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Upcoming changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are expected March 10 and will impact both employers and workers. Key Points: As BAL reported, the government announced reforms to the AEWV in December 2024 to be implemented in four different
Hong Kong immigration authorities announced the latest round of updates to the Talent List. Key Points: The new Talent List will take effect on March 1 and cover 60 professions with local talent shortages. Eligible foreign nationals working in these 60 designated occupations — including nine
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed a lower court’s decision to uphold protections of the H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) rule against an injunction attempt. Key Points: The AEWR rule aimed to prevent employers from exploiting regulatory gaps to underpay H-2A
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) announced the release of public disclosure data, selected program statistics and an updated H-2B foreign labor recruiter list. Key Points: The release of public disclosure data and selected program statistics for Q1 fiscal year 2025 (Oct. 1 to Dec.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that it will rescind Haiti’s extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, shortening the extension period to 12 months with a new end date of Aug. 3, 2025. Key Points: The Biden administration had previously extended and redesignated Haiti for TPS for 18 months, from
Saudi officials announced a resident’s identification must now be valid for a minimum of 30 days when requesting the issuance of a final exit visa. Key Points: Residents whose permit had less than 30 days remaining could previously apply for an exit visa up until the day their permit expired.
The Council of Ministers increased the monthly interprofessional wage (SMI) to 1,184 euros (about US$1,238) in 14 payments. Key Points The new minimum wage, which is expected to benefit an estimated 2.5 million workers, will be backdated to Jan. 1, 2025. The minimum pay received by a worker is being
Canadian authorities updated rules to strengthen authorities’ ability to cancel temporary resident documents. Key Points: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada updated Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to give immigration and border services officers explicit authority to cancel electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs) on a
The Canadian government announced two new pilot programs to help rural and Francophone minority communities. Key Points: The pilot programs are designed to attract and retain newcomers with the right skills to help certain regions succeed. The Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot will provide 18 communities
Last week, the State Department provided guidance on the use of sex markers stipulating that the department will no longer issue U.S. passports or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs) with an “X” marker. Key Points: The guidance follows the directive in President Trump’s executive order
The State Department has updated the categories of applicants eligible for a nonimmigrant visa interview waiver, superseding the Dec. 21, 2023, interview waiver update. Key Points: Consular offices have the authority and discretion to waive in-person interviews for applicants in the following nonimmigrant visa categories:
Japanese authorities announced tuberculosis (TB) screening will be mandatory for nationals of certain countries who intend to enter for a medium- to long-term stay. Key Points: Japan will require a TB screening certificate for specific visa applicants, beginning with nationals of Nepal, the Philippines and Vietnam,
See the elections taking place in Latin America this year. This post will be updated with outcomes as the elections are completed. Visit BAL's Global Election Hub for more information on 2025 elections around the world. Ecuador DATE OF ELECTION February 9. No presidential candidate won a majority of the vote, so
See the elections taking place in Africa this year. This post will be updated with outcomes as the elections are completed. Visit BAL's Global Election Hub for more information on 2025 elections around the world. Tanzania DATE OF ELECTION October TYPE OF ELECTION General election. The incumbent president is Samia Suluhu Hassan, who
See the elections taking place in Asia-Pacific this year. This post will be updated with outcomes as the elections are completed. Visit BAL's Global Election Hub for more information on 2025 elections around the world. India DATE OF ELECTION February 5 TYPE OF ELECTION Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. India’s political heart, the National Capital
See the elections taking place in North America this year. This post will be updated with outcomes as the elections are completed. Visit BAL's Global Election Hub for more information on 2025 elections around the world. Canada DATE OF ELECTION April 28. TYPE OF ELECTION Parliamentary election. OUTCOME Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party
See the elections taking place in Europe this year. This post will be updated with outcomes as the elections are completed. Visit BAL's Global Election Hub for more information on 2025 elections around the world. Croatia DATE OF ELECTION January 12, 2025 TYPE OF ELECTION Presidential election. Croatia’s constitution is structured with the
BAL is proud to share that our firm has been named one of U.S. News’ 2025 Best Companies to Work For in the law firm category. This esteemed list recognizes the country’s top law firms based on how the firms best meet the needs and expectations of their employees. “We’re