A general strike called by several large trade unions for 24 and 25 September 2018, in protest at the government’s economic policy, is expected to affect services provided by the National Immigration Office (DNM), the National Civil Registry (RENAPER), the Social Security Agency (ANSES), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Registry of Recidivism (RNR) among others.
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ARGENTINA – Strike Expected to Affect Public Services
Decree Law no. 9/2018, published on 11 September 2018 and effective 1 October 2018, implements the latest amendments to the immigration law, which in turn were published on 28 August 2017.
As we reported here, the 2017 amendments to the immigration law transposed several European Union directives into Portuguese law:
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PORTUGAL – EU Directives Will Take Effect 1 October 2018
The number of non-EU nationals attending the Foreign Police office in Bratislava to submit initial and renewal applications for temporary residence permits (including single permits) has increased significantly in recent weeks, leading to very long queues.
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SLOVAKIA – Long queues for temporary residence permits at foreign police office in Bratislava
Effective 5 September 2018, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has ceased accepting priority processing requests for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457).
AUSTRALIA – No more priority processing for work visas
As we reported in August, the Chinese government has abolished the work permit requirement for residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (“HMT residents”).
Effective 1 September 2018, HMT residents can voluntarily apply for a new mainland residence card.
CHINA – Optional Mainland Residence Card Introduced for Residents of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan
This news alert was prepared using information provided by Newland Chase China.
The German immigration authorities (Ausländerbehörde) will require official evaluation of university diplomas submitted in support of EU Blue Card applications, according to the Frankfurt authorities, who are already implementing this new rule.
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GERMANY – Closer Scrutiny of Academic Qualifications for Blue Card Applications
Effective 3 September 2018, the online appointment booking service for visa-required nationals seeking re-entry visas from the Re-entry Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) will cease to operate. All applications must be submitted by post.
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IRELAND – Immigration authorities announce closure of appointment system for re-entry visas
