Updates to Immigration News for the APAC and EMEA Region
Asia Pacific
Australia: Reminder for temporary skills increase
This is a reminder that, as mentioned earlier, the skilled visa income threshold will increase by 4.6% from July 1, 2025. This adjustment coincides with changes in the average annual weekly normal hourly revenue (AWOTE) and follows the migration review recommendations included in the migration strategy.
Starting from July 1, 2025, these indexing changes will apply to the following visas: The new nomination application must meet the new income threshold or the higher annual market salary rate. Please note that this change does not apply to existing visa owners and appointments filed by July 1, 2025.
Visa Category Pre-Revenue Threshold New Income Threshold Demand Skills Core Skill Stream (Subclass 482) Visa AUD73,150 AUD76,515 Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa Skills Skills Specialised Skills (Subclass 482) Visa. AUD135,000 AUD141,210 Regional (SESR) sponsored by a skilled employer (subclass 494) visa AUD73,150 AUD76,515 Regional Sponsored Movement Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187) visa.
This summary was prepared using information from the Ministry of Home Affairs
Increases departmental visa application fees
The Australian Government has announced that visa application fees (VACS) will increase effectively from July 1, 2025. This adjustment affects a variety of visa categories, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining an efficient and sustainable immigration system.
Below is the updated price list for the main visa subclass.
Visa Subclass Base Application (AUD) Dependent aged over 18yrs old Dependent aged under 18yrs old Subclass 417 (working Holiday)/Subclass 462 (work and holiday) Application 670 N/AN/A Subclass 400 (Temporary work- short stay specialist Application 430 430 110 Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) Nomination* 330 N/AN/A Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) 3210 3210 805 Standard (and Overseas) Business Sponsorship* 420 N/AN/A Subclass 186 (ENS) Nominations* 540 N/AN/A Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) 4910 2455 1230 Subclass 100 (Partner)/Subclass 820 (Partner) Applications Subclass 407 Training Visa Applications430 430 110 Subclass 408 – Temporary Activities – All Streams430 430 110 Temporary Activities Sponsorship* 420 N/AN/A Subclass 155/157 Resident Return Applications – Each Application 490 N/AN/A Subclass 189/190/489 (with Skills) Applications Subclass 485 Graduates (Temporary Employment) Applications2300 1150 580 Subclass 500 Student Application 2000 1225 400 Subclass 858 Global Talent Application 4985 2495 (Contributions) 5040 2515 1260 Subclass 103 Parents 5280 2640 2640 1325 Subclass 870 – Temporary Sponsor Parent Visa 1215 N/AN/A Australian Citizenship * 575 N/AN/A Subclass 461 (New Zealand Family Relations) 445 225 (STAC) is subject to 700 N/AN/A Skilling Australians when the applicant is in Australia if a particular temporary visa is staying for 2 seconds or later. Aud3000 One Year of-Off Oum Open Oud18 with annual revenue of Fund (SAF)-based Business Size Skill Demand Visa (SID) and SESR visas under $10 million will be subject to annual turnover of SESR visas. Aud5000 One Time Only
This summary was prepared using information from the Ministry of Home Affairs
Japan: Extension of visa-free stay
Starting from July 1, 2025, the visa-free period for eligible citizens in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be extended from 30 to 90 days.
To qualify for the extended visa waiver, UAE citizens must maintain a regular IC passport in accordance with a valid ICAO.
This summary was prepared using information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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
France: Resident Regulation Regulation Update
The new order, released on June 13, 2025, will bring about a major change in the French immigration framework regarding residence permits for third-country citizens who are particularly sought to live in France for professional or academic reasons. The order implements the key provisions of Act No. 2024-42 of January 26, 2024, and aims to strengthen immigration control and integration.
Important changes have been introduced:
1. New “talent” residence permit structure
This order replaces the previous “passport talent” designation with a simplified “talent” label. It combines six existing residential permit categories into two major types.
– Talent – Qualified Employees
– Talent – Project Holder
A new multi-year residence permit entitled “Talefulness – Medical and Pharmacy Professionals” has also been created to attract medical professionals.
2. Implementation of EU directives on highly qualified workers
This command forwards directive (EU) 2021/1883 and replaces the previous blue card command. Update the conditions for issuing and renewing the “Talent – EU Blue Card” permission.
