Immigration

There is a new ray of hope for Indian techies in the US. A recent court ruling has upheld a federal rule that allows spouses of H1B visa holders to work in the United States. This landmark judgement delivered by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will definitely let the “Employment Authorisation for Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses” regulation survive. This blog post will pick up the argument brought to the fore by this decision, elaborating on H-1B and H-4 visas and what this ruling means for the technology sector. The Court’s Decision: Victory for H-4 Visa Holders The ruling by the court dismissed a challenge from Save Jobs USA, a group of US-born tech workers. As carried forward by President Obama, in 2015, the Department of Homeland Security passed the rule allowing H-1B visa holders’ spouses to work in the US. Save Jobs USA had argued that DHS was reaching beyond its powers in allowing H-4 spouses to work, but the court upheld the decision of the lower court, citing precedence in support of the powers of DHS. Understanding the H-1B and H-4 Visas H-1B Visa ExplainedThe H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant work visa that enables US employers to employ foreign workers with specialised skills. Types of jobs that would generally qualify for an H1B visa normally require at least a bachelor’s degree and tend to be related to technology, engineering, financing, and architecture. The H-1B visa is crucial for the US technology sector, which employs thousands of highly qualified foreign professionals. H-4 Visa ExplainedThe H-4 visa is issued to the dependent family members of H-1B visa holders, including their spouses and unmarried children below 21 years of age. This visa will enable them to accompany the principal visa holder to move to the US and remain there for as long as the principal visa holder has valid status. Under certain conditions, H-4 visa holders may also be eligible to apply for work authorisation, which will authorise them to seek employment in the US. Eligibility and Process of the H-4 Visa Eligibility CriteriaTo qualify for an H-4 visa, the following conditions must be met by the applicants:1) Spouse or unmarried child less than 21 years of age of an H-1B visa holder.2) The holder of the primary visa should hold valid status.3) Proof of financial support from the principal visa holder.4) The applicant should not have a criminal record. Application Process The government charge for applying for an H-4 visa is $205. It encompasses the determination of eligibility, collection of documents, filling out of an application, fixation and appearance for a visa interview, and issuance of a visa after approval. Why was the challenge raised? Save Jobs USA, on behalf of US-born tech workers, challenged in court the authority of DHS to allow H-4 spouses to work in the US. It was argued that the rule was against US jobs and must be rescinded. However, the court opined that the matter was much like the earlier litigation over Optional Practical Training, or OPT, for F-1 students and said DHS was well within its powers. Support of technology firms The H-4 rule had the immense support of leading technology companies and business organisations, like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Their argument was that work authorisation for H-4 spouses would benefit the US economy by allowing the retention of highly skilled employees who would continue to stay in the country and also motivating H-1B workers to seek permanent residency. This would be very important for the retention of competitiveness and innovativeness in the US tech sector. Impact on Indian Skilled Workers: The court’s ruling may have wide implications for the US tech industry and its abilities to draw and retain foreign workers who are highly skilled. By allowing H-4 spouses to find work, the regulation is a step towards a more congenial environment for H-1B visa holders who otherwise might not want to relocate to the US if their spouses cannot find work. This could be especially good news for Indian techies, as outsourcing firms based in India are the biggest users of H-1B visas. Conclusion The latest court ruling that will now allow spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the US is a major victory for both the tech industry and highly qualified foreign workers. In the case of retaining H-4 employment authorisation, the court has ensured that the US will continue to remain a beacon of the world’s best talent. This move, besides supporting the families of H-1B visa holders, has also strengthened the US economy by retaining highly skilled professionals.

