MASTERS VISA

Immigration

Sweden Work Permit Changes 2024
Immigration

Sweden Work Permit Changes 2024: Proposed Near 120% Increase in Salary Threshold for Foreign Employees

Sweden, for example, has recently increased the minimum wage threshold for work permit applications for the first time and for renewals. By analysing the changes to the work permit salaries in Sweden in the calendar year 2024, these Sweden Work Permit Changes 2024 are important for foreign employees to plan for their earnings and negotiate their remunerations while working in Sweden. The new threshold is a critical approach to meeting the new salary requirements that dictate this change. Important Changes to the Work Permit Salary Threshold In Sweden, the new aggregate of work permit eligibility as of June 18, 2024, increased, which is 28,480 SEK per month, or 80% of the new median salary of 35000 SEK. This amount is 118% above the former limit of 13,000 kronor set in October 2023. Currently, the government of Sweden aims at increasing the threshold to 100% of the median wage, or 35,600 kronor, on June 1, 2025.To help alleviate this problem, a one-year grace period is now in place for renewals of work permits, and the current requirement of 80% of the median salary will still be in force until June 1, 2026. This way, the existing permit holders get enough time to come to terms with the new provisions. Who Will the New Salary Threshold Apply To? All new work permit applications and renewals after June 18, 2024, will be governed by the new salary threshold. This change will not affect applications already under consideration. The salary threshold will be adjusted annually according to the newest available median salary data from Statistics Sweden. Thus, applicants must be ready for some changes every year.However, the salary should be adequate and should conform to the industry payslip or any collective bargaining recognition. This means that if it meets the test of the threshold, it must also be reasonable for the job and the industry. Specifics for Seasonal Workers Specific conditions apply to those temporary employees in Sweden provided with a permit for work for 90 days or less. They have to be paid according to the old criteria, which means they have to earn 13,000 SEK before tax each month. However, their salaries must also accord with the job market, union scale, or minimum wage, which may be higher than the minimum wage. Impact on Foreign Workers Increasing the salary threshold to a much higher value means that foreign workers have to seriously rethink their plans concerning employment in Sweden. New applicants and those who wish to renew their licenses will have to make concessions for higher salaries to meet the standard. When this change happens, it can create a situation where buyers and sellers of labour are forced to engage in competition, hence changing the field of play.The plan to raise it to 100% of the median salary by June 2025 shows the commitment of the Swedish government to fair remunerations for foreign workers. Nevertheless, having such a grace period will give all the stakeholders some time to prepare for such massive changes. Conclusion Sweden has recently increased the work permit application salary threshold from €2450 to €5300, which is almost 120% more, showing the country’s willingness to allow only foreign workers with salaries that would be considered reasonable by today’s standards. The phased implementation and grace period are envisaged to assist the working population and employers. Thus, applicants need to be aware of annual changes and current standards in order to meet the requirements and successfully apply for a work permit.

Indian Tourists in Türkiye
Immigration

Indian Tourists in Türkiye: Targeting a 34% Increase in Visits from January to May 2024

