Dear Visitor

The revised points-based system for the British HSMP visa is slightly different for a first time applicant compared to those already on HSMP applying for an extension. To help an applicant determine if they might successfully re-qualify under the new rules, workpermit.com has an HSMP Extension Calculator on our website.

In 2006 there were a number of significant changes to the immigration law in the United Kingdom. All those on employment-related categories and the Ancestry category now require five years of legal residence in the UK before being eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Many more changes are expected this year as the UK continues to try to find a system that meets the needs of the UK economy and at the same time is politically acceptable.

EU justice and home affairs ministers announced their intent to create new temporary visas for nationals from African countries. The initiative would essentially create a guest-worker program. Under the proposals, management of this scheme would be the responsibility of each member state and will depend upon the different labor market conditions in each EU country.

Ireland will no longer process asylum applications from citizens of European Union countries. The Irish government also announced a review of the immigration laws and policies. Many Romanians attempted to claim asylum after Romania joined the EU this month. The Irish government feels that these were primarily bogus asylum claims made primarily for economic reasons.

Australia's ministry of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs has been renamed to Immigration and Citizenship, among other changes. New citizenship rules are being finalized, and the 457 visa scheme is under parliamentary review. In the reshuffling of Australian Parliament, Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone was sacked. She has been in the Australian Parliament for 22 years. Prime Minister John Howard described Vanstone as "a very colorful person."

Oizumi, Japan has a population of 42,000, of which about 15% are foreign-born, primarily from Brazil. In 2005, Japan became the world's first leading economy to suffer a decline in population, with 21,408 more deaths than births. This will force Japan to reconsider its current immigration policies.

Entry of Americans into the United States from Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean by plane now requires a passport or other official document, something Americans are very unused to. As of January first 2008, car and sea travel will also fall under the new rules. Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories are treated as if it is travel between individual states, and so the new rules do not apply there.

• New passport rules begin [ 23 January 2007 ] for United States

  Americans flying to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean better not forget their passports, effective immediately. New rules go into effect today that require them to show one to get back into the country, with very few specific exceptions. more  »

• Australia's Vanstone sacked as Immigration Minister, other changes

  In a reshuffling of Australian parliament, Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone didn't make the cut. Her former department will also receive a name change. more  »

• Facing worker shortage, Japan weighs immigration

  At the Brazil Plaza shopping center, Carlos Watanabe thinks back on 12 lonely years as a factory worker in Japan - and can't find a single thing to praise except the cold mug of Kirin lager in his hand. more  »

• New HSMP Extension information

  Many people will be affected by the recent changes to the United Kingdom's Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). Those already under the programme will be required to qualify under the new points based system when their term expires. To help clarify the requirements we have a new section specifically about HSMP Extensions. more  »

• Ireland bars European Union nationals from claiming asylum

  Ireland will no longer process asylum applications from citizens of Romania or other European Union members, the government announced recently in a further tightening of the country's immigration laws. more  »

• UK - Major Immigration Changes in 2006 and beyond

  2006 saw changes that will affect many immigrants in the UK. Those on a work permit or on HSMP or an ancestry visa in the UK will have to wait longer and have to meet more stringent criteria to gain permanent residence. From 2 April 2007 all those applying for permanent residence will also need to pass the Life in the UK test. more  »

• Luxembourg may ease visa restrictions for Indian professionals

  Luxembourg, a major financial hub of Europe, has hinted it would ease visa restrictions for Indian professionals in specific areas of employment. more  »

• Caribbean tourism industry faces hard times with new US passport rules

  New U.S. passport rules coming into effect next week are expected to have some negative consequences for most Caribbean islands that depend heavily on American tourism. more  »

• Moldova to get two new consulates

  The Republic of Moldova will get two new consulates to help stem the tide of visa applications for Romania that have surged after Romania joined the European Union on 01 January 2007. Romania introduced a new visa regime for Moldova upon its accession to the bloc. more  »