Germany is all set to increase the existing proof-of-funds requirement for student visas for the 2024-25 academic year. The threshold for proof of funds has been €11,208 since 1 January 2023. With the new academic year, it would be hiked to €11,904, a near 6% rise over the previous level. This development comes as Germany remains in the process of managing and further supporting its international student numbers, says ICEF Monitor. New Funding Proof Requirement The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research provides several options on the Study in Germany website to meet the updated funding requirement. Attested Documents: A student may present attested documents that explain family income as well as other sources of income or enrichment. Bank Guarantee: This could also be in the form of a pure bank guarantee, “Bankbürgschaft.” This flows from the bank and assures that the student has got enough means. Blocked Account: This is one of the available options, and it is especially meant for foreign-born students. Banks like Deutsche Bank and Fintiba offer blocked accounts. What that means is that the “blocked account” is one which is not accessible to the student until they get to Germany, after which the funds are made available in monthly calendar installments of up to a certain limit. Comparison with Other Study Destinations The new proof-of-funds requirement is €11,904 ($12,875), which keeps Germany competitive vis-à-vis other countries among the top study destinations. Contrast with the following: Australia: AUD$29,710 ($19,540)Canada: CDN$20,635 ($14,930)Ireland: €10,000 ($10,680)France: €7,380 ($7,980) Elsewhere too, there have been landmark hikes. Australia doubled its proof of funds requirement in December 2023, while Australia recorded a second hike—around May 2024—of over 20%. Record Enrollment Nevertheless, Germany continues to be a favored destination for international students. Germany is becoming all the more popular, and the official figures already went up almost by 370,000 foreign students, which is an increase of 5% from last year in the winter semester of 2022-23. That relates to the fifth time in a row when the number of foreign students to Germany shows an upward trend.

Spain Golden Visa program has been the fast lane to residence for high-net-worth individuals looking to obtain residency in exchange for making a financial investment in the country. Since the program’s inception in 2013, more than 15,000 people have benefited, with the vast majority gaining residence through real estate investments. Recent events have brought signs that the Spanish government may be edging towards complete abolition of the program under the current Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, and his Socialist Party, the PSOE. This blog will explore the reasons behind the decision, its potential implications for investors, and the future for residency through investment in Spain. The End of an Era: Why Spain is Abolishing the Golden Visa Program  The Golden Visa Program in Spain has been immense, an attraction for foreign investors due to the ease of acquiring residency. However, recent reports indicate that the government is not only abolishing the real estate investment option but is likely to end all routes for the acquisition of residency through this particular program. The move comes after research found out that almost all golden visas were handed out through real estate investment. The measure is part of a more general strategy dealing with the housing crisis in Spain, as high property prices make it difficult for many locals to afford.  How Social Impact Investing is Redefining the Real Estate Landscape The abolition of the Golden Visa Program will have wider implications for foreign investors and, therefore, on the Spanish real estate market. Investing in real estate requires a minimum capital outlay of €500,000 typically.If such an avenue is closed, then investors will be looking for alternative options elsewhere. Also, high-end property sales may no longer be there in the real estate market, thus stabilising the housing prices in the long term.  Future of Residency by Investment in Spain Whereas the Golden Visa Program is ending, Spain will definitely seek alternative ways to attract foreign investment. The government will no doubt design new programs that look at business investments, creating jobs, or any other kinds of contribution to its economy. However, these are early days of change, with details yet to be unveiled. Conclusion In terms of residency through investment, this is a basic policy change in regard to the abolition of Spain’s Golden Visa program. The measure allows for control of the housing crisis and makes foreign investment into the country more coherent with the socio-economic objectives of the country. With the program coming to an end, investors shall update themselves on new opportunities and legislation in a shifting Spanish immigration landscape.

