China - A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates launched in the WeChat mini program of the State Council app

State Council jointly with the Ministry of Commerce, have launched A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2024 Edition) in the WeChat mini program of the State Council app.

READ MORE HERE

U.S. Department of Commerce and Samsung Electronics (Samsung) have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to provide up to $6.4 billion in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act

Proposed CHIPS Investment of up to $6.4 Billion Would Complement More than $40 Billion in Private Investment to Support a Comprehensive Semiconductor Cluster for Leading-Edge Logic, Advanced Packaging, and R&D in Taylor, Texas, and Expansion of Austin Fab in Texas.

READ MORE HERE 

Japan - Life orientation video introducing the rules of life in Japan for foreign nationals

Japan Immigration Services Agency have created a life orientation video that introduces the rules of life in Japan so that foreign national who are thinking about living in Japan or who are living in Japan can live in Japan more smoothly.

READ MORE HERE

Beach Time @ Sentosa

Beach time on a weekday at Sentosa and experiencing hot sunny weather to heavy downpour in a matter of hours.

United Kingdom - Net migration package delivered as family visa tightened

Income required to bring family to the UK increased as final measure of package to reduce legal migration comes into force.

READ MORE HERE 

New Zealand - Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market

The coalition Government has on 11 April announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop.

READ MORE HERE

United States/Taiwan - TSMC Arizona To Receive US$6.6 Billion In Direct Funding Under CHIPS and Science Act

The Biden-Harris Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce and TSMC Arizona Corporation (TSMC Arizona), a subsidiary of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to provide up to $6.6 billion in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. 

This proposed funding would support TSMC’s investment of more than $65 billion in three greenfield leading-edge fabs in Phoenix, Arizona, which will manufacture the world’s most advanced semiconductors.

READ MORE HERE

Scotland - Income tax changes

People urged to check their tax code as new financial year begins.

From Saturday (6 April 2024) a new Advanced income tax band will apply a 45% rate on annual income between £75,000 and £125,140. An additional 1pence will be added to the Top rate of tax meaning income over £125,140 will be taxed at 48%.

READ MORE HERE

Ireland - Update to eligibility requirements for Stamp 4 upgrades

Eligibility for a Stamp 4 upgrade has been under review by ISD since the effective date of this change to the application process. This review has since concluded with the below-listed change to eligibility now effective.

Employees residing in the State on a Stamp 1 or 1H permission are eligible for a Stamp 4 upgrade upon completion of 21 months from commencement of employment in the State, on the basis of:

(i) a Critical Skills Employment Permit

(ii) a Hosting Agreement as a Researcher

(iii) a Multi-Site General Employment Permit as a Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor

Or, upon completion of 57 months from commencement of employment in the State on the basis of:

(iv) General Employment Permits

READ MORE HERE

New Zealand - Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

If you currently have an AEWV, these changes could affect how long you can stay before you need to spend time outside New Zealand or your eligibility to be granted a further AEWV.

If you applied for your first AEWV before 21 June 2023 and are in an ANZSCO level 4 and 5 job paying at or above the required AEWV wage rate, and currently hold a three year AEWV, you will no longer be able to access the maximum time of five years.

If you are in an ANZSCO level 4 and 5 job on a pathway to residence, you will not be affected by these changes.If you apply for a further AEWV on or after 7 April 2024, you will have to meet the updated criteria. 

If you are in an ANZSCO level 4 and 5 job you may not be able to stay and work in New Zealand for the maximum time of five years.

READ MORE HERE