IMMIGRATION ALERTS

Vietnam's Decree 286/2026/ND-CP introduces real-time data sharing, expanded inter-agency coordination, and stricter management for e-visa holders and visa-exempt foreign nationals starting September 15, 2026. Here's what travelers need to know.

Starting May 1, 2025, Thailand will implement the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a mandatory online form for all foreign visitors.

Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) 2026 complete guide: how to apply online, fees ($983 MXN), 180-day stay, and entry requirements for air and land travel.

India waives visa fees for citizens of 48 Least-Developed Countries. Business and Employment visas now free. INR 12,000–45,000 fee eliminated.

Thailand immigration updates 2026: 60-day visa-free scrapped, 30-day stay for 59 countries, TDAC mandatory, fingerprint criminal checks, temporary work permits.

Republic of Congo and Togo abolish visa requirements for all African nationals under AfCFTA and Agenda 2063. Free movement across Africa begins.

Saudi Arabia closes GOSI bank account for GCC contributions. New virtual account and credit card payment methods now available for employers.

Indonesia lawmakers push for visa-free entry for China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, New Zealand, and Singapore PR holders to boost tourism.

EU adopts Visa Cascade for Thai passport holders – 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visas for eligible travelers with good travel history.

Egypt launches digital visa-on-arrival system from August 1, 2026. QR code replaces paper visa stickers at Cairo Airport. USD 36 fee, 48-hour validity.

Thailand introduces Temporary Work Permit from July 2026. Immediate work authorization, Tax ID, Social Security registration. E-Work Permit system. Full details inside.

South Africa launches phase two of Trusted Employer Scheme with online visa portal. Expanded eligibility for infrastructure, headquarters, and financial sector.

Saudi Arabia introduces quarterly residence permit renewal options for domestic workers. 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month choices now available for employers.

Thailand requires fingerprint-based criminal record checks for permanent residence, nationality, and 9 key applications. Name-only checks no longer accepted.

Saudi Arabia launches new 365-day multiple-entry Umrah visa from July 20, 2026. 90-day cumulative stay, digital Nusuk permits required. Full details inside.

Pakistan postpones e-Passport launch in UAE due to technical issues. MRP services continue. Fees, features, and what Pakistani citizens need to know.

Belarus outlines transparent system for labor migrants including screening, formal employment contracts, and housing provision. Full details inside.

Oman has extended compulsory sick leave and extraordinary leave insurance coverage to expatriate workers in both public and private sectors, effective July 20, 2026. The Social Protection Fund (SPF) decision under No. 13/2026 broadens social protection for foreign workers, aligning Oman's labour policies with international standards on worker welfare.

Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Thailand, Brunei, and Philippines until July 2027. Cambodia removed from visa facilitation programs from August 1, 2026.

Indonesia introduces visa-free entry for Belarusian tourists from July 2026. 30-day stay for ordinary passport holders. Reciprocal arrangement since 2017.