Dubai has forever been the playground of the rich, and that’s not all. The city is fast emerging as a haven for retirees who can spend their post-retirement life in style with world-class facilities, superlative architecture, and pulsating culture, offering just the right blend between comfort and adventure. If you are considering retiring in this glittering city, here comes a complete guide to getting your long-term visa. Financial Requirements for the Retirement Visa in Dubai With a retirement visa, there are specific financial requirements to be met. There are several ways through which you can get your retirement visa depending on the individual’s financial status. You will be able to apply for the income-based route, meaning: Retirees will be able to qualify by demonstrating that they have a sustainable annual income of at least AED 180,000, which is equivalent to about USD 49,000. This comes to approximately AED 15,000 a month, which is roughly equivalent to USD 4,100, ensuring that one has a steady flow of funds to support their lifestyle in the UAE. Savings-Based Option: Another way is to keep AED 1 million in a 3-year fixed deposit account, which comes to approximately USD 275,000. This savings route portrays an individual as being not only financially stable but also self-sufficient during his or her stay here. Property-Based Route: This financially supporting requirement can be fulfilled by investing in property worth at least AED 1 million (about USD 275,000). The property should either be fully paid for or mortgaged (with an overall amount already paid of not less than AED 1 million). Savings and Real Estate Combination A mix of both is also an option. You can add your savings and property for the financial requirement to be satisfied. For example, AED 500,000 kept in a fixed deposit and AED 500,000 in property would account for AED 1 million. How to Apply for a Visa The process of obtaining a long-term visa in Dubai differs accordingly as to which type of financial route you opt for to follow out of the ones mentioned above: For Savings Applications:The applications are governed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs [GDRFA]. You can submit an online application by visiting GDRFA’s Smart Services, then select the ‘Individuals’ login option where you can create an account, log in, and then submit your application through your dashboard. For Property Applications:You must visit the Dubai Land Department’s office to continue your application. This is because it is the agency that regulates the real estate sector and handles property-related applications. Visa costs and feesThis will involve a total payment of AED 3,714.75 (approximately USD 1,011) to be paid by each applicant upon approval of their application by the GDRFA or DLD. This includes all visa-associated costs that one is liable to pay, among them entry permits, adjustment of visa status in case of entry permit, residency stamping, Emirates ID, medical examination, and management fees. Why Retire in Dubai? Dubai offers outstandingly good contemporary apartments and luxurious villas within vibrant residential communities.These are apartments, all of which provide comfort and convenience to the retirees looking for a high standard of living. From a quiet beachfront apartment to a villa in the middle of a roaring neighborhood, Dubai has everything. Conclusion: While others dream of retiring in Dubai, what it takes is some proper financial planning and awareness about obtaining the process of getting a visa. Considering the luxurious living, world-class health facilities, and safety that Dubai has to offer, definitely it’s one of the best cities available at this age. So, are you ready for this fantastic voyage? Just follow these easy steps to get your long-term visa, and a new life in this vibrant city can be yours.

According to a Schengen News report, from January to June 2024, the country issued 80,000 Germany work visas for employment. This is such a massive increase, of which 40,000 target skilled workers, up by 3,000 as compared to the same period in 2023. Increased issuance of visas directly links to the expressed need by the nation for skilled labour in different industries. Workforce Shortages in Germany  The 2023 EURES report estimates over 70 occupations that are lacking in the German labour market. The German Economic Institute has also ascertained a lack of workforce in the country, amounting to 570,000 positions left vacant in the year 2023. This shortage has drastically affected the economy of the country. Gaps exist in key sectors such as transport, manufacturing, construction, health, engineering, and information technology.  Strategic Focus on Indian Skilled Workers  Given the fact of these labour shortages, Germany now reaches out with greater interest in importing skilled workers from India. According to the Labour Minister, Hubertus Heil, there is a need for wooing Indian professionals to bridge the gap in its workforce. Heil recently announced at a meeting with Indian students at the Free University of Berlin that respective authorities would present the strategy for Indian skilled workers during this autumn’s German-Indian government consultations. It will also provide a smooth process for the emigration of Indian skilled workers to Germany and help bridge the country’s labour needs. Projections of the Future Workforce  A 2020 study by the German Institute for Employment Research estimated that if current labour mobility levels were maintained, seven million additional workers would be required to keep Germany’s economy going up until 2035. Against the backdrop of this impending workforce crisis, Germany would now be keen to further engrain and pursue a more vigorous drive for highly qualified labour forces from abroad, such as India. It has at its command a huge resource pool of qualified professionals. Economic Consequences of Labour Shortages  That would mean, in simple terms, that the dearth of skilled manpower in Germany becomes one of the big challenges to economic stability. In other words, there is a deficiency of competent people, which slows production, damages supply chains, and reins in innovation. That is why, due to the more issued work permits and the attraction of more experts from other countries, risk is reduced for continuous development in the economy of Germany. Conclusion  The fact that Germany issued 80,000 work visas in the first half of 2024 is a pointer to serious shortages in its workforce. To fill such lacunae in the labour market so that the German economy runs on full throttle sets its eyes firmly on the skilled workers of India. How much the country, while going through these changes, is able to oversee that, through international partnership, there is an uninterrupted flow of skilled labour will make all the difference.

