Finance Minister Nicola Willis on December 20, 2023 announced time-critical tax and benefit changes together with a commitment to delivering further income tax relief in Budget 2024.
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
US - Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expands business tax account access to S corporations, partnerships; adds ability to view business tax transcripts
As part of continuing transformation work, the Internal Revenue Service on December 18, 2023 announced the launch of the second phase of a new online self-service tool for businesses that expands the business tax account capabilities and eligible entity types.
Monday, December 18, 2023
Denmark - Updated income statistics applicable to applications submitted from 1 January 2024
If you apply for a residence and work permit after 31 December 2023, your application will be evaluated according to the income statistics from the third quarter of 2023.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Viet Nam-South Korea agreement on social insurance to take effect from 2024
Viet Nam and South Korea have signed an administrative deal on the implementation of a bilateral agreement on social insurance.
The deal was signed by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) Nguyen Ba Hoan and Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination of the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) Kim Hyejinin in Sejong City last Friday.
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Australia - Migration Strategy released on 11 December 2023
Released by the Australian Government today, the Migration Strategy sets out significant reforms to Australia’s migration system to meet the future needs of the nation and deliver for Australia—its people, businesses, governments and migrants.
Monday, December 11, 2023
Friday, December 08, 2023
China, Singapore agree on trade-pact upgrade, 30-day visa deal
China and Singapore announced on Thursday that they have reached a protocol to further upgrade the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (CSFTA), while also agreeing on a 30-day mutual visa exemption arrangement for ordinary passport holders.
Thursday, December 07, 2023
New Zealand - Permanent Resident Visa applications are moving online
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is moving the Permanent Resident Visa, Second or Subsequent Resident Visa and Variation of Travel Conditions of a resident visa application processes into Immigration Online at the end of January 2024.
Tuesday, December 05, 2023
Kanchanaburi + Bangkok 2023
Even though heading to Bangkok is as frequent as every few months, this is the first time visiting Kanchanaburi. YT Video (comprising of my TT vids) premiering on January 13, 2024 at 12:00am!
Mixing Leisure with Business Travel Copenhagen + Kolding 2023
After much procrastination, my Denmark's video is scheduled to premiere on December 9 at 12:00am!
Thursday, November 23, 2023
European Parliament approves EU-New Zealand free trade agreement / New Zealand welcomes European Parliament vote on the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will remove 100% of New Zealand tariffs on EU exports on its entry into force and will lift 98.5% of EU tariffs on New Zealand trade after seven years.
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Ireland - Notice regarding Stamp 4 support letters Issued by the Dept. of Enterprise Trade and Employment
Effective from 30 November 2023, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) will cease taking applications for Stamp 4 support letters.
This will impact Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, Researchers on a Hosting Agreement, and NCHD Multi-Site General Employment Permit holders wishing to transfer to a Stamp 4 Immigration permission.
Denmark - New rules for exemption from the requirement of a work permit
On 17 November 2023 new rules take effect which means that if you are a foreigner (third country national), you can in some cases work for shorter periods of time in Denmark without a residence and work permit.
Monday, November 20, 2023
China - Visa-free transit policy extended to more visitors. Visitors with such a transit visa exemption are allowed to travel or conduct business-related activities in certain areas permitted by port visa authorities
China's 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit policies have been extended to visitors from 54 countries, with Norway being the latest addition to the list, an official from the National Immigration Administration said on Friday.
Visitors with such a transit visa exemption from these countries, including 40 from Europe, six from Asia and four from South America, are allowed to travel or conduct business-related activities in certain areas permitted by port visa authorities, said Mao Xu, director of the NIA's Department of Foreigners Management, during the China International Travel Mart 2023 held in Kunming, Yunnan province.
Friday, November 17, 2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Announces Availability of Additional H-2B Visas for Fiscal Year 2024
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Labor (DOL) published a temporary final rule making available an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2024, on top of the statutory cap of 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.
