Greece Suspends EU Biometric Border Checks for UK Travellers Ahead of Summer Rush
Finland to Reject Russian Non-Biometric Passports from 1 June 2026
Brazil’s Congress Moves to Create Seasonal Agricultural Worker Visa
Latest News
EES Roll-out Triggers Two-Hour Queues at Paris-CDG as Industry Demands Flexibility
The EU’s new Entry/Exit biometric border system is causing significant congestion at Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, with afternoon waits often exceeding two hours. Airlines and airports want France to invoke temporary suspension clauses to ease pressure before the summer peak, while corporates are lengthening connection windows and rerouting travellers. Without remedial action, experts warn of major knock-on effects for business schedules and passenger satisfaction. ([nomadlawyer.org](https://www.nomadlawyer.org/border-gridlock-biometrics-april-2026?utm_source=openai))
Spain Launches Historic 2026 Migrant Legalisation Drive
Spain began accepting applications for its long-awaited 2026 migrant amnesty on 20 April. The scheme could grant renewable residence-and-work permits to half a million or more undocumented people already in the country, easing labour shortages but straining immigration offices. Employers stand to gain a new legal talent pool, yet only if processing bottlenecks are overcome before the 30 June deadline.
Hong Kong braces for 980,000 mainland arrivals during Labour Day Golden Week
Hong Kong projects almost one million mainland visitor entries during the 1–5 May Labour Day holiday, prompting the government to activate round-the-clock command centres, add immigration counters and boost rail and bridge shuttle capacity. The influx will benefit retail and hospitality but could disrupt daily cross-border commutes, underscoring the importance of upcoming e-gate and single-checkpoint innovations.
France to Increase Residence Permit and Naturalisation Fees from 1 May 2026
France’s 2026 Budget Law sharply increases immigration taxes from 1 May 2026. Residence-permit first-issue fees rise to €300, reduced rates double, and a new €100 levy hits provisional stay permits. The naturalisation stamp duty jumps from €55 to €255. Employers and migrants have until 29 April to file applications under the old costs, after which mobility budgets will need to reflect the steeper charges. ([demarchesadministratives.fr](https://demarchesadministratives.fr/actualites/titres-de-sejour-attention-le-cout-augmente-a-partir-du-1er-mai-2026))
President weighs Supreme Court referral as Ireland’s International Protection Bill faces constitutional test
After a marathon Council of State meeting, President Catherine Connolly has until 22 April to decide whether Ireland’s sweeping International Protection Bill 2026 should be sent to the Supreme Court for constitutional review. The Bill would tighten asylum procedures and expand front-line deportation powers; its fate will determine how—and how soon—Irish employers can navigate future work-permit and humanitarian residence cases.