India is among the fastest-growing source markets for Türkiye over the first five months of 2024. For instance, as per the Turkish Tourist Board statistics, the number of Indian Tourists in Türkiye totals 126,400, which is a 34 percent rise compared to 2023’s similar months. This rise also confirms that Turkey is one of the leading travel destinations for Indian fun and adventure lovers. Experimenting with More Indians Based on the above finding, the total number of Indian tourists visiting Turkey in 2023 has been captured in the following database as 2,740,000. This is so because the period from January to May 2024 particularly deploys nearly half of the effects of the total number of Indian tourists from the previous year. This is evidenced by the higher preference of the people for specifically Turkish, especially Indian travellers who want to explore various ultures. Top Historical Destinations and Tourist Arrivals from India in Turkey In time, many regions and cities of Turkey have surely attracted Indian tourists because every place is unique in its own way. Istanbul: Being among the top foreign cities that Indians have visited in recent years because of its historical and cultural significance and good food, Istanbul continues to entice Indians. It also has a rich history and other tourist attractions such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which keep pulling in tourists. Cappadocia: This area is visited for the different types of terrain available and hot air balloon facilities, and many Indians must have visited Cappadocia. Such tourist spots are almost like those out of fairytales, and the idea of hotels in caves is indeed out of this world indeed. Antalya and Bodrum: These are areas that have a beautiful sandy shoreline and are also ideal for fine luxury accommodations. Weddings, honey moons, luxury parties, or any event—most of the time, people prefer these places. The Mediterranean region is unique in its surroundings and also incorporates a high level of facilities for events and celebrations. Pamukkale, İzmir, and Alaçatı: These are some of the places which are popular for their scenic views and archeological importance. Today, new guests appear to be the source of interest, such as thermal springs in Pamukkale, the sea coast in İzmir, and colorful streets in Alaçatı attract a large number of Indians. In order to increase tourism, there are the following strategic measures: At the moment, the Türkiye Tourism Board has not left any stone unturned in fostering partnerships with the Indian travel trade for tourism uplift. This year, the board completed its six-city India roadshow with TAAI, or the Travel Agents Association of India, in March. This effort was geared towards enhancing cooperation between Indian travel agents and Turkey’s tourism stakeholders. Similarly, the now-concluded family tour of OTOAI from June 30 to July 6, 2024, contributed significantly to the branding of tourist attractions in Turkey. It included 40 people from OTOAI from all over India and covered all the dimensions of tourism. The time has come for Turkey to pay equal attention to strengthening its relationship with Indian travel agents and offer products that may entice and instill traveller interest. Conclusion Hence, for Indian guests, there is a 34% rise in the number of visitors travelling to Turkey in January and May 2024. India still continues to prefer Turkey as their holiday destination because of its historical interests, picturesque geography, and attempts to introduce selective ways of reaching out to Indian tour operators. They also expect that the frequency of Indian tourists looking for different experiences that Turkish destinations provide will also increase in the future.

Canada immigration crisis
Immigration

Canada Immigration Crisis: From Dream Destination to Nightmare for Immigrants

Canada, which has always offered shelter to immigrants in search of a better life, is gradually becoming a difficult place. The targeted subjects of the policy are Indian youth pursuing education with the aim of finding jobs and, later on, permanent residency and Canadian citizenship. Rising unemployment, unaffordable housing, an increasing burden of loans, and a rising crime rate are destroying such dreams, thus making Canada immigration crisis. Jobs Crisis The increase in temporary residents and immigrants in the recent past has been seen to have contributed to the unemployment rate in Canada. In June, the unemployment rate of temporary residents, which can be foreign workers, international students, and asylum seekers, was 11%, as reported by Bloomberg. Among the newcomers who arrived within the last five years, though, it was slightly higher at 12.6% This is, however, in contrast to the overall unemployment rate, which stands at 6.2%. Scotiabank economist Derek Holt also noted that a significant portion of the increase in the unemployment rate has been caused by a large number of temporary residents. Given the record number of individuals coming into Canada, the labour market fails to accommodate them, hence a drop in the quality of life. While Canada’s GDP increase is attributable to population growth, social conditions—youth and immigrants—are getting worse. Unaffordable Housing Canada is one of the countries that is experiencing a higher level of housing unaffordability. The immigrant population has risen greatly over the past few years, and the demand for housing has surpassed the supply, thus leading to high costs. Mortgage costs have also been worsened by high inflation and the 22-year high interest rates. The Canadian government has tried its best to tackle the problem of the housing deficit. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a C$6 billion ($4.42 billion) Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to boost the construction and improvement of housing. Moreover, mortgage rules have been changed in a way to enable first-time homeowners to delay their payment schedule from 25 to 30 years. Nevertheless, housing remains a major unattainable dream for many and results in such scenarios as in North Bay, Ontario, where the India students at Canadore College had to resort to sleeping in tents for lack of appropriate accommodation. Loan Burden Even many students in India avail themselves of large loans of around CAD 20000 to CAD 40000 to study in Canada. However, moving from the academic environment to the working environment has become hard. The gig economy that many students use for part-time employment has also been affected, deepening their misery. That is why increased costs of living and difficulty finding a job make students stressed and frustrated with their financial situation. Rising Crime Canada has suffered a significant increase in crime and delinquency, especially in large cities such as Toronto. In break-ins for auto thefts, home invasions increased by 400 percent last year. The Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada revealed a thirty percent increase in the identified criminal organisations in 2022 compared to the previous year. As a result of this social degeneration, Indian security agencies have reported increased incidences of gangs that are related to Khalistani terror and international drug cartels. Reverse Migration However, as the conditions get worse, reverse migration is slowly becoming a phenomenon. According to Statistics Canada, 42,000 people emigrated from Canada during the initial half of 2023 and approximately 94,000 in 2022. This trend is a clear pointer to the fact that immigrants are quickly losing faith in the system. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship highlighted that this outmigration rate surged to its highest level in the past 20 years in 2019 but declined during the COVID-19 outbreak and has risen again after the relaxation of the measures. Conclusion Canada, a dream for many immigrants and a country that many hoped to find refuge in, is now struggling to overcome major hardships. Poor employment, skyrocketing housing, high interest rates on loans, and increasing insecurity are forcing many to reverse their decision. With such reverse migration trends in operation, it is about time that these problems are solved so as to bring back Canada as a favourite country among immigrants.

