Starting from October 1, 2024, Finland has made key changes to its Citizenship Act, increasing the required period of residence for citizenship from five years to eight years. The Finnish government hopes these new rules will strengthen applicants’ connections to the country before granting them citizenship. Longer Residency Requirement for Citizenship The revised law now … Read more
Indonesia has made significant progress with its Golden Visa Program, issuing almost 500 golden visas within two months of its official launch in July 2024. This new residency-by-investment scheme aims to attract wealthy investors and boost the country’s economy. Halfway to 1,000 Golden Visas Goal The Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, announced that the … Read more
Hong Kong has announced an extension of the validity of multiple-entry visas for nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The new policy, effective immediately, aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s connections with Southeast Asian countries and promote business and tourism in the region. Visa Validity Extended from Two to Three Years Chief Executive John Lee … Read more
Malaysia is calling on Canada to allow Malaysians to travel without visas, aiming to make journeys between the two countries easier. Right now, Canadians can visit Malaysia without a visa for up to three months. Considering this, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has asked Canadian officials to think about dropping visa requirements for … Read more
Big changes are coming for UK visa applicants and travelers planning to visit the United Kingdom. The UK government is switching its visa application center service provider and introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. Here’s everything you need to know about these important updates. UK Switches Visa Application Centers to VFS Global Between … Read more
Estonia’s government has announced that its immigration quota for 2024 is still not fully filled, with around 300 spots remaining open. This shortfall highlights a decreasing trend in the number of foreigners choosing to move to Estonia in recent years. According to the Ministry of Interior, Estonia sets an annual immigration quota of over 1,300 … Read more
Sweden is introducing tougher regulations for individuals seeking Swedish citizenship, implementing stricter identity controls, enhanced security procedures, and more comprehensive screening processes. The Swedish government has directed the Migration Agency to develop measures that tighten controls, aiming to safeguard national security and ensure the integrity of the citizenship process. The Migration Agency has unveiled several … Read more
The French Consulate in Algeria has announced that the processing time for Schengen visa applications submitted by Algerian nationals has been extended to approximately four weeks. This extension is attributed to a surge in demand, prompting authorities to advise applicants to plan their travels accordingly and submit visa requests well in advance. High Demand Leads … Read more
China has been steadily expanding its visa-free entry program throughout 2024, aiming to attract more tourists and foster international exchanges. The most recent additions include five European countries: Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, and Slovenia. Starting on October 15, citizens of these nations can enter China without a visa, making it easier for travelers to explore … Read more
Cyprus is making significant progress toward joining the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which would allow Cypriots to travel to the US without needing a visa. The country is focusing on improving certain requirements, including efforts to combat serious crime, a key condition for being eligible for the program. Cyprus aims to complete all … Read more
Australia is experiencing a significant decrease in the number of international students applying for visas, following recent policy changes aimed at reducing the migrant intake. The shift, marked by a sharp decline in applications, has drawn attention to the potential implications for the education sector and the broader economy. Drop in Visa Applications Linked to … Read more
South Africa is set to introduce a points-based visa system aimed at making it easier for skilled workers to enter the country. The new system will allow individuals with specific qualifications to become automatically eligible for work visas, aiming to attract global talent and boost the country’s economic growth. The plan is part of a … Read more