In a big development for the future applicants of H-1B visas, the United States is said to have announced a second lottery for fiscal year 2025. This move has been resorted to in a bid to fill the regular cap numerical allocation, giving a fresh chance to all those who were found unlucky in the lottery drawn back in March 2024. However, there is a small rider to this—the second lottery will only be for the regular cap; there will be no further selections for the advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap.  Another Shot for Regular Cap Applicants  The first random selection run in March 2024 saw the USCIS randomly choose from among the at least green card electronic registrations filed for the pool, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption. The number of registrations received in the case of the regular cap was insufficient to suffice for the allocation of FY 2025, hereby outreach for another lottery. With this second selection, all the registrations submitted will be considered. This consideration would include all those eligible under the regular cap and those for the master’s cap who were not selected in the first round. This means even those applicants who were eligible for the master’s cap and did not make it in the first round still have a chance under the regular cap.  Details Important for Applicants  USCIS will indicate that they can file an H-1B cap-subject petition on behalf of the beneficiary of a registration selected in this second lottery. If selected, registrants will receive an update in their USCIS online accounts that will include a selection notice outlining details with regard to the filing process. The USCIS will shortly make an official announcement with relation to the completion of this second selection and the notification of selected petitioners. The second lottery implications  The second lottery clearly indicates that the H-1B visas are in very high demand and the place of selection will be very competitive. As much as it offers a second chance to many aspirants, it is important to note that the advanced degree exemption, more popularly referred to as the master’s cap, will not have a second round of selection since the numbers for the FY 2025 numerical allocation were met during the first selection process. For those selected in this second round, the journey continues towards an H-1B visa, with the steps to follow that include the filing of the petitions filed in the specified time period. As always, timely and accurate submission of required documents, and more, is critical for a successful application.  Again, the second lottery of FY 2025 is keeping many applicants happy.. Regular cap applicants have another chance, but advanced degree exemption people have to look forward to the next fiscal year. The development shows, once again, how dynamic immigration policies are and how up-to-date information must be.

Looking to travel to Europe and wonder what’s beyond the usual tourist playgrounds? While most attention falls on cities like Paris, Rome, and London, there are so many underrated European cities holding different charm, rich heritage, and simply unforgettable experiences. From the pulsating fjords of Bergen to the modern architecture of Valencia, the list offers a balance between culture, history, and local taste. Let us walk through the list of the 10 underrated European cities you must visit. 1. Graz, Austria A UNESCO World Heritage site, Graz is an elegant city harmoniously combining medieval and modern architecture. There are many narrow alleys, Renaissance courtyards, and lively squares in this pretty old town. There is a collage of galleries and museums in the arts scene. Must-see viewpoints include that from Schlossberg and, very unique, the Kunsthaus Graz, known as the “Friendly Alien.” 2. Lille, France This town, situated on the border with Belgium, reflects the powerful coexistence of both French and Flemish influences in its architectural beauty, which includes the Grand Place and the Old Stock Exchange. But that’s not all; it is also home to some very animated markets, like the Marché de Wazemmes, and first-class museums such as the Palais des Beaux-Arts. 3. Bergen, Norway This town, enveloped by seven mountains and beautiful fjords, brings much natural beauty to one’s eyes. Colourful wooden houses along the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf add to the charm of this city. Finally, not missing the fish market or taking a scenic ride on the Fløibanen funicular for detailed views of the town and surroundings should complete the experience. 4. Tartu, Estonia This town, enveloped by seven mountains and beautiful fjords, brings much natural beauty to one’s eyes. Colourful wooden houses along the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf add to the charm of this city. Finally, not missing the fish market or taking a scenic ride on the Fløibanen funicular for detailed views of the town and surroundings should complete the experience. 