IMMIGRATION ALERTS

Guyana's Central Immigration Authority has implemented a strict in-person requirement for work permit endorsements, eliminating the option of using authorised representatives. The new policy, driven by a biometric registration system rollout, requires foreign nationals to personally attend immigration offices for biometric data capture and endorsement. Passport collection typically occurs the same day.

Hanoi has delegated work permit responsibilities to local ward- and commune-level authorities as part of a 2026 immigration update. New applications remain with DOHA, while extensions, reissuances, and cancellations are now handled locally. Essential information for employers and foreign workers navigating the transition.

Mauritius to introduce e-Visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation system in 2026–2027 for all non-citizens, enabling faster border processing and security screening.

Oman has introduced new property-linked residency permits allowing foreign nationals who own land or residential units to obtain long-term stay without a local Omani sponsor. First-degree family members (spouse and children) are eligible. Permits are valid for 6 months to 1 year, renewable, and automatically expire if the property is sold or transferred. The move aims to boost real estate investment and attract foreign capital.

Saudi Arabia has announced mandatory occupational fitness assessments and non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings for all employees across the Kingdom. The three-phase rollout begins with pre-employment screenings for new hires, expands to high-risk companies, and culminates in full nationwide implementation. Employees who fail fitness requirements will be reassigned or barred from practicing their profession.

The Indian Embassy in the UAE has announced a temporary suspension of regular consular services – including passport, visa, and attestation appointments – from June 26 to June 30, 2026. The five-day pause allows for a smooth transition to new service provider Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC, which takes over from July 1, 2026. Emergency services will continue directly through the Embassy and Consulate.

Bahrain's Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has upgraded its digital service for domestic workers, cutting processing time from 10 working days to just 1 day – a 90% improvement. Document requirements have been halved and internal approvals reduced by 25%. The enhancement aims to reduce time and effort for sponsors and workers.

Thailand has increased the international passenger service charge (departure fee) to 1,120 baht at six major airports – up 390 baht from the previous 730 baht. The hike applies to Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports. The fee is already included in airline tickets; travellers do not need to pay extra at the airport.

Pakistan has announced a complete transition from machine-readable passports to advanced e-passports with embedded biometric chips, phasing out traditional passports. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the move to enhance security, reduce fraud, and comply with ICAO standards. Additional reforms include cashless passport offices (from July 1, 2026), home delivery of passports, and the enhanced Pak ID platform.

Ongoing anti-corruption investigations by Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are causing significant delays at immigration offices nationwide. Work visa processing has increased to 7-11 days, Exit Permit Only (EPO) to 3-5 days, and TSP/ERP to 7 days. ITAS extension biometric appointments face restricted on-site support. Disruptions affect Jakarta, Bali, and West Java.

Saudi Arabia has introduced new caps on instant work visas via the Qiwa platform. Businesses operating for less than 2 years are limited to 5 instant visas per cycle, while companies over 2 years can request up to 50. Companies in the Establishment Programme receive only 2 visas initially, with more unlocked through improved Saudisation rates.

India has introduced major visa rule changes in 2026 affecting FRRO registration timelines, employment visa categories, and mixed-citizenship family notifications. Foreign nationals must now register before completing 180 days (no 14-day grace period). Employment visas reclassified into E-1 (general employment), E-2 (intra-company transfers), and E-3 (NGOs/religious workers).

Malaysia has ended automatic approval for Foreign Knowledge Worker (FKW) projection requests, reinstating a formal review process effective May 25, 2026. Companies must now submit supporting documentation for each request, with estimated processing of 2 weeks to 1 month. Existing approved headcount remains usable. The ESD process remains unchanged for now.

Costa Rica has launched a special humanitarian permit for Colombian, Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals who filed asylum claims between June 2, 2014 and May 7, 2026. Eligible applicants receive up to two years of legal residence and work rights. Clean criminal record and continuous residence required.

Kuwait has temporarily suspended all Commercial Visit Visa issuance for all nationalities, effective immediately until further notice. The suspension affects business travelers attending meetings, contract negotiations, trade fairs, and client visits. Existing valid visas remain usable, but no new applications are being processed.

Qatar's Ministry of Interior has ended the temporary automatic visa extension policy that provided free one-month rolling extensions during regional airspace disruptions. Effective June 7, 2026, standard immigration rules and fee structures are restored. Travelers must renew or extend visas through normal procedures or face overstay penalties

Kuwait has launched a new digital visa service for domestic workers and drivers through the Sahel government app. The online platform allows applications, renewals, and tracking, while introducing stricter eligibility rules including family-based caps on the number of domestic workers per household. This June 2026 update aims to modernize recruitment and control expatriate labor.

Saudi Arabia conducted over 250,000 labor inspection visits in Q1 2026, uncovering 168,000 violations focused on fake Saudization and unauthorized recruitment. The MHRSD has canceled visas, removed falsely declared Saudi nationals, and suspended government services for non-compliant companies as part of Vision 2030 enforcement.

The European Union has launched a €2.2 million technical assistance project to support Armenia's visa liberalisation journey toward Schengen visa-free travel. Implemented by Lithuania's CPVA, the two-year initiative focuses on travel document security, border management, asylum systems, public order, and fundamental rights. This follows the EU's First Action Report on Visa Liberalisation delivered during the EU-Armenia Summit.

Sri Lanka has launched a free 30-day tourist visa scheme for passport holders from 40 eligible countries. The zero-fee ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) grants double-entry and is effective from May 25, 2026. Extensions are available for standard fees. The initiative aims to boost tourism and foreign currency inflows.