American businesses in industries such as hospitality and tourism, landscaping, seafood processing, and more turn to seasonal and other temporary workers in the H-2B program to help them meet demand from consumers.
The supplemental visa allocation will help address the need for these workers in areas where too few U.S. workers are available, helping contribute to the American economy.
The temporary final rule also advances the Biden Administration’s pledge, under the Los Angeles Declaration for Migration and Protection, to expand lawful pathways as an alternative to irregular migration.
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Australia - Expanding pathways to PR for temporary skilled sponsored workers
From 25 November 2023* (subject to the approval of regulation changes), the Australian Government will be making changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) visas to provide a simpler and clearer pathway to permanent residence for TSS visa holders.
The changes will provide employers and holders of TSS visas with more certainty and ensure Australia attracts and retains the skilled workers it needs.
Thursday, November 09, 2023
US - Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in the next year.
The notice listing the eligible countries will be published in the Federal Register on Nov. 9, 2023.
Tuesday, November 07, 2023
US - Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to Supplement H-2B Cap with Nearly 65,000 Additional Visas for FY 2024
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.
These additional H-2B visas represent the maximum permitted under the September 2023 Fiscal Year 2024 Continuing Resolution. American businesses in industries such as hospitality and tourism, landscaping, seafood processing, and more turn to seasonal or other temporary workers in the H-2B program to help them meet demand from consumers.
The supplemental visa allocation will help address the need for seasonal or other temporary workers in areas where too few U.S. workers are available, helping contribute to the American economy.
The H-2B visa expansion advances the Biden Administration’s pledge, under the Los Angeles Declaration for Migration and Protection, to expand lawful pathways as an alternative to irregular migration.
Wednesday, November 01, 2023
China drops health declaration requirements for cross-border travelers
China's customs authorities on Tuesday October 31 announced the cessation of mandatory health declaration requirements for both inbound and outbound travelers.
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
China to further improve its visa policies
The Foreign Ministry said on Monday that China will continue to improve its visa policies and
actively create more favourable conditions to boost cross-border travel.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
(REUTERS News) China tightens curbs on foreign travel by bankers, state workers
Chinese civil servants and employees of state-linked enterprises are facing tighter constraints on private travel abroad and scrutiny of their foreign connections, according to official notices and more than a dozen people familiar with the matter, as Beijing wages a campaign against foreign influence.
Monday, October 16, 2023
EU seeks more collaboration with Taiwan through new Chips Act
The new European Chips Act will provide strong support to build a robust semiconductor supply chain in Europe, and collaboration with like-minded partners such as Taiwan will be sought, an European Union official said at the 2023 EU Investment Forum held on Thursday in Taipei.
Friday, October 13, 2023
China may allow higher foreign stakes in certain JVs / to further ease foreign ownership restrictions
China will mull the feasibility of further removing or relaxing foreign ownership restrictions to draw more global investors, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday 12 October.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Provides Additional Guidance for EB-5 Required Investment Timeframe and Investors Associated with Terminated Regional Centers
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is providing additional guidance on our interpretation of changes to the EB-5 program in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) made by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), specifically the required investment timeframe and how we treat investors who are associated with a terminated regional center.
Friday, October 06, 2023
Taiwan, South Korea raise age limit to 34 in working holiday program
Taiwan and South Korea have revised the age range in their bilateral working holiday agreement, allowing applications from people up to the age of 34, with effect from next year, a senior Taiwanese official said October 5 Thursday.
Thursday, October 05, 2023
South Korea - New Addition to Residence Card Verification Service
Korea Immigration Service announced the addition of a new financial institution to the list of seven authorized companies for the "Residence Card Verification Service".
Tuesday, October 03, 2023
Vietnam: Major amendments to regulations on foreign workers working in Viet Nam
The Government has enacted Decree No. 70/2023/ND-CP amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP regulating foreign workers working in Viet Nam.
