This week, Smith Stonewalters' global immigration team hopes to highlight recent updates from France, Ireland, Nigeria, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
France: EU Blue Card Rules have been updated
On May 2, 2025, France passed Law No. 2025-391 and updated the EU Blue Card Rules in line with EU Directive 2021/1883.
Some of the changes introduced include:
•Applicants with at least three years of relevant professional experience in a particular occupation over the past 7 years may currently qualify for the EU Blue Card. Applicable qualifications have not yet been defined by future government ordinances. Other occupations require five years of professional experience or three years of higher education order.
•The minimum duration of employment contracts has been reduced from one year to six months.
•Owners of EU Blue Cards issued by another EU member state can enter without a French visa after staying in the issuing member state for 12 months (previously 18 months). This also applies to owners of EU Blue Cards issued by another EU member state who spent at least six months in the second EU member state after the first 12 months in the issuing member state. In either case, EU Blue Cardholders must apply for a French EU Blue Card within one month of their arrival in France.
•If the employment contract is for a period of less than two years, the EU Blue Card will be issued for up to three months and up to two years in addition to the contract period.
•The period spent on certain other residence permits was counted to the five-year residence location required for EU Blue Cardholders to qualify for a 10-year long residence permit. Applicants who hold a French EU Blue Card for at least two years will be eligible for a 10-year long-term residence permit if they hold a highly skilled worker, researcher, or for international protection issued by France or another EU member state for at least two years.
• There is no change in pay threshold. The salary threshold remains at 1.5 times the average total.
Ireland: Visa requirements for Trinidad and Tobago citizens
The Department of Justice announced on May 12, 2025 that Trinidad and Tobago citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Ireland. If you intend to pass through Ireland to reach another destination, you will now need a transport visa.
Trinidad and Tobago citizens who can plan their trips prior to May 12, 2025 and provide evidence of valid travel bookings and payments may respond to emergency trips in the following circumstances where a trip scheduled before May 31, 2025 is scheduled:
• A critical medical case involving a family member being seriously ill or undergoing treatment. You must provide evidence from the relevant healthcare provider.
• Visits for important family events, namely birth, weddings, or funerals. Appropriate evidence must be provided.
• Occupy locations obtained at third-level institutions in undergraduate or graduate degree courses. Evidence must be provided from the relevant institution.
• Start employment and retain Irish employment permits. You must provide evidence of permits issued by the Department of Business, Trade and Employment.
•Travel for business. You should provide confirmation of the arrangement for a visit from the business in question.
Those who fall within the above categories will be asked to email the subject “Visa required – Emergency travel required.”
Nigeria: New E-Visa System launched
On May 1, 2025, the Nigerian Immigration Agency (NIS) replaced the visa with a new E-VISA system upon arrival. Eligible travelers must apply online and receive their e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.
Visas issued by May 1, 2025 on arrival are valid until May 30, 2025 (period of stay is permitted).
There is a three-month grace period until August 1, 2025, and a three-month grace period has been introduced to allow foreigners with expired visas to leave Nigeria without penalty.
The fine is $15 per day plus a five-year ban on entry for an extension of three months or more, and a permanent ban on entry for a extension of one year or more.
NIS also has installed electronic landing and exit card systems for inbound and outbound travelers. Foreigners must complete their landing cards before boarding, and outbound travelers must complete their exit cards before departure.
The exit card system is synchronized with the visa processing agency and automatically applies a stay fine and entry ban if applicable.
South Africa: Smart ID services expanded to permanent residents and naturalized citizens
On May 12, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (DHA) began expanding its smart IDs for permanent residents and naturalized citizens of Visa-Exempt countries.
DHA points out that because so many applications are received, the process currently has a green barcoded ID and can only be applied to applicants from Visa exemption countries.
When volume is reduced, applicants from non-Visa-exempt countries will also be supported. DHA communicates when this next phase opens for the application.
The application can be done through all live capture offices, bank branches, and the Ehome-Afairs portal. Applicants can also register and book reservations via the Ehome-Afairs portal and the Branch Reservation Reservation System (BABS).
United Arab Emirates: Sudanian citizens exempt immigrant fines
Federal authorities of Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced on May 19, 2025 that they had decided to exempt Sudanian citizens from fines related to effective residence permits and entry permits.
The exemption period will continue until the end of 2025. Sudanese citizens who have been fined can modify their status and submit renewal applications through the official digital channels of the authorities without paying the fine.
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Contact us today to learn more about the enhanced levels of global immigration services available to your business.
