New Zealand - First steps for tax and income relief announced

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE 

READ THE MIGRATION STRATEGY HERE

Philippines - Mandatory registration to eTravel

 The eTravel registration is a mandatory pre-requisite for immigration formalities.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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! 

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.

READ THE NEWS FROM EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT HERE 

READ THE NEWS FROM NEW ZEALAND HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ THE NEWS HERE 

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE  

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.​

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

(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.

READ MORE HERE

 

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.

READ THE NEWS HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE - CHINA TO FURTHER EASE FOREIGN OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS 

READ MORE HERE - CHINA MAY ALLOW HIGHER FOREIGN STAKES IN CERTAIN JVs

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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".

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ THE NEWS RELEASE HERE 

READ THE BACKGROUNDER HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE 

READ THE NEWS HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ THE BANGKOK POST NEWS HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE 

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.

READ DBS NEWS RELEASE HERE 

READ THE The Overseas Community Affairs Council news here

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.

READ MORE HERE 

CHINA TO FURTHER IMPROVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT

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. 

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE (Registration is needed)

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)

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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

READ MORE HERE

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?

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.

READ MORE HERE

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).

READ MORE HERE

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

The Government is making changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) as part of the immigration rebalance, to help businesses attract workers to fill skill shortages, Minister of Immigration Michael Wood announced.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE 

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. 

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.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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!

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.

READ THE NEWS HERE ON JAPAN SUBSIDIZING FOR FOREIGN FIRMS 

READ THE NEWS HERE ON MICRON REVEALING 500 BILLON YEN

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE 

READ THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB ADDRESS HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.”

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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).

READ MORE HERE

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! 

Watch MV here

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.

READ MORE HERE

 

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE 

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE AND STATISTICS HERE

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.

READ MORE HERE

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.

Read Here For The Speech by Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng at Committee of Supply 2023