The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has announced a number of changes to health requirements for Australian visa applications, to take effect from 20 November 2015. As part of the changes, a new health matrix will be issued determining who is required to undertake medical examinations. The changes will also abolish streamlined health processing arrangements for 457 visa applicants which can affect the processing times.
Kazakhstan: Rules restricted for multiple-region travellers
Employers will no longer be able to expand the coverage area of their work permits from the original region to two or more cities or regions, due to the approval of recently-announced Work Permit rules changes. The amended rules are expected to be published and effective in the next few weeks.
Once the rules are effective, foreign workers will not be able to remain in a region other than the one under which their work permit was granted for more than 90 days. Although this restriction is not meant to apply to time spent in other regions for personal reasons, authorities reserve the discretion to track such trips.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Because nationwide work permits are not an available option, employers planning to send employees to work in multiple cities or regions are advised to consult with their immigration professional about the best course of action on a case-by-case basis.