Brussels hails Cyprus’ progress toward Schengen membership
China Extends 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Russian Citizens to 2027
UAE Sets 1 June Deadline for Monthly Salary Payments Under Overhauled Wage Protection System
Latest News
Canada creates humanitarian exemption so unaccompanied minors can still seek asylum
IRCC has issued a temporary public policy, effective May 20 2026, that exempts unaccompanied minors from Bill C-12’s new deadlines that would otherwise make many refugee claims ineligible for referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board. The move ensures that children without guardians can still access Canada’s asylum system and gives officers clear instructions on how to process such claims. Employers benefit from added clarity when transferees’ dependants file protection claims.
Switzerland Sets 12 June Start-Date for EU Migration & Asylum Pact Measures
On 20 May 2026 the Swiss Federal Council approved a raft of legal and regulatory changes that will place Switzerland in full alignment with the EU’s new Migration & Asylum Pact when it takes effect on 12 June 2026. The reforms introduce a mandatory border-screening procedure, update data-sharing rules with Eurodac and amend numerous immigration ordinances. Business travellers can expect additional identity and biometric checks, while employers must update compliance processes quickly. The move underscores Bern’s commitment to Schengen cooperation and will influence mobility planning for companies with Swiss operations.
Belgium Aligns Highly-Qualified Worker Rules with EU Law, Simplifying Blue-Card Mobility
On 20 May Belgium amended its immigration law to reflect the EU’s revamped Blue-Card Directive. Key gains include a shorter six-month standstill for intra-EU mobility, faster work rights for dependants and cleaner legal references—reducing rejections on the Working in Belgium portal. The update gives companies clearer, faster pathways to deploy high-skill talent into Belgian projects.
Austria prolongs internal Schengen border checks with four neighbours until mid-2026
Vienna has extended its ‘temporary’ border controls with Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia for another year, keeping ID checks in place until 15 June 2026. Although crossings remain open, the decision creates added friction for commuters, logistics firms and corporate travellers who must allow extra time and carry full documentation. The extension underscores the gradual fragmentation of passport-free travel within Schengen.
Austria transposes EU Asylum & Migration Pact and caps refugee family reunification
Parliament has passed the Asylum & Migration Pact Adaptation Act, bringing EU rules into Austrian law and introducing an annual cap on refugee family-reunion visas. The law also replaces the admissibility interview with a rapid screening, lengthens permissible detention at airports and strengthens independent oversight of border procedures. While designed to relieve pressure on public services, the quota system will require businesses and NGOs to plan family moves well in advance.
Thailand cuts visa-free stay for Indians back to 30 days
Bangkok has scrapped the 60-day visa-free stay it introduced in 2024, restoring the earlier 30-day limit for Indian passport holders. Travellers staying longer will now need an e-Visa or pay for an in-country extension, raising compliance stakes for business trips. Mobility teams should adjust itineraries and alert travellers to possible re-booking costs.
Security fears over Iran conflict dent Cyprus’ vital tourism market
Visitor arrivals to Cyprus fell by almost a third in March-April as the war in Iran spurred European travel warnings and insurance surcharges. Airport operator Hermes expects summer traffic to be down 10 percent, squeezing airlines, hotels and business-travel budgets. Companies moving staff through Cyprus should anticipate higher fares and limited seat availability until security concerns ease.