Friday, September 29, 2023
China - Shanghai unveils handbook for expats
To attract more expats to Shanghai and help them better integrate into the city, municipal authorities on Thursday released a handbook, which explains local policies and provides service information for expatriates.
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Canada - Government of Canada takes action to improve employer compliance and better protect temporary foreign workers
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) plays an important role in Canada’s economy, allowing Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill jobs when qualified Canadians are not available.
Ensuring the health and safety of these workers while they are in Canada is essential, and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has been taking action to ensure broad compliance with the rules.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Exempts Biometric Services Fee for all Form I-539 Applicants
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) September 25 announced that it is exempting the biometric services fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
Monday, September 25, 2023
China - Beijing, Shanghai enhance foreign investment climate
New measures released by the Beijing and Shanghai municipal governments to grant greater freedom to foreign investors to move their capital in and out of China underscore the nation's efforts to improve the business environment, attract more foreign investment and better facilitate the country's institutional opening-up, experts said on Friday.
Friday, September 22, 2023
Taiwan - Profit-seeking enterprises’ application for the provisional payment of the 2022 profit-seeking enterprise income tax shall not be affected by the implementation of the CFC system
The National Taxation Bureau of Taipei, Ministry of Finance stated that, although the profit-seeking enterprise controlled foreign company (hereinafter referred to as the CFC) system was implemented in 2023, profit-seeking enterprises filing a declaration on provisional payment for the 2023 profit-seeking enterprise income tax shall not be affected by the CFC system.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
China - National Immigration Administration of China Releases New Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
The National Immigration Administration of China (NIA) holds a news conference in Beijing on Sept 15. It announces that a new version of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the People’s Republic of China will be officially issued and put into use from Dec 1 2023. The conference releases the new card sample at the same time. After the launch of the new card, the current version is still valid within the expiration date. Holders can apply for a new ID card according to individual needs.
Thursday, September 14, 2023
China - National Immigration Administration (NIA)'s Government Service Platform to Launch Online Appointment, Inquiry and Other Functions for Foreigners' Visas and Other Relevant Documents
According to the National Immigration Administration (NIA), starting from October 9, the government service platform of NIA will be added with more functions, including online appointment, inquiry and other functions related to foreigners' visa and other relevant documents. Specifically, it includes the following eight functions and services.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
US: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Clarifies Guidance for EB-1 Eligibility Criteria
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in our Policy Manual to clarify the types of evidence that we may evaluate to determine eligibility for extraordinary ability (E11) and outstanding professor or researcher (E12) EB-1 immigrant visa classifications.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Singapore: Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s Shortage Occupation List
Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s Shortage Occupation List to help applicants to utilise the SOL bonus points for COMPASS, and/or qualify for the longer five-year duration EP for tech professionals.
Monday, September 04, 2023
Indonesia - Regulation on Golden Visa Launched, Attract Foreign Investors to Indonesia
Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 22 of 2023 on Visas and Stay Permits and Regulation of the Minister of Finance Number 82 of 2023, promulgated on 30 August 2023, became the basis of the Golden Visa policy.
The new visa types are intended to attract eligible foreigners, including corporate and individual investors, to invest in Indonesia and boost the country's economic development.
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Bangkok Post: Thailand mulls easing visa rules to lure Chinese, Indian tourists
Thailand is likely to ease visa rules for Chinese and Indian travellers and allow longer stays for visitors from all nations as new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin looks for ways to boost tourism revenue.
Friday, August 25, 2023
Scotland - Diversity and inclusion in schools
Castleton Primary School in Glasgow has become the first in Scotland to fully embed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusive education across their school curriculum.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Singapore/Taiwan - DBS completes acquisition of Citi’s consumer banking business in Taiwan
DBS Bank Ltd (DBS) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Citigroup Inc.’s consumer banking business in Taiwan (Citi Consumer Taiwan), with the integration successfully executed over the weekend of 12 and 13 August 2023.
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
China - New policies encourage foreign firms to expand operations
China's latest supportive policies will further incentivize foreign companies to expand their operations in the country, government officials and multinational corporation executives said on 14 August.
