quotas removed for employment of Ukrainian nationals
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 25 Sep 14
-
Muslim holiday will delay processing in many countries
GLOBAL 16 Sep 14
-
Government postpones strict parental travel provision again
SOUTH AFRICA 16 Sep 14
-
National holidays to delay processing
CHINA 15 Sep 14
-
Ebola virus triggers travel and immigration restrictions
GLOBAL, UNITED STATES 9 Sep 14
-
Parliamentary committee approves immigration changes
SOUTH AFRICA 3 Sep 14
-
Strict rules for traveling with children start Oct....
SOUTH AFRICA 3 Sep 14
-
Extensions no longer granted in many work permit...
SOUTH AFRICA 2 Sep 14
-
Some missions requiring visa-waived nationals to obtain Port...
SOUTH AFRICA 2 Sep 14
-
FATCA reporting requirements now in effect for U.S....
GLOBAL, UNITED STATES 22 Aug 14
-
Controversial rules take effect for Russian nationals with...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 20 Aug 14
-
New polio inspections now required for certain travelers
CHINA 13 Aug 14
-
Visa-waived nationals can obtain work permits
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 29 Jul 14
-
Offices to close for Muslim holiday
ASIA, GLOBAL, SINGAPORE 25 Jul 14
-
Salary threshold to drop for specialist IT workers
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 18 Jul 14
-
Eid holiday will close offices, cause delays
GLOBAL 15 Jul 14
-
Several countries change visa rules for certain visitors
GLOBAL 2 Jul 14
-
Foreign applicants must prove Russian language and history...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 30 Jun 14
-
New procedures set for Xi’an high-tech companies
CHINA 27 Jun 14
-
Russians living abroad must notify the government
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 25 Jun 14
-
Xi’an now requiring interview at time of work...
CHINA 24 Jun 14
-
Ramadan to reduce many government office hours
GLOBAL 20 Jun 14
-
Grace period set for travel with children
SOUTH AFRICA 12 Jun 14
-
DHA publishes job categories for new Critical Skills...
SOUTH AFRICA 6 Jun 14
-
APEC business cards available to US citizens
GLOBAL, UNITED STATES 5 Jun 14
-
Harsh overstay provisions now being implemented
SOUTH AFRICA 3 Jun 14
-
Implementation date to be announced soon for new...
SOUTH AFRICA 28 May 14
-
Medical test change adds travel and cost to...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 27 May 14
-
Immigration overhaul to take effect May 26
SOUTH AFRICA 23 May 14
-
New law changes Section 11(2) work authorization process
SOUTH AFRICA 20 May 14
-
Government auditing employers for compliance
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 15 May 14
-
Foreign registrations getting tight scrutiny in Shanghai
CHINA 21 Apr 14
-
Stricter rules for foreign workers and visitors
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 15 Apr 14
-
Russia now accepting quota applications, applying stricter rules
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 7 Apr 14
-
Qingdao requires legalized degrees for some work permits
CHINA 7 Apr 14
-
New VFS visa centers to accept mandatory in-person...
SOUTH AFRICA 7 Apr 14
-
Immigration reforms expected to take effect by June...
SOUTH AFRICA 7 Apr 14
-
CIS work permits delayed by extra approval process
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 3 Apr 14
-
Draft regulations toughen permit procedures for foreign workers
SOUTH AFRICA 7 Mar 14
-
Three additional occupations in media now exempt from...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 5 Mar 14
-
Sweeping changes to work permit regime are coming
SOUTH AFRICA 6 Feb 14
-
UK and Ireland waive visas for three Persian...
GLOBAL 3 Jan 14
-
Scams Targeting Immigrants are on the Rise
AUSTRALIA, FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, GLOBAL, IRELAND, NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, UNITED STATES 11 Dec 13
-
Rules Change for Unmarried Expat Couples in Shanghai
CHINA 15 Nov 13
-
Molestation Case Prompts New Police Clearance for Expats
CHINA 15 Nov 13
-
China Eliminates Internship and Training Visas for Most...
CHINA 13 Nov 13
-
Foreign Workers Warned About Immigration Telephone Scams
GLOBAL, IRELAND, NEW ZEALAND 5 Nov 13
-
Visa-Free Processing Comes to Chongqing
CHINA 28 Oct 13
-
Trend Watch: Rise of the Regional Unified Visa
GLOBAL 19 Sep 13
-
New Visa Rule in Shanghai for Foreign Dependents...
CHINA 20 Aug 13
-
Government Office Closures for Eid-al-Fitr May Cause Delays...
GLOBAL 7 Aug 13
-
Beijing Now Requires Original Documents for Some Applications
CHINA 31 Jul 13
-
Same-Sex Marriage Becomes Legal in New Zealand and...
GLOBAL, NEW ZEALAND, URUGUAY 31 Jul 13
-
In Beijing, Business License Needed for Visa, Residence...
CHINA 26 Jul 13
-
New Regulations and Visa Categories Will Take Effect...
CHINA 24 Jul 13
-
New Smart ID Cards Will Be Issued to...
SOUTH AFRICA 22 Jul 13
-
Some Work Permit Applications Now Require Copy of...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 19 Jul 13
-
New Visa Exemptions for Athletes, Officials for International...
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 10 Jul 13