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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,
The Malaysian government announced the Electronic Pass (ePASS) system will be extended to other pass types within the MYXpats Centre of the Expatriate Services Division. Key Points: Effective March 1, an ePASS will be issued for approved applications for the following pass types: Employment Pass Category
The Department of Labor (DOL) reported that as of Feb. 13, 2025, a total of 5,883 cases were issued Final Decision for fiscal year (FY) 2025 (first half of the visa cap) with a Requested Date of Need from Oct. 1, 2024, through March 31,
Norwegian officials announced an increase in the minimum income threshold for individuals sponsoring family members. Key Points: Norwegian officials are increasing the subsistence requirement for family immigration. Sponsors must demonstrate an annual income of at least NOK 400,000 (about US$36,014) to meet the subsistence requirement to
Irish officials provided current processing dates for employment permits. Key Points: As of Feb. 17, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is processing applications received on the following dates for these specific types of applications: Application Type Standard Trusted Partner Critical Skills
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