IMMIGRATION ALERTS

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.

Chad announces visa-free entry for all African nationals starting January 1, 2027. Landmark move for African integration and free movement. Full details inside.

Pakistan imposes stricter entry rules for overseas citizens. Valid NICOP now mandatory for visa-free entry. UK, US, European travelers affected.

Venezuela has declared a nationwide state of emergency following powerful earthquakes on June 24, 2026. Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía) is closed due to structural damage, and government immigration platforms (SAIME) are experiencing technical outages. All visa applications, work permits, and apostille requests face significant delays. Travelers and employers should prepare for extended disruptions.

Taiwan launches e-Visa for Russian citizens from July 7, 2026. 30-day single-entry visa, US$55 fee, fully online. Pilot program until July 2027.

Thailand scraps 60-day visa-free, introduces 30-day stay for 59 countries including India and all EU states under new "one country, one entitlement" policy.

Saudi Arabia launches new Training Visa for international trainees and approves State Revenues Law. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs landmark Jeddah cabinet session.

Complete guide to Indonesia Digital Arrival Card 2026. Free online form, QR code, 72-hour deadline. Step-by-step instructions for Bali, Jakarta, and all entry points.

Indonesia slashes visa-free entry by 87.9% in H1 2026. Visa revenue rises 6.42% to Rp2.81 trillion. 3,260 deportations, 2,102 blacklisted foreigners

EU suspends multiple-entry visas for Guinean nationals, extends processing to 45 days, and ends fee waivers over insufficient readmission cooperation.

South Africa removes medical report requirement for temporary residence visas and permanent residence permits. Immediate effect. Streamlining immigration process.

Saudi Arabia extends grace period for foreign workers with expired work permits until December 31, 2026. Employers must regularize status or face penalties.

Curaçao suspends Caribbean visas for DRC, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Angola, South Sudan amid Ebola concerns. DI Card remains mandatory for all visitors.

Azerbaijan and Jordan sign visa-free agreement for ordinary passport holders in Baku on July 8, 2026, boosting tourism and business ties between the two nations.

Paraguay updates permanent residence economic solvency requirements. 12 new categories, stricter verification, profession removed from residence card. Effective July 6, 2026.

Kuwait opens 15-year investor residency with $16.3M minimum investment. Owners, partners, senior management, and families eligible. KDIPA decision within 5 working days.

Brazil has expanded its Electronic Visa (eVisa) program to Chinese nationals, effective March 13, 2026. Eligible travellers can now apply online for visitor eVisas for tourism, business, sports, artistic performances, and airport transit – eliminating in-person consular appointments. The eVisa costs approximately USD 93, is valid for 5-10 years, and allows 90-day stays with extensions up to 180 days per year.

Vietnam has abruptly reduced the visa-free stay for Indonesian passport holders from 30 days to just 14 days, effective July 15, 2026. The new policy applies only to tourism and family visits. Indonesians traveling for business, work, or study must obtain a visa in advance. The 14-day period is calculated from the date of entry.