Category: Hong Kong

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

EU Implements Stricter Guidelines for Suspending Visa-Free Travel from Non-EU Nations

The EU has defined three additional grounds on which it can ban visa-free travel for people of non-EU countries. On 13 March, EU member states’ ambassadors endorsed a new provision empowering the EU to suspend visa-free travel privileges for countries whose citizens are exempt from visa requirements when visiting the Schengen area. This regulation will…
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Discovering Destinations: Where Your Soon-to-Expire British Passport Still Holds Value

Planning a trip abroad? Dealing with an expiring passport can turn the pleasure of arranging a surprise getaway into a nightmare, especially for UK travellers who must wait a whopping ten weeks for their passport renewal from the Passport Office. Ensure a smooth journey by understanding the passport validity requirements of your chosen destination. Here’s…
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US Extends Visa Interview Waiver Authority Through 2024

The United States State Department will continue to exempt certain visa applicants from in-person interviews next year, extending the waiver authority that was set to expire on December 31, 2023. This policy, known as the visa interview waiver authority, permits consular officers to bypass in-person interviews for low-risk visa applications. Acting in conjunction with the…
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EU Adapts Regulations for Acquiring Long-Term Resident Status

EU Adapts  Regulations for Acquiring Long-Term Resident Status

The European Union has recently amended its guidelines within the EU Long-Term Residents Directive, outlining the prerequisites for third-country nationals to obtain long-term resident status within member states. The proposed amendments include a more flexible approach to residency requirements, targeted integration measures, and enhanced intra-EU mobility. These changes are expected to benefit millions of third-country…
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UK Visa Fee Increase Will Take Effect Next Month

Tourist and student travel to the United Kingdom is expected to rise by October 2023. The British government has announced that the proposed hike in visa fees will become effective from October 4, 2023. A UK Visit visa for under six months will cost GBP 15 more and student visas will be GBP 127 more…
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