Author: overtheborders

Impact – Medium What is the change? Nigeria has tightened enforcement of overstay rules on visas and has applied financial penalties to foreigners who are found to be overstaying approved lengths of stay. What does the change mean? Under the e-Pass scheme introduced in 2015, foreigners (non-ecowa) citizens taking part in tourists, business or temporary work permit visas for more than 56 days must pay a $200 immigration fee for stays of up to 90 days, 91-180 days, and $2,000 for a maximum of one year. Those who stayed too much will be liable for a 100% fine and original…

Impact – Hi What is the change? Brazil's Ministry of Labor issued its normative resolution, NR 34, on Tuesday, imposing new restrictions on short-term technological activities. What does the change mean? Only in case of emergency, the Ministry will approve residence approval for 180 days of technical activities and complete the process within five days. Non-urgent cases must follow regular procedures via a request for one year residence approval for technical activities to complete the process in 4-6 weeks. The emergency visa processing has not been changed and will last for two days. Implementation time frame: Immediate. Affected Visa/Certification: Residential…

Impact – Medium What is the change? Israel has announced amendments to its high-tech visa program, which began in February. What does the change mean? All applicants for a Hi-tech (HIT) visa must apply for a visa through the Israeli Consulate when applying for a Hi-tech visa. Additionally, the usual 45-day short employment approval (SEA) visa period has been extended to a maximum of 90 days per year for hit applicants. Applicants for the High-Tech Sea (90-day) Visa Festival will be exempt from visa processing at the consulate before entering Israel. Implementation time frame: Immediate and continuous. Visas/Authorized: Hit visas…

Impact – Medium What is the change? Indonesian immigration and labor authorities continue to provide conflicting advice on visa use upon arrival for business visits. What does the change mean? Indonesian immigration authorities in various consulate posts recommend using visas upon arrival, but border authorities will refuse entry and labor authorities can impose fines for doing business with inappropriate visas. Implementation time frame: In progress. Affected: Business travelers using a visa on arrival. Business Impact: If an entry is denied, business travelers will miss meetings, seminars and waste travel expenses. If the labor authorities impose a fine, we will receive…

Impact – Medium What is the change? India has expanded its e-tourist visa program to citizens of 37 countries, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, South Africa and Switzerland. What does the change mean? The e-tourist program benefits tourists from designated countries. Business travelers are advised to obtain a visa from the Indian Consulate before their trip. Implementation time frame: Immediate and continuous. Affected visas/permissions: e-tourist visas. Affected: Citizens of 37 countries added to the program. Impact on Processing Time: Tourists in affected countries can get an e-tourist visa online before travel, saving time during the visa application process. Business…

Impact – Medium What is the change? Ireland has introduced new visa stamps in the country for children under the age of 18. What does the change mean? Visa stickers indicate whether a foreign child is not accompanied or accompanied. If accompanied, the child must travel with the appointed adult. Implementation time frame: The procedure became effective on October 13th. Affected Visas/Authorization: All Visas. Affected: Minor children (under 18 years old). Impact on Processing Time: Rules do not need to directly affect processing time. Business Impact: Travel Planning that affects requirements for foreign workers' families. Next Step: Parents planning trips…

Impact – Hi What was the change? The new law, announced last week, introduced an e-visa processing system for certain foreigners in certain visa categories. What does the change mean? Foreigners traveling to Brazil on a business, tourist, or artist/athlete visa can process admissions via electronic application systems and avoid the need to visit Brazilian consulates overseas. Implementation time frame: The law will take effect immediately, but future regulations will clarify eligibility criteria and application procedures. Visas/permissions affected: Temporary visas for business, tourism, artists/athletes. Affected: Applicants in the visa category above. It should be noted that the law states that…

Impact – Medium African countries are responding to spreading the Covid-19 virus with policies ranging from screening for arrivals to quarantine and bans. Below are travel policies for Ghana, Kenya, Niger and South Africa. Country Travel No Quarantine The affected citizens quarantine period No travel to Ghana and restrictions on blankets. Intensified screening and thermal scans of all travelers at all ports of entry. Those who have shown symptoms and have been to one of the high-risk countries or are exposed to the virus will be quarantined immediately. Individuals currently reporting common symptoms of influenza in hospitals are advised to…

Impact – Hi What is the change? In response to the international coronavirus outbreak, the Home Minister released a policy document on Monday offering temporary concessions to Chinese citizens in the country. What does the change mean? Chinese citizens who hold visitor visas, in-company transfer visas, or temporary residential visas that expire soon may be eligible to apply for a visa to remain in the country. Implementation time frame: Immediate and continuous. Visas/permissions affected: Visitor visa, in-company transfer visa, temporary residential visa. Business Impact: Chinese citizens can avoid expiration of their visa if they are eligible for one concession. Next…

Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf has extended the designation of Temporary Protection Status (TPS) in South Sudan for 18 months from November 2, 2020 to May 2, 2022. Key Points: South Sudan's TPS is currently being extended until May 2, 2022. US Citizenship and Immigration Services will soon be updating information regarding re-registration of TPS webpages. Individuals seeking repairs must wait for the official re-registration date and instructions to be published before submitting the form. Background: South Sudan was designated as a TPS for armed conflict on November 3, 2011 and was redesignated several times from 2014, 2016, 2017, April…