The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's Qiwa platform has taken a significant step forward in revolutionizing the local employment sector. Employers can now conveniently pay work permit fees through credit cards and mada debit cards, streamlining financial transactions.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a second round of random lottery selection for the highly coveted H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2024. The decision comes as the USCIS discovered the need for "additional registrations" to meet the numerical allocations for the year.
The Australian government has announced a significant update regarding English language tests for visa purposes. TOEFL iBT will no longer be accepted, but there are alternative options such as IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR).
Russia is set to revolutionize travel for Indian tourists with the introduction of Electronic Visas (e-visas) from August 1, 2023. This move aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote tourism between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia has made a significant move towards modernizing its visa system by scrapping visa stickers and implementing a new e-visa system for travelers from 12 countries. The new system features a QR code for verification and aims to streamline the visa process.
The UK government is set to introduce a new pricing structure for work permits and visas by 2024, with experts predicting a substantial increase of around 20%. Prospective migrants are advised to act promptly to avoid the impact of the impending fee hike.
ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorization System, a groundbreaking travel authorization system designed for visa-exempt nationals planning to visit any of the 30 European countries within the Schengen Area. Travelers must complete an online application and pay a €7 fee before arrival, as ETIAS conducts risk screening to enhance security, prevent illegal immigration, and safeguard public health.
In a noteworthy development, Spain has eased its regulations for foreigners with temporary residence permits. The Spanish authorities have decided to no longer revoke permits for individuals spending more than six months outside Spain. This change grants permit holders greater flexibility in their travel plans.
A recent survey by ECA International has unveiled the Middle East's enticing expatriate salaries, with Saudi Arabia taking the lead as the most generous location. Despite a slight dip from the previous year, expat middle managers in Saudi Arabia still earn an average of £83,763 annually, making it the highest-paying destination globally.
A US lawmaker of Indian descent has introduced the HIRE Act, a legislative proposal to increase the annual intake of high-skilled foreign workers on H1B visas. The bill seeks to double the current quota of 65,000 visas to 130,000. The H1B visa program has been a gateway for skilled individuals, predominantly from India, to work, live, and potentially seek citizenship in the United States.