Thursday, August 10, 2023
President Biden Signs Executive Order on Addressing United States Investments In Certain National Security Technologies And Products In Countries Of Concern
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to keeping America safe and defending America's national security by protecting technologies that are critical to the next generation of military innovation.
Monday, August 07, 2023
China - Visa issuance, renewals made easier
China will facilitate the issuance of port visas and multiple renewals for foreign businessmen, according to the Ministry of Public Security and National Immigration Administration.
Wednesday, August 02, 2023
Canada announces the first-ever Express Entry invitations for newcomers with experience in the trades
Canada’s Express Entry system is now tailored to provide a streamlined and efficient pathway for individuals with expertise in critical fields.
By prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with experience in the trades, Canada aims to meet the increasing demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and advancement.
Thursday, July 27, 2023
China - Entry, residency process for families of foreign executives eased
In a policy document published on June 29, the State Council unveiled steps to deepen reforms in five free trade zones — Shanghai, Guangdong, Tianjin, Fujian and Beijing — as well as in the Hainan Free Trade Port, as part of efforts to boost institutional opening up.
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Bloomberg Business: Expat Pay Packages Jump in Singapore, Drop in Hong Kong
The cost of expat pay packages in Singapore climbed 4% last year, while those for foreign workers in Hong Kong fell, according to a new study by expat consultancy ECA International.
Sunday, July 23, 2023
NewJeans (뉴진스) 'Cool With You' Official MV (side A)
NewJeans's MVs can do no wrong, wait till the end of <Cool With You> (side A) for (side B)'s surprise guest appearance. And don't even get me started on their <ETA>, shot on iPhone 14. These gals are on FIRE!
You know me like no other 다 표현하지 않아도 See me like no other And I think I like your point of view 다시 돌아와도 돼 I don’t care what other people say 놓지 말아봐줘 Dreaming of each other You may be On my mind Everyday baby Say you’re mine You and me On my mind Everywhere baby Say you’re mine (It feels) Cool with you (너랑) Cool with you (Gotta tell me now) Cool with you (It just) Cool with you (Haha) 이쯤에서 정말로 너는 어떤 결말로 가려 해 What’s the best 너의 옆에 내가 있을 때 이런 말이 잘 안 나와 이제 더 말하지 않아도 알아 우리 둘이 만든 거리 건너서 여기 You may be On my mind Everyday baby Say you’re mine You and me On my mind Everywhere baby Say you’re mine (It feels) Cool with you (너랑) Cool with you (Gotta tell me now) Cool with you (It just) Cool with you (Haha) Cool with you (너랑) Cool with you (Gotta tell me now) Cool with you (It just) Cool with you (Haha)
Friday, July 21, 2023
UK - Millions to benefit from new flexible working measures
Millions of British workers will have more flexibility over where and when they work as the Flexible Working Bill achieves Royal Assent.
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Denmark: New wage statistics for the Positive list for skilled work
SIRI publishes an updated wage statistics, that applies for the positive list for skilled work. It will take effect 1st of August 2023.
Monday, July 17, 2023
New arrangement expands work opportunities for Canadian and British youth
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick, UK Minister of State for Immigration announced the signing of a new Canada–United Kingdom (UK) Youth Mobility Arrangement.
The agreement was signed by Minister Fraser and Her Excellency Susannah Goshko, British High Commissioner to Canada.
Under this arrangement, more Canadian and UK youth will benefit from reciprocal work opportunities in each other’s countries for a longer period of time through International Experience Canada (IEC) and the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme.
Thursday, July 13, 2023
European Parliament: MEPs adopt legislation to boost EU chips industry
- EU "Chips Act" will strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and security
- Crisis response mechanism to deal with shortages
- €3.3 billion for research and innovation related to chips
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
NewJeans (뉴진스) 'Super Shy' Official MV
NewJeans <Super Shy>. Don't be!
