Opposition accuses Spanish Government of hiding mass migrant regularization plan
Italy Adds 8,865 Extra Seasonal Work Permits for 2026 to Ease Summer Labour Crunch
Brazil grants visa-free entry to Chinese nationals for stays of up to 30 days
Latest News
India Makes Digital e-Arrival Card Mandatory 72 Hours Before Entry
From 1 April 2026, India requires all foreign travellers and OCI holders to file a digital e-Arrival Card no later than 72 hours before travel. Airlines are already enforcing QR-code checks and companies are updating pre-trip workflows. Authorities expect faster processing, but teething issues mean travellers should complete the form well before departure.
Switzerland to Reinstate Border Checks with France for June G7 Summit
From 10 to 19 June 2026 Switzerland will re-introduce passport checks at its border with France to safeguard the nearby G7 summit in Évian. The move will slow road and rail crossings for commuters and business travellers, so firms should plan for ID checks and possible delays.
Citizenship Amendment Rules 2026 Launch e-OCI and Online-Only Processing for Overseas Indians
New rules published 1 May and clarified on 7 May digitise OCI processing and introduce the downloadable ‘e-OCI’ credential. All services move to a single online portal, documentation is streamlined, and minors face stricter single-citizenship rules. Faster turnaround will help business mobility but requires HR process changes and closer tax-day tracking.
Airlines Urge Temporary Suspension of EU Entry/Exit System as German Airports Face Four-Hour Queues
Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet have asked EU and national authorities to pause biometric checks under the new Entry/Exit System after wait times of up to four hours were recorded at German airports. The carriers warn that continued delays will cause missed connections, reduced hub traffic and significant costs for business travellers unless Germany follows Greece in invoking a legal opt-out. ([aviation.direct](https://aviation.direct/en/fluggesellschaften-fordern-aussetzung-des-neuen-eu-einreisesystems-ees))
Australia arrests three ISIS-linked women on arrival; repatriation flight ends years in Syrian camp
Thirteen women and children linked to ISIS were repatriated from Syria on 7 May 2026. Three women were arrested on arrival in Melbourne and Sydney on terrorism and slavery charges. The operation underscores Australia’s willingness to balance humanitarian obligations with stringent national-security enforcement and signals possible short-term tightening of arrival screening for all international passengers.
Metro and RER shutdowns disrupt access to CDG and central Paris during 8 May commemorations
Paris has closed multiple central metro stations and fully suspended RER B services to Charles-de-Gaulle Airport for 8–10 May, causing significant delays for inbound and outbound business travellers. Authorities say the measures are necessary for Victory Day security and urgent track work, but corporates should expect longer trip times and higher ground-transport costs.
USCIS Tightens Screening: Shorter EAD Validity, Broader Social-Media Checks and New Biometric Rules
A May 7 USCIS update expands background-vetting powers: fingerprints will be re-run through upgraded FBI systems, social-media and financial checks become standard, and certain EADs may carry shorter validity. Employers should expect longer adjudications and should audit public-profile data for consistency with immigration filings.
China’s May Day Break Sees 1.26 Million Foreign Entries; Visa-Free Arrivals Jump 14.7 %
Official Golden Week statistics show foreign entries to China rose 12.5 percent to 1.26 million, with 436,000 travellers—nearly one-third—entering visa-free. The figures validate Beijing’s expanded waiver network and point to stronger demand for business travel, events and tourism services.
Finland Plans Stricter Income and Language Rules for Foreign Students
Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has drafted amendments that would raise minimum income levels, introduce language-proficiency rules and give authorities new monitoring powers for student residence permits. The change, expected to take effect in 2027, will require international students to show stronger finances and basic language skills, affecting university recruitment and corporate internship programmes alike.
Belgium makes all work-permit and single-permit filings 100 % digital
As of 1 May 2026 every Belgian work-permit or single-permit application must be submitted through the Working in Belgium e-portal. Email and paper filings are no longer accepted, promising faster processing but forcing employers and immigration vendors to update their workflows.
IRCC corrects backlog figures, confirms over one million files in inventory as new cap era begins
IRCC’s 7 May dashboard update corrects citizenship figures and confirms that inventories still top one million applications as Canada enters a period of capped immigration growth. Persistent backlogs—particularly for work and study permits—mean employers must allow more time for talent mobility and monitor monthly inventory releases.
Passenger Numbers Plunge at German Airports, Raising Red Flags for Corporate Connectivity
April traffic at German airports fell 9 % year-on-year to 16.7 million passengers, as strikes, high fuel prices and carrier retrenchment hit demand. ADV warns that shrinking connectivity could erode Germany’s attractiveness for international business unless taxes are lowered and labour disputes resolved. ([aviation.direct](https://aviation.direct/en/luftverkehrsstandort-deutschland-unter-erheblichem-druck-passagierzahlen-sinken-im-april-2026-massiv))