DHS Floats $103,265 Filing Fee for Every Cap-Subject H-1B Petition
Etihad Rail inaugurates Dubai passenger station ahead of 30 September service launch
IRCC issues 733 Invitations in latest Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program draw
Latest News
China Handles 6.71 Million Cross-Border Movements Over Mid-Autumn Break
China’s immigration officers processed 6.71 million border crossings during the 25-27 September Mid-Autumn Festival—a 16.8 percent annual rise. Foreign entries grew 37.7 percent to 728 000, of which 247 000 were visa-free, highlighting the impact of Beijing’s expanded waiver programs. The data suggest a robust recovery in China-bound travel and smoother entry conditions ahead of next week’s National Day peak.
Three Migrants, Including a Child, Die off Northern French Coast; 102 Rescued During Channel Crossing Attempt
A dinghy carrying over 100 migrants capsized off Blériot-Plage on 28 September, leaving two women and a child dead despite a large-scale French rescue. The episode highlights persistent Channel-crossing attempts and the operational strain such emergencies place on French border resources, with potential knock-on effects for commercial travel and freight between France and the UK.
Invitation-Only Entry Scheme Extended to 11 Central Asian and Gulf States From 1 October
From 1 October 2026, Hong Kong will extend its Invited Persons Entry Scheme to five Central Asian and six Gulf countries and will add the social-welfare sector to its Short-Term Activities Scheme. The move streamlines visa processing for government-invited visitors and authorised event participants, widening options for companies and NGOs that bring in specialised talent for up to 14 days.
Irish Ferries and Stena Line Begin Enforcing Passport-Only Travel Between Ireland and Britain
Effective 28 September 2026, Irish Ferries and Stena Line now require all passengers on Ireland–Britain ferry routes to present a passport or Irish passport card. The change, linked to forthcoming UK ETA carrier-liability rules, ends the long-standing practice of accepting driving licences or other photo-ID on CTA sea crossings. Companies moving staff or goods by ferry must update travel policies immediately to prevent boarding denials and schedule delays.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Immigration-Status Checks for Federally Funded Programs
A federal court has vacated a Trump administration rule that would have required immigration-status checks for users of Head Start, adult-education, community health centers and similar federally funded services. The judge said agencies violated notice-and-comment rules and exceeded statutory authority. The decision removes a major compliance burden for states, service providers and the immigrant communities they serve—important for employers that rely on those programs for workforce training and health care.
Three migrants, including child, die in Channel crossing off French coast
French maritime police have confirmed that two women and a 10-year-old child died on 28 September 2026 when an overcrowded dinghy carrying 105 migrants capsized off Gravelines, near Calais. The tragedy underscores ongoing safety risks in Channel crossings and is likely to intensify political debate ahead of France’s 2027 elections and influence forthcoming migration legislation. Businesses should brace for tighter port controls that could disrupt passenger and freight flows.
IRCC issues 733 invitations in latest Express Entry draw for provincial nominees
On 28 September 2026 IRCC invited 733 provincial nominees to apply for permanent residence, with a CRS cut-off of 725. The draw lets employers convert key temporary workers to permanent hires more quickly, thanks to faster Bridging Open Work Permits. It highlights the importance of securing provincial support in Canada’s increasingly targeted immigration system.
SWISS Becomes First European Carrier to Offer Starlink High-Speed In-Flight Internet
• On 28 September 2026 SWISS debuted Starlink satellite Internet on flight LX 1852 (Zurich–Thessaloniki), offering free, high-bandwidth Wi-Fi across all cabins. • The Lufthansa Group plans to equip the whole SWISS fleet by 2029, boosting productivity for business travellers and expatriates commuting via Zurich. • The service strengthens Switzerland’s attractiveness for corporates that rely on seamless connectivity for short-haul and long-haul assignments.
Switzerland allocates CHF 334.5 million to cantonal integration programmes for 2028-2032
The Federal Council has asked Parliament to approve CHF 334.5 million for cantonal integration schemes in 2028-2032—an increase of roughly 19 percent. The funds will finance language courses, career support, and counselling for newcomers, helping businesses access a well-integrated foreign talent pool and reducing long-term social costs.
Three Dead, Dozens Rescued After Latest Channel Crossing Tragedy Off Calais
An overcrowded dinghy sank off Wissant on 28 September, killing three migrants and prompting a large-scale rescue of 103 people. The fatal crossing underscores ongoing security concerns on France’s northern coast and is likely to trigger tighter policing of roads and ports around Calais, affecting freight and passenger flows vital to business mobility.
Court Refuses to Pause Order Overturning 75-Country Immigrant-Visa Suspension
A federal judge refused to stay her decision striking down a State Department policy that had frozen immigrant-visa issuance for applicants from 75 countries. Consulates must resume processing, clearing a backlog affecting tens of thousands of family and employment cases. Employers with stuck transferees should prepare for rapid rescheduling and document updates.
Dubai flight delays persist as airlines work through weekend backlog
Dozens of inbound flights to Dubai on 28 September ran up to two hours late after a weekend of disruption. Analysts blame a mix of weather diversions, regional air-space issues and record passenger demand. Corporations should expect knock-on effects on tight connections and build contingency time into travel schedules.
UAE to Open Electronic Visa Centre in Beirut Next Month
The UAE will open an electronic visa centre in Beirut in October 2026, allowing applicants in Lebanon to complete the full UAE visa process locally. The move promises faster processing for workers, tourists and companies hiring Lebanese talent, and forms part of the UAE’s wider digital-first consular strategy.
Austria Confirms Extension of Internal Schengen Border Controls to 15 March 2027
Austria has notified the EU that it will keep its internal border checks with Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary and Slovenia in place until 15 March 2027. The extension, published on 28 September 2026, cites security concerns and migratory pressures. Business travellers and freight operators should expect document inspections and minor delays, and are advised to carry full travel paperwork.
EU List Confirms Austria’s Internal Schengen Checks Extended to 15 March 2027
The European Commission’s updated register shows Austria will keep its internal Schengen border controls in force until 15 March 2027. Companies must continue to factor possible ID checks and delays into cross-border travel and supply-chain planning, particularly on the Slovak, Czech, Hungarian and Slovenian frontiers.
Five-Hour Passport Queues at Brussels Airport Highlight Ongoing EES Growing Pains
Non-EU passengers arriving in Brussels on 28 September faced passport-control waits of up to five hours after repeated IT failures in the EU’s new Entry/Exit System. The incident raises fresh doubts about the readiness of Europe’s biometric border regime and creates immediate operational headaches for airlines and employers reliant on smooth mobility through Belgium.
Belgium introduces fraud-proof registration certificate for residence applicants
From 28 September 2026, Belgium began issuing a digitally-secured registration certificate to residence applicants, replacing the easily forged orange paper. The new card carries advanced security features, a unique serial number and is recorded in a central database accessible to police and immigration authorities, making fraud and identity theft harder. Employers and banks will be able to verify authenticity in real time, streamlining compliance for foreign workers.