Kuwait new visa rules
Immigration

Kuwait New Visa Rules: A possibility for government employees to transfer to a different organisation and become part of the private sector. 

Based on the Kuwait new visa rules, it is apparent that the recent changes in visa policy are meant to improve the welfare of expatriates that are in the government sector in Kuwait. These changes were noted by Sheikh Fahad Al Yousuf Al Sabah, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Interior, who said that the changes allow for visa transfers from the government to the private sector. This framework fosters inter-country mobility and flexibility of workers within the legal requirements, enhancing chances for expatriates. What is new in the new visa rules?  Since July 14, the ability to transfer the visa to private employers in certain circumstances has also expanded for domestic workers. Approval from the current employer: The transfer can only occur if the original worker has permission from their current employer. Minimum Residency Period: This means that one or many of the employees must have worked for the current employer for at least one year. Transfer Fee: For the transfer of the visa, which is an electronic visa, a charge of 50 dinars (around Dh600) is collected. Service Charge: An extra charge of 10 dinars per year of service with the current employer must also be made. These conditions are meant to keep relations balanced to avoid disruptions and help retain fair labour relations in the nation.  Outcome of the Amnesty Period  The new visa rules came after the three-month grace period that started in March and expired in June. This amnesty made it possible for unlawful residents, who are expatriates in Kuwait, to regularise their status. It was now possible to pay the penalties, get new residency, or leave the territory of the USA without paying fines. The amnesty period was one of the general actions performed by Kuwait to regulate the number of foreigners and increase the rate of legal behaviour among them.  Learn about the violations related to illegal housing and safety concerns.  Parallel to the visa reforms, Kuwait has also stepped up its campaign on the evils of illegal housing. There was a disaster in which an electrical short circuit led to a fire accident that claimed 50 lives. This led to follow-up action against the squatters, particularly in Bnied Al-Gar, where expatriates, especially bachelors, were ejected from their residences. Utilities terminated the power and water in three structures, which left many without homes during mid-summer, when it was over 45 degrees Celsius.  Advantages of the New Visa Policy  The introduction of new visa rules presents several benefits: Enhanced Labour Mobility: With more competition, expatriates can look for job openings in the private sector, thus improving the markets for employment. Legal Compliance: The measures also increase the legal framework around the transfer of visas in a way that minimises the possibilities of abuse and unlawful work. Economic Growth: Therefore, if Kuwait allows the mobility of skilled labour into the private sector, this helps to improve the nation’s economy and development.  Challenges and Considerations   While the new visa rules offer numerous advantages, there are challenges and considerations to address: Employer Consent: This may present a challenge to some workers when trying to seek approval from their current employer. Financial Burden: The transfer fee and service charges might prove to be prohibitive for the workers, especially those in the lower income earners’ bracket. Housing Issues: The battle against the blackshedders brings to mind the scarceness of decent and cheap accommodation, especially for expatriates.  Conclusion  Kuwait’s new visa rules are quite liberal in nature, which would go a long way towards enhancing labour flexibility and legalism in Kuwait. In order to achieve a more flexible labour market, the Kuwaiti government managed to give civil employees the opportunity to transfer their visas to private companies. However, the challenges that come with these reforms must be seriously tackled to avoid robbing the intended beneficiaries.