I’m super shy, super shy
But wait a minute while I
Make you mine, make you mine
떨리는 지금도
You’re on my mind
All the time
I wanna tell you but I’m
Super shy, super shy
I’m super shy, super shy
But wait a minute while I
Make you mine, make you mine
떨리는 지금도
You’re on my mind
All the time
I wanna tell you but I’m
Super shy, super shy
And I wanna go out with you
Where you wanna go? (Huh?)
Find a lil spot
Just sit and talk
Looking pretty
Follow me
우리 둘이 나란히
보이지? (봐)
내 눈이 (heh)
갑자기
빛나지
When you say
I’m your dream
You don’t even know my name
Do ya?
You don’t even know my name
Do ya-a?
누구보다도
I’m super shy, super shy
But wait a minute while I
Make you mine, make you mine
떨리는 지금도
You’re on my mind
All the time
I wanna tell you but I’m
Super shy, super shy
I’m super shy, super shy
But wait a minute while I
Make you mine, make you mine
떨리는 지금도
You’re on my mind
All the time
I wanna tell you but I’m
Super shy, super shy
나 원래 말도 잘하고 그런데 왜 이런지
I don’t like that
Something odd about you
Yeah you’re special and you know it
You’re the top babe
I’m super shy, super shy
But wait a minute while I
Make you mine, make you mine
떨리는 지금도
You’re on my mind
All the time
I wanna tell you but I’m
Super shy, super shy
I’m super shy, super shy
But wait a minute while I
Make you mine, make you mine
떨리는 지금도
You’re on my mind
All the time
I wanna tell you but I’m
Super shy, super shy
You don’t even know my name
Do ya?
You don’t even know my name
Do ya-a?
누구보다도
You don’t even know my name
Do ya?
You don’t even know my name
Do ya-a?
Monday, July 03, 2023
Singapore: 12 Background Screening Companies Selected to Verify Educational Qualifications in Employment Pass Applications
A panel comprising representatives from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), tripartite partners, and business and HR associations, has selected 12 background screening companies to provide services for employers to verify educational qualifications, in support of new Employment Pass (EP) applications from 1 September 2023.
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Australia - New citizenship application fees from 1 July 2023
From 1 July 2023, new citizenship application fees will apply. Fees are increasing to reflect the cost of processing applications. On 1 July each year, indexation will be applied to citizenship application fees based on the consumer price index (CPI).
Thursday, June 22, 2023
New Zealand - Simplified path to residency for skilled workers
- No cap on highly skilled workers
- New six-point system to give certainty to migrants on their eligibility
- Clearer criteria and faster pathway to residence for highly skilled people
- Extension of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to five years and introduction of five-year maximum continuous stay AEWV
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Denmark: Replacing residence cards for third-country family members to EU-citizens with permanent residence
You may need to have your residence card replaced, if you are a third-country citizen (i.e. a citizen in a country outside of the EU/EEA and Switzerland) with permanent residence in Denmark as a family member to an EU-citizen.
This is due to new safety requirements for residence cards. This means that some residence cards will no longer be valid in either 2023 or 2026.
Monday, June 19, 2023
Singapore: Aperian Global part of Inclusively Asia' Inclusive Careers Fair 2023
Does supporting a worthy cause for the underrepresented population sound interesting to you? Meeting new people? Spending a Saturday differently as you would for any Saturdays?
If yes, READ ON.......
Aperian Global is proud to be a part of Inclusively Asia’s Inclusive Careers Fair (ICF) 2023 last Saturday June 17 at WeWork in Singapore.
ICF is a Pink Fest signature event, supported by big names such as venue sponsor WeWork with supporting sponsors Dyson, Nomura and Standard Chartered Bank. Some of the participating organisations included Expedia Group, NBC Universal, Netflix, Unilever and Airbnb.
Inclusively Asia is a social enterprise dedicated to social equity for diverse underrepresented groups in Singapore and across Asia by promoting inclusive employment and business practices.
