German Left Party brands new EU Entry/Exit System a “surveillance trap” as airport delays mount
Mandatory MOS 2.0 portal goes live 27 April, ending paper residence-permit filings in Poland
Appeals court strikes down Trump administration asylum ban
Latest News
Polish immigration offices halt fingerprinting nationwide on 24 April for MOS 2.0 data migration
All Polish voivodeship immigration offices suspended fingerprint collection on 24 April to migrate biometric data into the new MOS 2.0 e-filing portal. The shutdown disrupted residence-permit appointments nationwide and foreshadows a fully digital immigration workflow that starts on 27 April. Employers should reschedule affected staff, ensure complete digital document sets, and expect initial processing delays.
Italian Parliament Passes Security Decree as Cabinet Tweaks Controversial Migrant Repatriation Bonus
Parliament approved a sweeping Security Decree minutes before it was due to expire, while the Cabinet simultaneously issued a ‘fix-it’ decree softening—but not scrapping—the €615 bonus for professionals who facilitate migrants’ voluntary repatriation. The lightning-fast legislative dance highlights how fluid Italy’s immigration landscape is, creating compliance risks for businesses that relocate staff or fund integration projects.
Portugal e Europa apertam regras de vistos para brasileiros a partir de julho
Portugal e ao menos cinco outros países do Espaço Schengen passarão a exigir renda mínima, comprovantes financeiros e seguro-viagem mais robusto para vistos de longa duração de brasileiros a partir de julho de 2026. A mudança amplia custos e prazos para profissionais transferidos e estudantes, obrigando empresas a iniciar processos consulares com mais antecedência.
Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta Forge Joint Plan to Head-Off Potential Migration Surge
Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta signed a joint statement in Ayia Napa pledging rapid, coordinated measures—ranging from joint patrols to an EU-backed redistribution mechanism—to prevent a repeat of the 2015 Mediterranean migration crisis. The initiative signals tighter front-line border management but could also speed up legitimate permit processing and bolster Cyprus’ Schengen entry bid, making it highly relevant for multinationals moving staff through the region.
Council of Europe mission praises Czechia’s fast-track integration of 400,000 Ukrainian refugees
A Council of Europe delegation concluded a 22-24 April mission to Prague, lauding Czechia’s measures to integrate some 400,000 Ukrainians under Temporary Protection and prepare them for a 2027 status switch under the new Ukraine Law VII. The visit spotlighted high school-enrolment and employment rates but warned of future processing bottlenecks. Employers should begin compliance audits now to avoid disruptions when TP ends.
Government Proposes Stricter Integration Obligations for Immigrants
The Finnish government has sent a bill to Parliament that would make integration plans compulsory and sanction immigrants who skip language courses or refuse work. Benefits could be reduced, while employers would face new reporting duties. The reform seeks €46.8 million in savings but could lengthen onboarding timelines for international staff. Companies should review assignment policies before the planned start date of 1 January 2027.
130,000 Applications Filed in First Week of Spain’s Mass Regularisation Drive
Spain’s migration ministry says 130,000 extraordinary-regularisation applications have been lodged in the first week, with 55,000 more appointments already booked. While officials claim smooth operations, regional authorities and social-service offices report acute pressure. Employers should brace for administrative delays and support staff who still need hard-to-obtain vulnerability certificates.
Border Force reports new maritime interception in latest Operation Sovereign Borders update
The ABF’s 24 April Operation Sovereign Borders bulletin confirms one people-smuggling vessel was intercepted in March and that fewer than five unauthorised arrivals entered Australia. No transferees were returned or resettled, indicating the deterrence system is holding. While the numbers are low, the update signals that strict border-control settings remain politically important and could translate into tougher background scrutiny even for legitimate skilled-visa applicants.
US Bill Seeks Three-Year Pause on H-1B, $200k Salary Floor; Huge Implications for Indian Talent
A new US House Bill would pause H-1B visas for three years, cut the annual quota, impose a US $200k minimum salary and scrap OPT, effectively dismantling the traditional study-to-work ladder relied upon by thousands of Indians. Although passage is uncertain, the proposal heightens risk for Indian students, IT service firms and US employers that depend on high-skilled Indian talent, forcing contingency plans across global mobility portfolios.
Bern Sends Advance Team as Swiss Embassy in Tehran Begins Gradual Reopening
A four-person Swiss advance team arrived in Tehran this week to prepare the embassy’s gradual reopening after its 11 March closure. Visa and passport services are still suspended, but Bern hopes to restart limited consular work within weeks if security allows—a critical step for companies and NGOs operating in Iran.
Port of Québec Gains ‘First Port of Arrival’ Status, Expanding CBSA Border Services
Canada has upgraded the Port of Québec to a full “first port of arrival,” allowing CBSA to clear international containers and crews on site. The change will shorten supply-chain timelines, create new jobs in Québec City and give corporate mobility teams an additional port of entry for foreign specialists and project cargo.