Global Destinations
Immigration

17 Global Destinations Offering Financial Incentives to Move In

Oh, just imagine earning your salary for that! Most global destinations and the majority of towns in the world have developed a number of attractive financial incentives to attract more inhabitants. Be it startup grants in Chile, affordable houses in Italy, or teaching jobs in Asia, these global locations have made relocation look more interesting than it has ever been. 1. Chile Chile is not solely about tourist attractions like the Atacama Desert and the Patagonian region. undefinedBuild: A four-month business incubation programme that offers ten million pesos, or approximately 14,000 US dollars, and a business venue.Ignite: invests in new businesses that require funding for expanding themselves; provides approximately $30,000 and further $30,000.Growth: Focused on advanced startups, it offers $80,000 in investment to create and improve a startup community. 2. Candela, Italy This charming southern town will let you move for between €800 (around $870) for singles and €2,000 (around $2,175) for families, but only if you make the town your permanent home, are employed, and purchase a house constructed before 1991. This site has the sophistication of an Italian city vacation without the tourists and is two hours from Naples and one hour from the beach. 3. Sambuca di Sicilia, Italy They can purchase a house for 1 euro if they agree to restore it at a cost of €15,000 (around $17000) within 3 years and a non-refundable €5000 deposit in Sicily. The weather was pleasant, and the food was out of this world. Sicily provided an enriching cultural tour. 4. Sardinia, Italy For €15,000 (about $16,200), you could obtain a house in a rural area of Sardinia, provided you prove that you’ll fix it up. For this measure, the Sardinian government has allocated resources in the amount of 45 million euros to avoid depopulation and isolation. The applicants have to relocate to a town or city with less than 3000 inhabitants, make Sardinia the only place they live in, and continue to reside there for at least 18 months. 5. Tuscany, Italy That is, the region of Tuscany has recently initiated a programme under which, for $1,000 per month, you can get up to €30,000 for the renovation of a house if you agree to move to one of the 76 rural towns. The idea behind this programme is to stop the decline in population by offering monetary incentives for the renovation of old houses. There are different locations available for applicants; one is Capraia Isola or even the countryside of Casciano dei Bagni. 6. Denmark Though Denmark does not provide people to’move to work here’, it provides one of the best education, health, and welfare services, making it ideal for businesspeople and freelancers. Its stunning coastlines, cycling-friendly towns and cities, and title as one of the happiest countries in the world are very appealing. 7. Ireland Enterprise Ireland can therefore attract expats by granting them funding and tax credits for innovation startups. Getting approved provides one with a chance to sell products in the EU and experience the friendly Ireland offered with its lovely scenery. 8. Albinen, Switzerland Albinen offers 25000 US dollars per adult and 10000 US dollars per child to the new inhabitants under 45 years old on the condition that they should buy a house or home worth 223200 US dollars and should reside in the place for a minimum of 10 years. It is an enchanting and tranquil place, perfect for those who want to get away from the noise and pollution of the concrete jungle. 9. Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam These countries have teaching opportunities for residents from Europe and the U.S. It is an easy process to live in other countries and explore amazing cultures, foods, and lifestyles at a very low cost. 10. Mauritius Mauritius provides Mauritian rupees 20,000 (approximately $440) for new business ideas that have high chances of success. The island promises a good climate, a well-developed economy, efficient schools, and free medical care, which is crucial for businessmen. 11. Ponga, Spain Spain’s Ponga will pay €3,000 (the equivalent of $3,262) to young couples who are willing to work and live in the area for five years and €3,000 for each child. This region has beautiful scenery and friendly people and would be an ideal environment for raising a family. 12. Saskatchewan, Canada Saskatchewan pays up to $20000 in tax to the graduates from the approved institution, provided they have lived in this province for 10 years. It offers a fine blend of city life and outdoor activities, perfect for the young working population. 13. New Zealand Kaitangata of New Zealand sells land and housing for as little as $165,000 in an effort to increase population. It is a famous country with stunning scenery and some of the best adventure tourism activities in the world. 14. Antikythera, Greece Antikythera provides a monthly allowance of €500 (about $542) for a family with three or more kids, free accommodation, and free food for a family that is willing to move. This island nation is now looking to increase its population with professionals, skilled workers, and families. 15. Legrad, Croatia This city in Croatia offers homes for as low as 13 cents in a bid to woo inhabitants. One must not be over the age of forty-five, legally unmarried, have no criminal record, or own a house. It has a provision for supplementary funding for the renovations, and the population of the town has considered this programme. 16. Arkansas, USA To encourage the new residents to work remotely, the Northwest Arkansas Council provides up to $10,000 plus a bike. This region is endowed with attractive natural physical features, numerous cultural facilities, and a well-developed community spirit. 17. Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA Through Tulsa Remote, $10,000 and a space to co-work are given to anyone willing to relocate to Tulsa. Thus, the programme is designed to target successful people and contribute to the development of a lively atmosphere in the city.