5. Brno, Czech Republic Unlike Prague, Brno is full of history and modern attractions. Špilberk Castle provides impressive views over the city and allows one to get an insight into the history of Brno. The student atmosphere and lively cafes, together with cultural events, make this city very dynamic. Do not also miss the functionalism architecture including the famous Villa Tugendhat. 6. Salzburg, Austria Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and is a very graceful city, not only by its baroque beauty but also by the greatness of its musical heritage. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with squares, historical buildings, and churches that are exceptionally elegant in nature. Alpine scenery is one more attribute that characterizes this city, making it just perfect for cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 7. Antwerp, Belgium Fashion, art, and history all converge in Antwerp. Here one will find the great painter Rubens’ masterpieces housed in this beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady. Not to mention, the worldwide famous diamond district of the city supporting the vibrant fashion scene with its eclecticism of cafes, bars, and restaurants that never goes unnoticed by any cultural visitor. 8. Kraków, Poland One of the oldest Polish cities, Krakow boasts an incredibly well-preserved medieval core. The historical Market Square, Wawel Castle, and the district of Kazimierz provide deep exposure to history. Many festivals and cultural events take place in Krakow, hence the lively atmosphere. 9. Valencia, Spain While Valencia is famous for the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, it has also merged a bit of modernity with traditional Spanish culture. It is a town of festivals—such as the very famous Las Fallas—and gastronomic heaven thanks to valve-winning restaurants serving local food like the world-famous paella. On the other side of the coin, it has got sunny beaches and a vibrant nightlife. 10. Bilbao, Spain Situated in the heart of the Basque Country, the city of Bilbao in northern Spain is crowned with the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Its modern architecture merges with the traditional Basque influence to create a very unique cultural profile. Bilbao holds great interest because of its gastronomy, famous for popular pintxos, coupled with lively cultural festivals. Conclusion These are underrated European cities that offer the perfect getaway from the crowded and well-worn paths of touristy places and offer unique experiences with inside views into local cultures. Be it history, art, architecture, or even food, these hidden gems have got it all. So, pack your bags and head out to explore the less famous but worth-visiting European attractions.

What could turn out to be the panacea for Germany’s worsening labour shortage, and just the push its flagging economy needs, is being mulled over: tax breaks for newly arrived foreign highly skilled workers. The proposal would partially exempt the workers from taxes in the first years as part of what the government has called a “growth initiative.”. The government will provide 30%, 20%, and 10% tax rebates in the first three years of employment, subject to approval. This may make Germany a far more attractive country to highly qualified foreign workers, closing important labour gaps and thereby providing impetus to the economy.  The Tax Relief Plan  The German government has indicated a graduated refund of taxes for the expatriates who are coming to work in the country. According to Finance Minister Christian Lindner, the German rebates would be 30% in the first year, 20% in the second, and 10% in the third. The step is taken to make it easier on the new arrivals and attract skilled professionals to move into the country. Nevertheless, the specific eligibility criteria or details of how these rebates would be awarded remain blurry. The effectiveness of this policy will be reviewed after five years in view of assessing its impact on the labour market. Challenges and Criticisms  While many prospective foreign workers have welcomed the proposed tax incentives, they have received stiff opposition from opposition politicians and trade unionists. It has been argued that the move is going to discriminate against domestic workers. Germany’s Green Party lawmaker Beate Müller-Gemmeke underlined the principle of equal treatment, saying she personally felt such steps were unfair, notably with regard to current residents and nationals. “From my point of view, it would be a form of discrimination against nationals if we were to say that those coming from other countries don’t pay tax on at least part of their salary, according to Müller-Gemmeke. Not only this, but Federal Minister of Labour Hubertus Heil also came forward in opposition and strongly recommended that Germany not abolish the governing regulation but reduce bureaucratic hurdles. It should accelerate the procedure of issuing visas to skilled workers. According to him, streamlining administrative processes will help attract more talent.  