Japan/Taiwan - Japanese government to subsidize 2nd JASM fab / TSMC's Kumamoto plant opens as most advanced fab in Japan

Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Minister Ken Saito on Saturday 24 February 2024 confirmed that the Japanese government has agreed to grant a subsidy of 732 billion yen (US$4.86 billion) to Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing's (JASM) to build a second fab in Kumamoto.

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Taiwanese contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) officially opened Japan's most advanced wafer fab in Kumamoto on Saturday 24 February 2024. 

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New Zealand - The new median wage rate of $31.61 an hour will be adopted into parts the immigration system on 28 February 2024

Wage thresholds for the Skilled Migrant Category, the Green List Straight to Residence and Work to Residence visas, and the Parent Category residence class visa will increase in line with the median wage (NZD$31.61 an hour) on 28 February 2024.

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Exploring Edinburgh 2024 Video To Debut On My Youtube Channel on March 2, 2024 at 12:15am SGT!

Exploring Edinburgh 2024 Video, a Stars in A Jar production, to debut on my Youtube channel on March 2, 2024 at 12:15am SGT!

Denmark - New application form for sideline employment and work permit for accompanying family

On 13 February 2024, Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) will make a new printable application form available which is tailored to those who wish to apply for a work permit for sideline employment, or wish to apply for a work permit as an accompanying family member because they have been offered a job within the same company as their sponsor.

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China - The National Immigration Administration (NIA) to Expand Allowed Purposes of Visa-Free Entry into Hainan Province for Citizens of Some Countries

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) released an announcement since February 9th, 2024, the announcement allows citizens of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, etc., to enter Hainan Province for commercial activities and trade, visit and exchange, and family reunions, receiving medical treatment, attending exhibitions,taking part in sporting events and other needs(excluding long-term working and studying) for up to 30 days without a visa.

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Canada - Government announces two-year extension to ban on foreign ownership of Canadian housing

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced on February 4 the federal government’s intent to extend by an additional two years the existing ban on foreign ownership of Canadian housing.

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Business groups from Taiwan and the Czech Republic on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on semiconductor cooperation.

Business groups from Taiwan and the Czech Republic on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on semiconductor cooperation.

During a seminar on semiconductor investments in the Czech Republic held in Taipei, Taiwan semiconductor material supplier TOPOC Scientific Co. teamed up with the Taiwan Eastbound Alliance - Landing America (TeaLa) to ink the agreement with the Czech National Semiconductor Cluster (CNSC).

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Taiwan - Unpaid Taxes May Cause Restriction on Exiting the R.O.C., Disturbing Overseas Travel Plans During Lunar New Year Holiday

A 7-day Lunar New Year holiday is coming. For tax debtors being restricted from exiting the Republic of China (hereinafter “the R.O.C.”) but planning to travel abroad during the said holiday, don't forget to pay the tax due and fine, or furnish property equivalent to the tax payable as security in advance so as to ensure a smooth traveling experience without exit restrictions.

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Ireland - Introduction of email application form for Reactivation Employment Permit Scheme

From 1 February 2024 Domestic Residence will accept applications for Reactivation Employment Permit Scheme on our helpdesk DRPcustomerservice@justice.ie.

As part of our ongoing review of our processes, we have simplified and streamlined the application in order to ensure a better service for our customers. Please use this application form. It is important that you read the qualifying criteria before you submit an application.

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UK and Japan expand mobility schemes for young people / New international arrangements expand opportunities for UK youth

More young British and Japanese nationals will be eligible to experience life-changing opportunities in each other’s countries thanks to the mutual expansion of visa schemes between the UK and Japan.

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Young Brits will have more opportunities to live, work and study abroad, as changes to the UK’s international arrangements with 6 countries come into effect 31 January.

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