Immigration News Updates in All Regions
Americas
US: Registration requirements are in place 
On February 25, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reaffirmed the enforcement of the alien registration requirements under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). DHS launched its online registration system on April 11, 2025. Failure to register or report a change of address could result in fines or imprisonment. The same applies to carrying proof of registration along with a valid personal document. This has always been the rule, but we are realising that more and more checks are happening.
Who is already registered?
US Visa Owners (Non-Immigrants and Immigrants) DACA Recipients TPS Holders Green Card Applicants EAD Holders Other Legally Presented Individuals
Who is not registered and should act accordingly?
Those who entered the US without testing were overestimated by unregistered foreign citizens who were not re-registered at age 14.
For more information, please check the Alien Registration Requirements | USCIS.
This summary was prepared using information from our service partners.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided with general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Director of Immigration.
Asia Pacific
India: New immigration bill
On March 11, 2025, Lok Sabah (National House) introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill in 2025. The bill aims to regulate immigration, entry and stay of foreigners in India.
Important features of the bill
Designated immigration positions and stricter entry requirements: Foreigners must have a valid visa along with a passport or other travel documents considered by the immigration officer. The bill specifies specific immigrant posts for exits where immigration officers are located and for exits. The bill mandates the development of an integrated immigration management system (IIMS). The system employs biometric authentication, artificial intelligence-based monitoring tools, and interagency databases to track and manage foreign travel. It will be integrated with airport immigration counters, land border checkpoints and registered offices to promote real-time verification and enhanced mobility controls. Required registration: Foreigners must register with the registration officer upon arrival in India. Foreigners who reside in India for more than 180 days are required to register digitally on the National Alien Register (NFR). This new digital registry is intended to replace the current Foreigner Regional Registry (FRRO) system, which provides a more streamlined and accessible platform for compliance.
Additionally, six new visa types have been introduced.
Business Visa Plus: Designed for long-term business travelers, it offers fast clearance and simplified compliance. Startup Visa: targeted at entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovation-driven companies in India. Skilled Talent Visas: For experts in key sectors such as AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Investor Visa: For foreigners who invest significant capital in Indian companies and infrastructure projects. Transit and Digital Nomadic Visas: Addressing the evolving trends of global travel and remote work.
This summary was prepared using information from the PRS legislative research and Indian briefings.
Thailand: Digital Arrival Card
As of May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors to Thailand must fill out a Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online, whether they arrive in Thailand, by land or by sea prior to their arrival. Thai Digital Arrival Cards (TDACs) are electronic formats of paper-based arrival cards that visitors must use to provide entry information and health declaration details, as mandated by Thai Ministry of Public Health. The TDAC application must be completed up to 3 days before it arrives in Thailand. The application link is the arrival card.
This summary was created using information from the Tourism Bureau of Thailand
Disclaimer: The above information is provided with general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon (APAC Regional Immigration Manager) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Belgium: Changes to Family Reunification Visa
The Belgian Immigration Bureau (DVZ) recently received inquiries regarding embassies that no longer automatically issue family reintegration visas to dependents of migrant workers.
Previously, the Immigration Bureau allowed the embassy to issue these visas immediately if the conditions for family unity were clearly met. This was a preferred policy practice, not an essential policy practice. DVZ is currently reviewing changes to its policy.
If the monthly total monthly salary of the main applicant is less than 5,000 Euros, the embassy will no longer automatically grant visas to the family. Instead, these applications will be transferred to the Belgian Ministry of Home Affairs (IBZ).
Processing an application via IBZ can take up to nine months for a decision to be made.
This does not apply to EU Blue Cardholder families, ICT permit holders, and researcher permit holders. In these cases, the European directive requires that the family application be processed simultaneously if the conditions for family unity are met and visa applications are filed simultaneously.
This summary was created using information from the Immigration Bureau
South Africa: Digital Business Visa System
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition has launched Business Visa Recommended System (VRS), an online platform for business visa recommended applications. The system is designed for foreign business owners applying for an early, extended or permanent residence recommendation under Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
The platform will replace the previous email application process with a digital version, improving accessibility for global investors. The system also helps you collect, manage and review applications online, eliminate incomplete submissions, and provides real-time tracking and automated notifications.
This summary was prepared using information from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition
Disclaimer: The above information is provided with general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Director of Immigration.
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