Canada: Mexican business visitors and tourists to be eligible for visa-free travel in December
On or after December 1, 2016, Mexican nationals will be able to travel to Canada without a visa for business and tourism, likely for up to 90 days, as per an announcement made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This agreement is subject to the level of Mexican asylum seekers in Canada remaining at a steady level.
Kenya/Ethiopia: Reciprocal agreement likely to relax work permit rules
Sweden: Employers must include insurance certificates in some work permit applications
Following a court ruling, the Migration Board is enforcing the rule that employers must provide health, life and occupational injury insurance coverage to all employees. Therefore, new work permit applications for applicants who have worked in Sweden in the seven years and renewal work permit applications must include insurance certificates for the last seven years, even if the employee worked for other employers.
Thailand: Shorter processing times for regular work permit applications
Vietnam: Work permit policy changes
A new short-term Work Permit exemption, faster work permit processing times, additional supporting document requirements for some foreign workers and other changes related to Work Permit applications have been announced by a Decree issued by the Ministry of Labour - Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). The Decree is expected to take effect April 1, 2016, however, details and implementation plans for the new policies remain subject to change.
Botswana: Government imposes moratorium on Short-Term Work Permits
Foreign nationals are no longer able to apply for Short-Term Work Permits (STWP) in Botswana, following the government’s release of a temporary moratorium on the issuance of these permits. The moratorium follows allegations of abuse of the STWP program.
The moratorium will remain in place until immigration officials release new STWP processing guidelines that address the alleged abuse. Until that time, all foreign nationals seeking to work in Botswana, even if for a period shorter than 90 days, will be required to obtain long-term work permits prior to travel.