The Hong Kong Security Bureau is imposing stricter entry requirements for Indian nationals entering Hong Kong for business and tourism on or after January 23, 2017. Indian passport holders – who are currently allowed to enter Hong Kong without a visa for up to 14 days – will be required to complete an online pre-registration called a Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) prior to travel. The new measures are meant to address the increasing number of Indian economic migrants who enter Hong Kong illegally.
Hong Kong: Visa system review expected to result in stricter standards and reduced processing times
The Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID) has agreed to implement the recommendations of the Audit Commission, which will likely affect the adjudication of applications in the General Employment Policy, Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) and Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) schemes. Although there has not been a formal announcement of the implementation of these recommendations, employers should be prepared for stricter adjudication standards in effect immediately.
UK: Registered Traveller service expanded
The Home Office has announced the expansion of the Registered Traveller service to eligible foreign nationals from Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Additionally, Registered Traveller members will be able to use ePassport Gates and EU/UK lanes at Bristol and Cardiff Airports in the coming months.
Background
The Registered Traveller service was introduced in April 2015 to travellers from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States who hold a UK visa or have visited the United Kingdom at least four times in the previous two years.
Applications are submitted online and once accepted, travellers with biometric passports can use ePassport Gates and EU/UK lanes at Eurostar terminals at Paris, Brussels and Lille and the following airports
Asia: Lunar New Year to cause Government closures; travel delays
Millions of people are expected to travel throughout East and South-East Asia during the Lunar New Year holiday season, which falls on February 8, 2016. Travel-related delays and government office and business interruptions will peak February 5-10, and could last longer in Taiwan and China, where the holiday will be celebrated through February 13.
To meet the travel demand, some airlines have increased flights, and railways have added additional trains. However, potential poor weather may exacerbate delays
Global: Immigration processing during the holiday season
During the holiday season, many government offices worldwide will close or have reduced staff and hours of operation, likely resulting in processing delays for work permits, residence permits and visas over the coming weeks and into the new year.The following is a non-exhaustive list of immigration office and government closings during the holiday season. Employers and foreign nationals with travel or relocation plans between now and early 2016 should contact their immigration service provider to discuss the impact of holiday closures on their specific circumstances.
USA: Reminder: FY 2017 Diversity Visa lottery registration ends November 3
Registration for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery ends on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at noon EST. Foreign nationals who wish to register for the FY 2017 DV lottery must submit their online registration forms and accompanying digital photographs by that time. Applicants must carefully follow the State Department’s official lottery instructions to avoid having their registrations disqualified.