Category: Uncategorized

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

International Students Urged to Return Before Trump Takes Office

Colleges and universities are advising international students and staff travelling abroad for winter break to return to the United States before President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.  This caution stems from uncertainty about potential immigration policies under the incoming administration. With over 1.1 million international students currently studying in the US,  concerns are…
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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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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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