Third-country nationals who are considered to have in-demand skills are now eligible for a new expedited two-to-three week Single Permit processing time, instead of the normal processing time of up to 14 weeks. Currently, expedited processing is only available to nationals of a neighbouring country of Hungary, however the list of eligible nationals may be expanded to all third-country nationals.
Hungary: New online registration requirement implemented for posted workers
Companies sending workers to provide services to a client or affiliate in Hungary from another European Economic Area country must now complete a new online registration process prior to the employee’s start date. This requirement is in addition to all other existing registration requirements, and it only applies to employees who remain on home payroll.
Austria: New document retention requirements; general enforcement increased
Kingdom of Bahrain: Hungary visa application centre opens in Bahrain
Residents of the Kingdom of Bahrain can now apply for visas to Hungary at the visa application centre launched for the Embassy of Hungary in the capital city of Manama.
Applicants can visit VFS Global’s modern and well-appointed centre to submit visa applications and enrol for biometrics.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is the fourth country in the Middle East, after Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia from where applicants can apply for a visa to Hungary.
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.
New border controls and asylum application volume causing delays in EU
Travellers into, out of and within the European Union and the Schengen Area will be subject to general travel and immigration service processing delays due to the influx of refugees, particularly to Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. Importantly, Germany introduced border controls yesterday that caused significant delays at entry and exit ports and other countries are continuing to implement controls. This is particularly relevant to rail and road border crossings; air travel is unlikely to be affected at this time.
Delays and Suspensions
Trains between Germany and Austria were suspended in both directions from Sunday until Monday morning. It is currently not clear how long other border controls will remain in place.
Foreign nationals should be prepared for immigration document checks on roads and trains throughout the European Union.
Foreign nationals seeking permits and visas at immigration offices in EU countries are experiencing long lines and processing delays due to the volume of asylum applications. Foreign nationals are advised to arrive at immigration offices well in advance of opening hours and should file renewal and other immigration applications well in advance of the deadlines to avoid additional delays.
What This Means For Foreign Nationals
All travellers, including EU nationals, are strongly advised to carry a valid passport and, as appropriate, residence permit or visa if crossing any international border within the European Union, even if passport-free travel is currently permitted. Train and road travel is likely to be significantly delayed and foreign nationals seeking immigration services in EU countries should account for delays and long lines.