While ICF is a free open registration event, there were 6 heavily discounted ticketed Confidence Classes among a slew of program activities.
Aperian Global's Team Up confidence class explored the wider context of cultural perceptions leveraging our GlobeSmart Profile (GSP), to take a closer look at our own cultural work style to enhance cultural agility.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Schengen visa: Political agreement on digitalisation of visa application
The Commission welcomes political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council allowing for the digitalisation of the Schengen visa procedure.
Wednesday, June 07, 2023
New Zealand - New Online forms for visa transfers and Parent Resident Visa expressions of interest
Immigration New Zealand have launched 2 new online forms to make both transferring a visa to a new passport, and expressing interest in applying for the Parent Resident Visa easier.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Japan Mulls Introducing “Digital Nomad” Visa
The government is considering introducing a special visa for so-called digital nomads who work remotely while traveling around the world.
Eying the increasing number of countries in Europe and elsewhere that have launched digital nomad visas, the government hopes to boost consumption among foreign visitors to Japan by creating a convenient environment in which high-skilled workers can stay in the country.
Monday, May 29, 2023
Kylie Minogue - Padam Padam (Official Video)
Kylie is back to reclaim her Dancing Queen's tiara, <Padam Padam> into your summer! Not exactly "Can't Get You Outta My Head", but definitely "Padam Padam" enough to be one of the hottest dancing track of this summer to get you on the dance floor!
Friday, May 19, 2023
Japan to subsidize local chip plants for foreign firms / Micron reveals ¥500 billion Japan chip plan
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says his government will spend big to help foreign chipmakers bring more of their operations to Japan.
Kishida had a meeting on Thursday with executives from Taiwan's TSMC, South Korea's Samsung Electronics and Micron Technology from the US, among others.
Micron said Thursday it will invest ¥500 billion to produce next-generation semiconductors in Japan, after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held talks with some of the world’s biggest chipmakers.
Thursday, May 18, 2023
New Zealand - The trustee tax rate will be aligned with the top personal tax rate of 39 percent from April 2024
The trustee tax rate will be aligned with the top personal tax rate of 39 percent from April 2024, improving the fairness of the tax system and reducing opportunities for high-income taxpayers to circumvent the top personal tax rate.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Increase in the Temporary Skilled Income Threshold (TSMIT) to $70,000 and expanded pathways to permanent residence
From 1 July 2023, the TSMIT will increase from $53,900 to $70,000. New nomination applications after this date will need to meet the new TSMIT of $70,000 or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.
This change will not affect existing visa holders and approved nominations lodged before 1 July 2023.
This change will not affect existing visa holders and approved nominations lodged before 1 July 2023.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
China to further optimize remote COVID test arrangement
Starting from April 29, airlines will no longer check COVID test reports of inbound passengers taken before boarding, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday April 25.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Taiwan - Income Tax Filing and Tax Incentives for Foreign Professionals
National Taxation Bureau of Kaohsiung expressed that, with May tax filing season approaching, foreigners who have income from sources in the Republic of China (R.O.C.) should file income tax in 2022 based on their “length of residence” and “income from sources in the R.O.C.”
According to the National Taxation Bureau of Kaohsiung, Ministry of Finance, in order to recruit and attract foreign professionals needed by our industries and to enhance our national competitiveness, the government promulgated the "Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals" to provide a tax incentive measure, which has been effective since February 8, 2018.
Eligible foreigners who meet certain requirements can apply for tax incentives within 5 years from the first applicable year when filing their individual income tax return or when filing the tax return upon departing the territory of the R.O.C.
Monday, April 03, 2023
Singapore - Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)
From 1 September 2023, EP candidates must pass a two-stage eligibility framework. In addition to meeting the qualifying salary (Stage 1), EP candidates must pass a points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) (Stage 2).
