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  • Thailand | New automated biometric identification system

    The Thai government announced a new facial recognition technology to streamline passenger identification and reduce wait times. Key Points: Effective Nov. 1, six airports will implement an automated biometric identification system for domestic travelers: Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport Chiang Mai International Airport Mae

  • South Africa | New points-based system introduced

    South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs determined the new points-based system applicable to general and critical skills work visas. Key Points: Officials published the regulations for points-based criteria such as qualifications, language skills, work experience and salary to determine visa eligibility for foreign nationals. Applicants applying

  • Ireland | New online immigration self-service portal

    Irish officials announced the launch of a new online immigration self-service portal. Key Points: The Digital Contact Center self-service portal enables applicants to book and amend first-time registration appointments, replacing the need to arrange appointments by calling a contact center. The

  • United States | Diversity Visa 2026 date correction

    The State Department issued a correction of the Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 Federal Register notice. Key Points: The Federal Register notice listed incorrect dates for the DV 2026 entry period. The correct entry period for the DV 2026 lottery is from Oct. 2 to Nov. 7,

  • United States | Immigrant visa processing resumes in Lebanon

    The State Department has resumed full immigrant visa processing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut for Lebanese family members of U.S. citizens. Key Points: The resumption of immigrant visa processing at U.S. Embassy Beirut is intended to help facilitate family reunification of Lebanese nationals with their

  • United States | DHS, DOL urged to release additional H-2B visas

    A bipartisan group of U.S. senators urged the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for fiscal year 2025. Key Points: The effort is led by Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.),

  • United States | Biden issues AI memorandum one year after AI executive order

    President Biden released an extensive memorandum on the United States and artificial intelligence, providing further guidance on the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence issued on Oct. 30, 2023. Key Points: The memorandum

  • Canada | 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan

    The Canadian government announced the 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan, forecasting reduced targets across multiple immigration streams over the next two years. Key Points: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is implementing new measures to reduce permanent resident targets, including: Reducing permanent residents from 500,000 to

  • Colombia | Registration requirement change

    The Colombian government announced certain visitor visa holders are no longer required to register with local authorities or apply for a local identity card. Key Points: The government’s resolution applies to certain visitor visa holders under the business, crew, diplomatic, events, international agreement and tourism subcategories.

  • Ireland | Interim measure while backlogs are addressed

    Irish officials have advised employers on an interim measure for Galway-based renewals of residence permissions. Key Points: Individuals will be permitted to remain on the existing conditions of their current IRP card, including labor market access, if the IRP card has expired and they are unable

  • United Arab Emirates | ‘Growth’ platform launched

    The Emirati government announced the launch of a new National Economic Registry “Growth” platform. Key Points: The Ministry of Economy is launching the “Growth” platform to support proactive government services. The platform provides a unified economic registry for businesses across the seven Emirates and aims to

  • Canada | Immigration medical examination policy extended

    The Canadian government announced an extension of a temporary public policy that exempts certain low-risk, in-Canada foreign nationals from needing an additional immigration medical examination (IME) as part of their application. Key Points: The temporary public policy is extended until Oct. 5,

  • Canada | Temporary Foreign Worker Program wage increase

    The Canadian government announced an increase to the starting hourly wage for the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program high-wage stream. Key Points: Effective Nov. 8, the starting hourly wage for workers in the high-wage stream will increase 20% to the median wage in the applicable province

  • New Zealand | ANZSCO to be Replaced

    The New Zealand government announced the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) will soon be replaced with separate systems for both countries. Key Points: ANZSCO is used by Immigration New Zealand for visa applications and grades occupations with skill levels ranging from 1

  • United Arab Emirates | eVisa for GCC residents

    The Emirati government announced an eVisa for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and their companions. Key Points: GCC residents (citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) can apply for a 30-day eVisa to enter the UAE, which can be extended for an

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