New Zealand - From 14 October 2024 changes to visa caps for the China Special Work Visa will align the visa with the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement upgrade

The 2008 New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement allowed up to 800 non-labour market tested work visas for Chinese nationals in 5 specific occupations: Chinese chefs, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Mandarin teacher's aides, Wushu martial arts coaches, and Chinese tour guides. 

These work visas have a maximum duration of 3 years, after which individuals must remain outside New Zealand for 3 years before reapplying for a visa under this category.

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Japan - The Immigration Services Agency of Japan in ensuring fair employment provides the recommendations to business owners who employ or plan to employ foreign national

In order to realize a society in which Japanese and foreign national can live together safely and securely, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan provides the recommendations to business owners who employ or plan to employ foreign national :Providing information on immigration procedures and labor-related laws and regulations, as well as information on living and working guidebooks and a portal site to support the lives of foreign national , etc.

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New Zealand - Transit Visas moving online and changes to transit requirements for Fijian nationals

From 12 August 2024, travellers requiring a Transit Visa for New Zealand can apply online using the Enhanced Immigration Online system.

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China - The Chinese capital introduced the Beijing Pass, a multi-purpose card for international visitors, facilitating their payment for transportation, tourist sites and shopping centers.

The Chinese capital introduced the Beijing Pass, a multi-purpose card for international visitors, facilitating their payment for transportation, tourist sites and shopping centers.

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China - Foreign Tourist Groups from Hong Kong and Macao SARs Can Enter and Stay for 144 Hours in Hainan Without Visas, Starting from July 30

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced to implement a new policy from July 30, 2024, allowing foreign tourist groups from Hong Kong and Macao SARs to enter and stay for 144 hours in Hainan Province without visas.

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UAE - Mohammed bin Rashid announces world’s largest logistics hub to boost trade in foodstuffs, fruits and vegetables

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced the development of the Logistics Hub for Foodstuffs, Fruit and Vegetable Trade, the largest such facility in the world, serving the world’s largest market for foodstuffs, fruits and vegetables.

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China pilots port e-visa for Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area

China has launched a port e-visa service in Shanghai for foreigners invited by enterprises at China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-gang Special Area from July 12, according to China's National Immigration Administration.

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Ireland - Visa Requirement for nationals of Botswana and South Africa

With effect from 10th July 2024 holders of South African and Botswanan passports will be subject to Irish visa requirements which means that they will need to obtain an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland.

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China - Visa-free transit policies for foreign nationals

China has implemented a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals from all other countries around the world at all its accessible exit-entry ports.

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Denmark - New rules under the Authorisation Scheme – right to work

On 1 July 2024, the Danish Aliens Act is amended, which means that foreigners with a residence permit under the Authorisation Scheme are exempt from the work permit requirement.

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