– Shorter notifications and publication deadlines
– Temporary work approval within 30 days of application for Mobile Blue Cardholder
– New notes on EU blue cards and long-term residents cards
3. Control and regulatory adjustments
– The authorities must request missing documents from the applicant within a reasonable time frame.
– The salary threshold for “human resources” permits will be revived at regulatory levels.
– The governor is authorized to verify compliance with professional licensing requirements.
– For liberal occupations and entrepreneurial activities, economic viability must be demonstrated.
– Recovered provisions from the previously abolished Research Programming Act of 2020.
Who will be affected?
Third citizens applying for professional or student residence permit employers in both the public and private sectors.
This summary was created using information from the integration (available in French).
Saudi Arabia: Expired Visit Visa Extension
The Saudi Arabia's Passport Directorate has announced a new initiative aimed at facilitating the final exit process for individuals holding expired visit visas. The initiative, effective from June 26, 2025, allows for the extension of all types and names of 30-day expiration visit visas.
To benefit from this extension, applicants must pay the required fees and fines set out by current regulations. Requests for extensions can be submitted through the “Tawasul Service” available on the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform.
This summary was prepared using information from the Saudi Arabian press.
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.
UK: Important changes in immigration
The UK government announced major changes to the routes of skilled workers and related workplaces on July 22, 2025, as outlined in the 2025 Immigration White Paper on July 22, 2025.
Skill level threshold has increased
One of the most notable changes is the minimum level increase required for a skilled worker visa. Previously, it was set to Regulatory Qualification Framework (RQF) level 3, so the threshold was raised to RQF level 6. This corresponds to degree-level occupations. The move overturns a 2020 policy that lowered the threshold to help businesses coordinate after the end of the free movement with the EU. This change will remove approximately 180 occupations from eligibility if they may not be on the immigrant pay list or the new temporary shortage list. Otherwise, the applicant will already be in the visa route before the changes take effect. Existing visa holders can continue working in less skilled roles and renew their visas under temporary arrangements, but these will be reviewed.
Payroll Threshold Updates and Occupation List
Salary thresholds have been updated based on 2024 wage data and have no provisional relief.
As a result, the minimum salary threshold increased. The salary that must be paid is either higher between a general salary threshold and a continuing fee for the occupation code.
Typical salary threshold increases are:
£38,700 PA to PA to £41,700 – Skilled Worker Visa Salary (New Applicants)
From £45,800 PA to £52,500 – Global Business Mobility Visa
£34,830 PA to £37,500 PA – PhD STEM / Immigration Salary List
£30,960 PA to £33,400 – New Entry Route
From £29,000 to PA to £31,300 – April 2024 Expansion
The minimum hourly rate is set at £17.13.
The immigration pay list has been temporarily expanded, but will be phased out and replaced with a temporary shortage list. This includes only time-limited reviewed roles at RQF level 6 or below. Workers in these roles are not permitted to bring dependents unless they are already eligible prior to the change (unless dependent children born in the UK or skilled employees are responsible).
Adult Social Care
The UK is closing new international visa applications for care workers and senior care workers due to concerns over exploitation and non-compliance. However, domestic applicants may switch to the skilled worker route until July 22, 2028, provided they have been working for sponsorship for at least three months.
The requirement for sponsors to adopt from existing visa owners has been removed and misuse of related job codes has been addressed. Transition rules allow current visa owners and those who switch before the deadline to remain eligible. The government will continue to monitor the sector for compliance.
Impact of significant changes
These changes are expected to indirectly affect businesses, charities and voluntary organizations sponsoring overseas workers in roles below RQF level 6, as they could face increased costs and operational adjustments. Updates to pay thresholds can affect sponsored workers with lesser degrees of skilled roles.
Closing visa applications for adult social care roles (occurrence codes 6135 and 6136) can have a significant impact on care providers in multiple areas. Additionally, the public sector may see a decline in revenue from home office fees and immigrant health surcharges, along with changes in the overall financial contributions of affected immigrant groups.
Given the scale of these changes, the government is preparing an impact assessment to provide further details. This will be released soon.
This summary was prepared using information from the UK government
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 Joanna Sogeke (Immigration Team Leader) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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