unemployment in canada
Immigration

A rise in the number of temporary residents and new immigrants contributes to the high unemployment in Canada.

The unemployment in Canada is on the rise, especially among temporary residents and immigrants in the recent past. Although Canada has been experiencing a record wave of immigration to meet labour demands, immigrants are now facing hardships to find jobs. Increased unemployment among temporary residents The average unemployment rate of temporary residents, which includes foreign employees, overseas students, and refugees, was 11% in June, as per the Bloomberg data. However, the unemployment rate for all workers was slightly lower at 6 percent on average during the same period, while the health sector’s growth rate stood at 2 percent. Such a difference shows that temporary residents face several more challenges in securing employment than the general population. Challenges for Recent Immigrants Employment is also difficult for immigrants to Canada, especially those who arrived in the last five years, because their unemployment rate is as high as 12 percent. undefined On BNN Bloomberg Television, Derek Holt, an economist from Scotiabank, pointed out that temporary residents are now the largest source of the increasing unemployment rate.As cited by the governor of the Bank of Canada, Tiff Macklem, the flexibility of the Canadian labour market has become unkind to youth and immigrants. These groups, likely to be renters, are worse off financially in the wake of tough employment prospects. Government Response and Future Perspective The Trudeau-led government of Canada is weighing the idea of reducing the intake of temporary residents with the aim of averting continued tightening of the country’s labour market. The government wants to decrease the number of temporary residents to 20% within the next three years; this may contribute to maintaining an appropriate supply and demand for labour. Those who have become unemployed include the growing population of temporary residents and recent immigrants, who now constitute almost one-fifth of the unemployed workforce, as they are about one-tenth of the labour force. This important contribution to the overall unemployment rate has increased by more than half in less than two years. Using data obtained from Bloomberg, it was computed that the unemployment rate for temporary residents was 5%, their lowest record. undefined However, the decision to relax measures for foreign students and workers during the pandemic might not have paid off, particularly when many of them are now facing challenges of unemployment given the shortage of jobs. Integration Difficulties and Future Dynamics This has characterised new immigrants as going through a long, socially constructed cycle of labour market integration in Canada. A recent survey revealed a startling insight: the unemployment rate of the immigrants who have entered Canada recently is about 2.2 times higher than that of the Canadian-born workers. But it takes them a decade or more to get employment, and then they get an employment opportunity just like any other maritimer or any other native-born Canadian. The labour market is increasingly divided into two distinct groups: employed working Canadians and Canadians in vulnerable employment. As documented by Brendon Bernard, an economist at Indeed, it has been the long-term employees with high career stability that have not been as negatively impacted, it is the temporary or gig workers that have borne the burden. There is more people but employer’s demand is less which lead to large number of candidates for fewer vacancies.