Ninth: Labour Shortage Crisis  There is a huge shortage of skilled labour in all sectors and, more so, in Germany. The latest statistics indicate a shortage of about 573,000 skilled workers from the German Economic Institute. Based on previous estimates by economists, closing this gap might be an additional impetus of more than 1% of Germany’s economic growth—about €49 billion more, or $53 billion. With the economic predictions for 2024 showing only modest growth of 0.2%, closing the labour gap was important to the economic stability of the country.  In this regard, Germany passed the Skilled Immigration Act in 2020 and has reformed it ever since to eradicate red tape that is scaring away foreign workers. Still, not enough skilled labour has arrived. A study by the Bertelsmann Foundation disclosed that around 70,000 skilled workers from non-EU countries relocated to Germany in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 64,000 back in 2019 but still below the figure needed to alleviate labour scarcity.  Conclusion  Germany’s planned tax incentives for foreign skilled workers can turn out to be instrumental in wooing global talent and bridging the labour gap. While this initiative has been criticised and raised concern over possible discrimination, it is a bold step towards making Germany more attractive to skilled professionals. Such tax breaks, in view of the continual wrestling with the huge deficit in the workforce, will turn out to be quite instrumental in sustaining economic growth and competitiveness—apart from easing immigration procedures—against the continual rise in shortfalls.

The United Arab Emirates government has taken a very progressive step to make it the most sought-after place by many tourists. It is introducing a new system that will provide health insurance to tourists coming in with tourist visas. This move will arguably enhance the travel experience in this Middle Eastern nation and solve a major concern for international visitors: health coverage.  New Era of Tourist Health Insurance  The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, UAE, has unveiled its latest initiative to link health insurance with tourist visa applications. A report by Khaleej Times reveals that ICP was envisaging a change to ease many other procedures for travelers.  This new system is projected to help tourists avail of health insurance coverage while applying for visas online through ICP’s website or mobile application. It will help select, price, and issue insurance packages for major insurers across the UAE through this online electronic channel. Benefits of the New Health Insurance Initiative to be Issued  The new initiative is expected to ensure that all visitors to the UAE have some form of emergency health coverage. According to Ramzi Ghurani, managing partner of Petra Insurance Brokers, “Having insurance cover for all travelers is assurance that they are covered for their admission to hospital in the event of a medical emergency, however sudden.”. This, in turn, also reassures the country’s government and private hospitals that they do not have to bear the expenses of an emergency for visitors. The comprehensive insurance coverage would let tourists be at peace, knowing that they are covered against unexpected medical expenses. For healthcare providers, this removes any apprehensions about being saddled with the costs of emergency treatment of tourists, thus smoothing out financial processes. Positive Reactions from the Industry The move has also been welcomed by tourism players, who think that this move is going to add value to the tourist visiting experience. With health insurance now attached to visa applications, the UAE looks forward to entrenching itself as a premier travel destination. More visitors will be keen to visit a country that makes the process so much easier—where they feel added security and convenience in case a mishap occurs during their travels.  How It Works  Tourist visa applicants for the UAE would now be allowed to opt for and buy health insurance on the same online platform on which their visa application is made. This shall integrate the process and avoid the hassle of having separate arrangements for health insurance coverage. Options of various insurance packages would be available with different providers; hence, tourists can pick what seems most feasible according to their requirements and budget.  Looking Ahead  With this new initiative in health insurance, it is a quantum step forward as the UAE forges ahead, innovating and bettering its services to visitors. It portrays its commitment to the visitor experience and a high level of care for all travelers. This also places the UAE at the forefront as a destination where the well-being of travellers comes first.