Friday, March 31, 2023
Jisoo - Flower
It’s Jisoo’s time! Debuted today 🌹 <All Eyes On Me> as the first track would have been a better choice but <Flower> is visually stunning!
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Vietnam - E-visa stay period may be extended to 90 days
The Ministry of Public Security has recently proposed that e-visa holders might be able to stay in Viet Nam for up to 90 days instead of the current 30 days.
US - FY 2024 H-1B Cap Season Updates
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
USCIS have randomly selected from the registrations properly submitted to reach the cap, and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration.
Monday, March 27, 2023
New Zealand - Tax credit boosts cash flow for Kiwi innovators
A world-leading payments system is expected to provide a significant cash flow boost for Kiwi innovators, Minister of Research, Science, and Innovation Ayesha Verrall says.
Announcing that applications for ‘in-year’ payments of the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) were open, Ayesha Verrall said it represented a win for businesses eager to invest in research and development.
Friday, March 17, 2023
Government of Canada will remove COVID-19 testing requirement for air travellers arriving from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to protect the health and safety of Canadians, the Government of Canada has taken a prudent and measured approach to adjusting border measures.
On January 5, 2023, in response to the surge of COVID-19 in the People’s Republic of China and given the limited data available at that time on those cases, the Government of Canada put in place temporary pre-departure test requirements for air travellers entering Canada from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao.
March 17, the Government of Canada announced it will remove those temporary measures.
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
China - Visa issuing for foreigners will resume
China will resume issuing all types of visas starting on Wednesday, another step toward vigorous people-to-people exchanges between the country and the world.
The decision was announced by the Foreign Ministry's Department of Consular Affairs, which said the country will also resume issuing all types of port visas to applicants with lawful reasons.
Thursday, March 09, 2023
UK - Strike action to affect travellers and goods entering the UK on 15 March
Border Force strike proposed date and locations
Dates:
- 15 March
16 March (until around 7am)
Locations:
The proposed strike action will impact international arrivals at all UK air and maritime ports, as well as those travelling to the UK from UK border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France.
If you are travelling into the UK, be prepared for disruption and check before you travel.
Thursday, March 02, 2023
Singapore - Diversity is gathering momentum among listed companies and statutory boards : Council for Board Diversity
The Council for Board Diversity (“CBD”) today released its annual
study of gender diversity in the boardroom of companies listed on Singapore Exchange,
Institutions of a Public Character (“IPCs”) and statutory boards in Singapore, covering more
than 1,300 organisations.
The study by CBD revealed that board diversity is gathering momentum in all sectors. New
appointments to the largest 100 listed companies1 and to statutory boards2 reached almost
40 per cent of total appointments in 2022, a record high (36 per cent for companies, 38 per
cent for statutory boards).
Among first-time company directors, women’s appointments also
reached a record high of 45 per cent.
Singapore - Changes to Global Investor Programme
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) announced changes to the Global Investor Programme (GIP) today March 2. The changes will direct more support to the local start-up ecosystem and the broader financial sector, as well as generate more good jobs for Singaporeans.
Wednesday, March 01, 2023
Singapore - Speech by Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng at Committee of Supply 2023 Regarding Build Up Complementarity Of Foreign Workforce
This year, there will be no change to the EP qualifying salary. However, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will proceed with the second step of the increase to the S Pass qualifying salary and the Tier 1 levy in September 2023, as announced last year.
The S Pass minimum qualifying salary will be raised from $3,000 to $3,150. The qualifying salary for older S Pass holders will be higher, given that local APT wages rise with age. The S Pass Tier 1 levy will also increase from the current $450 to $550 in September 2023.
COMPASS, a new transparent and holistic assessment framework for EP applicants, will be applied to new EP applications from September this year.
To safeguard against gaming by submitting fraudulent educational qualifications, employers who wish to score points under Criterion 2 on “Qualifications” will be required to submit verification proof for qualifications declared on the EP application.
The MOM has consulted tripartite partners and industry associations and will implement this new process in September 2023 together with COMPASS.
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