US Supreme Court Immigration Ruling
Immigration

US Supreme Court Immigration Ruling May Impact H-1B Employees

The US Supreme Court has recently reversed a ruling made in the Chevron case, which was established forty years prior and dictated that the courts must give substantial weight to the decisions of the federal agency. This decision is critical in imposing changes to immigration laws with an impact on the Indian population in several ways.  Migration lawyers have postulated that this decision will enhance the probability of success by US employers with immigrant employees, especially those on H-1B visas, in appealing adverse decisions made by USCIS. For instance, cases that challenge the refusal to extend the visa on the grounds that the occupation is a specialty might elicit better results. On the other hand, the work authorization for H-4 visa holders whose spouses are H-1B applicants awaiting green cards may be back to facing legal uncertainties.  Justice John Roberts, while delivering his ruling in the Loper Bright Enterprises case in late June, reiterated that the court has the duty to decide whether an agency has exceeded its authority under legislation. Rajiv S. Khanna, a managing attorney at Immigration.com, said, On the lemon side, the Loper Bright decision is positive and negative, whereby this type of order enables courts to review both beneficial and adverse decisions by USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) based on their interpretation of one or many factors to which agency interpretations are not inherently entitled to a deference.  The ruling is clearly a mixed blessing. It may allow US employers who use H-1B or L-1 workers via intra-company transfers to help them succeed in their cases more frequently. Cyrus D. Mehta, an immigration lawyer in New York, said to TOI’s Lubna Kably, “The abandonment of Chevron means that federal courts will no longer respect a government agency’s interpretation of a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Any employer may be able to find a court that is willing to interpret a statue that grants H-1B or L visa classification to a noncitizen worker in a more  She also found that the USCIS’s overly strict approach to defining categories such as “extraordinary ability” or “outstanding researcher” in employment-based first preference petitions could be successfully challenged in federal court. He added, “The exact wording of the statute will bind the USCIS, and its broad interpretation of the statute may no longer be permissible.”  A group called Save Jobs USA, which claims to represent American tech workers, is currently on appeal at the DC Circuit Court of Appeals to challenge the H-4 EAD rule. They contend that the Loper Bright decision nullifies the H-4 EAD programme since the US Congress did not delegate the power to establish it. Several previous court decisions have supported the DHS’s ability to issue work authorization to lawfully admitted persons. Khanna also noted that the previous court decision, which endorsed the EAD rule, did not rely on the overturned legal doctrine.  At least ninety thousand H-4 dependent visa holders from India, mostly women, have employment authorization documents that allow them to work or be self-employed. The Obama administration in 2015 formulated the EAD rule for immigrants, including the Indian diaspora, who await for a long time to get an employment-based green card. Under this rule, the H-4 visa holder can apply for employment authorization if the H-1B visa recipient is on the path to a green card or has received an extension beyond the six-year term. However, with new litigation, these families are in a state of uncertainty.  However, Mehta still has hope and said, “Despite the absence of Chevron, there is also a clear authorization for the USCIS to grant work authorization to the noncitizens and also to set time and other conditions for the nonimmigrants under the INA.”

Keir Starmer Immigration Policies
Immigration

Keir Starmer Immigration Policies: How the UK’s New Prime Minister May Change Immigration Under the Labour Government

