Updates to Immigration News for the APAC and EMEA Region
Asia Pacific
New Zealand: Changes in Workplace Visa (AEWV) Program and Wage Threshold for Certified Employers
Immigration New Zealand has announced changes to the AEWV programme by updating its online application for green lists and licensed roles. These changes will only affect those who apply for roles to green lists and roles that require occupational registration.
Important changes to the AEWV form:
Occupation-specific questions are replaced by broader questions across roles. The specific requirements for each green list occupation are presented directly in a format, and help the applicant to clearly understand what they need to meet.
Starting August 18, 2025, the new wage threshold will be updated to reflect the median NZD of 33.56 for June 2024 in one hour. These changes may affect AEWV applicants.
By waiving labor market testing and minimum skill thresholds, you get twice the median wage (NZD 67.12 per hour). By allowing for continuous stays for up to five years, you will earn 1.5 times the median wage (NZD 50.34 per hour).
Wage thresholds can help you determine the eligibility for a particular visa, such as a certified employer's workplace visa (AEWV). These thresholds are consistent with New Zealand's central wages and confirm that visa policies reflect current labor market conditions.
This summary was created using information on immigrants New Zealand
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) or Roberta Carnaccini (Director of Global Operations for Immigration).
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Belgium: Belgian nationality fees increase
The draft Programme Act, submitted to the Belgian Parliament on May 27, 2025, proposes a significant increase in registration fees for obtaining Belgian nationality through nationality declarations and naturalization. The fees rise from 150 euros to 1,000 euros and are indexed annually.
Although the changes are intended to be implemented on July 1, 2025, the law still requires approval and publication in the official Belgian official gazette. Therefore, the actual start date remains uncertain.
Key Rules: Payment timing determines the fee
According to Federal Public Services (FPS) finances, payment dates determine the applicable fee unless the law introduces certain transitional measures.
Even if the nationality request is filed after the effective date, it will still be 150 euros if the applicant pays before it becomes effective before the law. 1,000 euros if the applicant pays after the effective date.
You must either submit a nationality request or pay the fee before making a declaration. The Civil Registrar will issue receipts only when the declaration is complete and the fees are paid.
Prices are adjusted annually for inflation.
This summary was created using information from VreemdelingenRecht (available in Dutch).
Hungary: Changes in immigration policy
Major immigration policy changes are in effect as of July 1 and July 15, 2025.
1. Mandatori Qualification Certificate (from July 1st)
Applicants for a specific work-related residence permit must provide work qualifications. Here is:
Guest workers will allow employment for investment purposes. As of December 31, 2020, the unification of British nationals employed at the time of reunification of their families with Hungarian citizens (specific conditions)
2. Electronic self-promotion for self-employed people (from July 15th)
Activity reports must be submitted online via Enterhungary or a designated future app.
3. Employer's responsibility for dismissal (from July 15th)
Employers must:
We will provide the authority notifying the termination of employment to the outcome of immigration to foreign employees and provide air tickets for departure. Failure to comply could result in a HUF fine of 5 million people.
4. Application submission deadline
Residence permit applications cannot be submitted 90 days prior to the intended start date.
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.
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