European Commission’s 2026 ‘State of Schengen’ report sets new priorities—and flags France’s prolonged internal checks
Portugal's New Nationality Law Takes Effect, Extending Residence Requirement for Brazilians
Cyprus Police Detain 29 Irregular Migrants in Overnight Island-Wide Sweep
Latest News
Finland plans stricter language, income and family-reunification rules for international students
Finland has circulated a draft bill that would 1) make a pre-arrival language test mandatory for non-EU students, 2) postpone family-reunification eligibility until the student has been in Finland for one year, and 3) enshrine a higher minimum-income requirement in law. The government says the move will curb abuse and reduce student vulnerability, while universities fear it could deter talent. If adopted, the main rules would roll out in 2027, giving employers and education providers limited time to adapt.
Austria Moves to Tighten Asylum Rules Under EU Migration Pact
On 18 May Austria’s government tabled a sweeping asylum-law reform to implement the EU migration pact. It shortens border-procedure timelines, extends detention at airports and introduces a quota—potentially zero—for family reunification. Businesses moving staff to Austria must expect tighter checks on dependants, while industry groups hope for quicker processing of recognised refugees.
EU ‘State of Schengen’ report reveals first Entry/Exit System data: 66 million crossings logged, 32 000 refusals – what this means for travellers to and from Germany
The European Commission’s State of Schengen report (18 May 2026) shows the new biometric Entry/Exit System has already logged 66 million movements and blocked 32 000 ineligible travellers. Germany, which hosts some of the busiest Schengen border posts, is a key contributor to the data. The findings underscore tougher enforcement of overstay rules, foreshadow the late-2026 launch of ETIAS and highlight Germany’s push toward fully digital visa processing – all of which will directly affect corporate mobility programmes.
EU Commission Flags Cyprus’ Schengen Accession as Top 2026-27 Priority
The European Commission’s 2026 State of Schengen report praises Cyprus’ border-management reforms and lists the island’s full Schengen accession as an EU priority for 2026-27. While a unanimous Council vote is still required, Brussels considers Cyprus technically ready, meaning Cypriot residence permits could soon enable visa-free business travel across 27 countries. Mobility managers should prepare for stricter biometric border checks under EES/ETIAS and a surge of interest in Cyprus as a relocation base.
Haikou – Jakarta route to operate six days a week from 6 June
From 6 June Hainan Airlines will raise Haikou–Jakarta frequencies from four to six weekly flights, backed by provincial airfare subsidies that target inbound tourists and business travellers. The move improves same-week trip options, supports Hainan’s duty-free supply chain and signals the island’s ambitions to become a South-east Asian aviation hub.