The United Kingdom has entered a new phase in its political process with Keir Starmer of the Labour Party as the new PM. On immigration, Starmer’s stance is one that seeks a change of approach as it seeks to harden border control mechanisms and make selection criteria severe for would-be entrants into the United Kingdom. Starmer has been more open during a recent TV debate; for instance, he criticised the former Prime Minister Sunak as ‘the most liberal prime minister we’ve ever had on immigration’ and promised that the Labour party will keep the UK in the European Convention on Human Rights.  Labour’s Immigration Pledges  Labour is also aware that many people want it to bring in the policy to reduce net migration, so the annual figure’should be a couple hundred thousand. This is their policy, which has no specific target but has an inherent message. For the next five years, the actual or predicted value under Conservative migration policy is contingent on the Office for Budget Responsibility, which asserts that net migration will remain constant at around 350,000 per year. Labour has sought free investment in this field, and through their strategies, if implemented, it will help reduce these statistics substantially. Fiscal Impact of Net Migration This, in terms of a net migration rate of 350,000 annually, is likely to shave £7 off public sector borrowing. It is predicted that the transition will increase the GDP to $4 billion by 2028–2029 and improve public finance performance. Foreign students are also generally considered part of net migration and bring in revenues in terms of tuition fees to maintain and enhance course provision, as well as paying students and researchers to cover shortfalls in home student and research income. Further, they offer a temporary workforce for the UK economy during moments of economic strength in the overseas economy to increase foreign investment in the UK.  Work and Skilled Worker Visas While Labour’s focus on skills policy made immigration contingent on formalising visa restrictions and border control without closing channels, However, the emphasis will be on replenishing the acute shortage of skills in sectors such as construction, IT, and engineering with skilled resident workers through the apprenticeship levy. Disallowing companies from sponsoring workers if they lack sufficient workforce training. Removing occupations from the Immigration Salary List if sectors fail to engage with workforce plans. Increasing penalties for employers violating minimum wage and other employment laws. Strengthening the Migration Advisory Committee and linking it with UK-wide skills bodies. Labour also confirmed its plan to assess the effects of the Conservative raise in the salary requirements of the Skilled Worker scheme, as well as banning care workers from bringing dependents.  Health and Care Visas  For migrant workers, particularly in the social care sector, Labour will set up an independent workplace inspectorate to enforce employment rights and eliminate exploitation of these vulnerable workers. They have expressed no desire to overturn the policy of excluding family members from entering the building for carers and senior carers. Creative Workers, Youth Mobility, and Seasonal Workers Labour may negotiate new actors’ deals with the EU to limit the bureaucratic challenges experienced in the wake of Brexit. While ROK does not expect to negotiate a youth mobility scheme with the EU, an extension of the Youth Mobility Route could apply pressure to sectors such as hospitality, retail, and childcare. There may also be a new approach to assuring seasonal workers against being exploited by labor. The present government has set a legal working week of not less than 32 hours a week for seasonal workers and oversees their well-being. Labour might as well discuss more measures to safeguard such workers. This has meant family- and settled-status routes.  Labour agrees with the intention to raise the minimum income threshold of the Partner route but first calls for an analysis of the family routes for social and economic impact. Brexit agreements will require further work on the EU Settlement Scheme, as some problems will remain constant in this area, which is challenging to integrate with status verification systems.  Immigration Fees The Labour Party has not outlined measures by them to alter any immigration fees. Nonetheless, there are recent enhancements, such as a sharp hike in fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge, that may require reconsideration before further amendments are considered. Conclusion  The recent election of Keir Starmer as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom means that the new Labour government coming into power will likely introduce modifications to the current immigration practices in the UK. Measures considered here include curbing net migration numbers, limiting visa access, and tackling skills shortages through the completion of training. While these policies come into play, it will be important to observe the effect of these policies on international students, skilled workers, and other immigration-related policies and structures.

Poland Student Visa
Immigration

Indian Students Benefit from New Online System for Poland Student Visa Applications

The good news is that all the Indian students who want to pursue education in Poland can now get their poland student visas through an easier process. Respecting the foregoing, the Embassy of Poland in India has instituted an e-consult system that allows nationals to apply for national study visas online starting on July 2, 2024. In this new application, the goal is to make the process of applying for jobs much easier and more efficient than before. This makes online registration for student visas possible. According to the recent regulatory changes that were announced by the Ministry of Education in India, students who want to get a student visa must fill out an e-consult form. This is particularly true for those who signed up through the Embassy of Poland in New Delhi. The appointments would be scheduled in order to complete the registration; there is no more efficiency in scheduling than this. This makes online registration for student visas possible. According to the recent regulatory changes that were announced by the Ministry of Education in India, students who want to get a student visa must fill out an e-consult form. This is particularly true for those who signed up through the Embassy of Poland in New Delhi. The appointments would be scheduled in order to complete the registration; there is no more efficiency in scheduling than this. Countries to Which the Embassy of Poland’s New Delhi Ambassador is Accredited The Embassy of Poland in New Delhi handles visa applications from Indian citizens or residents of the following regions:AssamArunachal PradeshBiharChhattisgarhDelhi (NCR)HaryanaHimachal PradeshJammu-KashmirJharkhandMadhya PradeshManipurMeghalayaMizoramNagalandOdishaPunjabRajasthanSikkimTripuraUttaranchalUttar PradeshWest BengalAdditionally, the embassy processes visa applications from citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Advantages of Studying in Poland There is a tendency for the Polish universities to accept Indian students due to the low cost of tuition fees as compared to other EU countries. Moreover, the average tuition fee of the Polish universities at the moment is 30–50% lower than the average fees of other European countries, and it is up to 70% lower than those at American and British universities. Poland has many pull factors, including being affordable for students, having a quality education system, and cultural diversity. Success of a Visa Application and Its Type Though Poland is a preferred study abroad destination for Indian students, approximately 18% of the visa applications of Indian students have been rejected, according to recent records. About the nature of the visas and how exactly one may obtain them, future students should have an understanding.C-Type Visa (short-term)Validity: In general, the time for solving problems in this company does not exceed 90 days.Purpose: Ideally used for short courses or a semester abroad programme.D-Type Visa (long-term)Validity: They can take over 90 days and be up to one year in some cases, though they are renewable.Purpose: Most common for students who study in degree courses. Conclusion The introduction of an e-consult system for the submission of students’ visa applications for India signifies a breakthrough in assistive aid regarding the advance in the process for Indian students wishing to study in Poland. Today, Poland offers cheap education, great quality, and the opportunity to plunge into the multicultural atmosphere of European life. Stakeholders can also advise prospective students to acquaint themselves with the new online registration system and be in a position to conform to set standards to enhance their eligibility for visas.

