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Visas, Immigration & Nationality

Netherlands Tightens Internal Border Controls

The Netherlands has launched temporary border checks at its crossings with Germany and Belgium to address irregular immigration, Minister of Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber announced on December 9, 2024.  The initiative aims to curb the “influx” of migrants and enhance national security. The border controls will involve random checks and mobile inspections of vehicles…
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Essential British Passport Checks for Your Christmas Trips

Planning a trip to the EU this Christmas? Ensure your passport meets post-Brexit requirements to avoid travel disruptions.  More than 32 million UK passports were issued before the post-Brexit rules were enacted. While it’s unclear how many travelers are impacted, these new checks are causing holiday chaos for those unaware of the requirements. Here’s what…
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Switzerland Retains Skilled Worker Numbers For 2025

Switzerland has announced it will maintain its foreign skilled worker quota at 8,500 for 2025, matching the 2024 allocation. The Federal Council confirmed that 4,500 of these permits will be B residence permits, while 4,000 will be L short-term permits. This quota ensures Swiss companies can address labor shortages while keeping immigration controlled. The Council…
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EU to Gradually Implement Biometric Border Checks

The European Commission has proposed a gradual rollout of the EU’s long-delayed biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) starting in 2025. Initially set to launch on November 10, 2024, the system was postponed after France, Germany, and the Netherlands cited technological readiness issues. Under the new plan, EES operations will begin progressively over six months, with member…
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UK Travel Advice: Is It Safe to Visit South Korea?

As South Korea grapples with political unrest following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived declaration of martial law on December 3, travellers are weighing safety concerns against their plans. President Yoon’s controversial move came amid clashes with the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority. The president accused the opposition of being sympathetic to North…
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