Portugal tax breaks for foreign residents
Immigration

Portugal Tax Breaks for Foreign Residents Set for Revival This Year

Measure: About Housing Tax Exemption The Portugal tax breaks for foreign residents dwellers in the country, an element that was previously challenged because of its drastic effect on the growth of house prices. Miranda was quoted by the Financial Times, insisting on the necessity of a skilled workforce and the growth of the economy. Here we take a closer look at the history, advantages, disadvantages, and future of the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme. Assessment of the Non-Habitual Resident Scheme First introduced in 2009, the NHREs are good for investors and professionals during the fiscal and credit crunch. Located in western Europe, Portugal, which is not one of the wealthiest countries, introduced a special 20% rate of taxation on the revenues derived from home-based activities, especially in such fields as the production of medicine and university education. It also offered almost all kinds of foreign income free from tax in the case they are taxed in their country of source and foreign-sourced pensions at 10% flat tax. Schemes that prevail today include the National Health Reform (NHR) Scheme. Attracting Skilled Professionals: The NHR scheme was meant to attract skilled workers and experts to the country as it will positively fuel the economy.Tax Incentives: The tax rates were 20% for certain Portuguese incomes, and most foreign incomes were excluded from taxation, which also encouraged retirement and working-generation populations to migrate to Portugal.Economic Boost: Foreign residents and their investment rates encouraged the Portuguese economy at certain critical periods in the country’s financial progress. Criticisms and controversy Former Prime Minister Antonio Costa reported on it as being a problematic one that contributed to raising housing prices and caused fiscal inequity. He considered it no longer reasonable, and hence he deemed it right to remove it. However, the following criticisms have been made, which are as follows: 7 However, the scheme has moved up to an annual of 18. In 2018, in Brazil, 0.75% of people received some form of pension: 5% of this total would be 0.75%; 0.75% would cost the state budget more than 1,000 dollars; and 74,095 people in 2022 Retaining and Reintroduction of the NHR Scheme For the chosen country of analysis, it is worth mentioning that in November 2020, the Portuguese parliament agreed upon the continuation of the NHR scheme till the end of 2024 with some important amendments. This requirement mandates candidates to demonstrate their ability to advance their move to Portugal throughout the year 2023. Finance Minister Sarmento outlined the return to the scheme to be applied to salaries, pensions, and professional income, while other pensions, dividends, and capital gains would not be given relief. According to business daily El Economista, the official announcement is expected to be made after a cabinet meeting; however, approval by lawmakers is unclear as Montenegro governs without a parliamentary majority. These are real issues that are so profound that they have the potential to reshape the future of the NHR scheme. Through the provision of skills for various employees and the enhancement of the economy, the government seeks to bring back the NHR scheme. Yet, the rub here is not getting the concept passed by legislators. It is then clear that the success of this initiative will be determined by the achievement of these objectives while taking into consideration the issues of fiscal equity and the stability of the housing market. Conclusion This was further elaborated by the recent measures proposed by Portugal to reinstate the usage of tax incentives for foreigners planning to reside in the country; this is a clear manifestation of a classic dilemma that plagues countries worldwide, specifically the conflict between prioritising economic development and ensuring fairness in tax collection. The NHR scheme, with its advantages and disadvantages, has still been an important policy to encourage more professional personnel in Portugal. While the implementation of this scheme has been a success story, the government has thought it wise to have a second round at it; the effects on the economy as well as the housing market will be keenly observed.

Scroll to Top