On March 31, 2024, Japan launched a new residence status called “Digital Nomad Visa”. This visa allows eligible foreign nationals to remain in Japan for up to six months in a 12-month period and work remotely for their overseas employer. Digital Nomad Visa holders are permitted to carry out the provision of paid services or selling of goods to overseas clients and are geared towards professions such as software developers, digital designers, virtual assistants, or sole proprietors of foreign companies.

How do applicants qualify for this visa?

• Applicants must be a national of a visa-exempt country and a country with a bilateral tax treaty with Japan. 
• Applicants must be employed by and remunerated by their employers overseas. 
• Applicants must have a minimum annual income of at least JPY 10 million (approx. USD 68,300) or more at the time of application 
• Applicants must hold an insurance policy that covers death, injury, and illness during their stay in Japan. Coverage of 10 million yen or more for the costs of treatment for injuries and illnesses must be in place.

A Digital Nomad Visa-holder can bring a legally married spouse and children with legal parentage to Japan, provided they also meet eligibility criteria. The Digital Nomad Visa will come under the “designated activities” visa category. Refer to the table below for the list of eligible nationalities.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

Nationalities Eligible for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

The post JAPAN – Digital Nomad Visa Launched    appeared first on Newland Chase.

In preparation for travelers heading to the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, the authorities have announced that any foreigners traveling from 1 November 2022 to Qatar should procure a Hayya Card prior to entering the country, except Qatari Residence permit holders.

However, there is no clear information from the authorities as as to whether travelers on Qatar temporary work visas are required to secure a Hayya card. No other standard visit/travel/visa-free/visa-on- arrival permits will be issued during this period and Hayya will be considered as the entry permit.

Residents of United Arab Emirates and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will also need a Hayya card to enter Qatar starting from 1 November 2022. This requirement is applicable to all travelers intending to visit Qatar, irrespective of whether they are traveling to attend the FIFA World Cup, for leisure, or any other purpose.

Those with confirmed match tickets can apply for a Hayya card now. The traveler’s accommodation will also need to be validated during the process. To apply for a digital Hayya Card, and to book accommodation, please visit Qatar2022.qa or download the Hayya to Qatar 2022 app (available on iOS and Android).

Hayya Card is operated by the government of the State of Qatar. For any questions relating to the digital Hayya Card please contact info@hayya.qa or call 800.2022 (Qatar) or (+974) 4441.2022 (International). Please contact enquiries@book.qatar2022.qa, for enquiries regarding the accommodation options.

Qatar Travel Prior to 1 November 2022

Travelers who intend to travel to Qatar before 1 November 2022 may be permitted to entry the country based on the below categories of visas. If the traveler intends to attend FIFA World Cup 2022 matches, they will still need to secure a Hayya card to access the stadium.

Visa on Arrival – 90 days

Nationals of the countries listed in the table below can secure a visa on arrival for 180 days from the date of issuance and are entitled to stay in Qatar only for 90 days, during either a single trip or on multiple trips.

Visa on arrival – 30 days + extendable 30 days

Nationals of the countries listed in the table below can secure a visa on arrival for 30 days from the date of issuance and are entitled to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips. The visa on arrival can be extended for a further 30 days in-country.

India and Pakistan

Citizens of India and Pakistan are eligible to apply for the 30-day visa waiver/visa on arrival for single or multiple-entry visits during the 30 days from the date of initial issuance. However, there are some additional rules in place.

• Travelers from India and Pakistan should have passport validity for a minimum of six months or more.
• Travelers must carry confirmed return tickets.
• Hotel quarantine booking for the number of days advised (currently one day which ends after proof of a negative test).
• Travelers must carry a valid credit card or a minimum cash amount of USD 1400 (may vary and recommended to check with the carrying airline prior to making travel plans).
• Hotel bookings for the duration of the stay must be booked in advance through the Discover Qatar website.
• Travelers from both countries should have a certificate confirming a negative PCR test completed during the 72 hours from the time of arrival.
• Travelers must be fully vaccinated with vaccines approved by the Ministry of Public Health and have completed a period of 14 days after the last dose.
• Those coming directly from Pakistan should also present a certificate of vaccination against polio.
• Passengers arriving in Qatar must download and activate the Ehteraz app upon arrival at Qatar’s entry ports.

Visa-Free Entry for GCC Nationals

GCC nationals do not need a visa to travel to Qatar. This applies to citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Qatar, please contact us.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

The post QATAR: Traveling to the FIFA World Cup 2022 appeared first on Newland Chase.

Government offices will be closed due to the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday which is expected to fall on 9 July 2022 in most countries in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and parts of Asia. Foreign nationals should check with their consular posts and/or government office to determine exact closure dates, and should consult their Newland Chase immigration professional about the extent of delays they should expect due to the holiday period.

Kuwait

The Ministry of Interior in Kuwait have announced the suspension of visit visas for family and tourists  with immediate effect.  The reason for this is to prepare for a new regulatory law that will be announced in Kuwait.  There is currently no confirmed end date for the suspension of family and tourist visas.   Newland Chase will provide further updates on the suspension as soon as these are announced by the immigration authorities in Kuwait.

Qatar

Due to preparations for the upcoming World Cup commencing in November, immigration processes in Qatar have been impacted significantly.  Recent developments include:

• Significant delays in processing times for all current work permit applications in the Mainland & Free Zone.
• The Ministry of Interior has changed all the validity dates for any block visas that will expire from now until August 2022.  The new expiry date is 30 June 2022. We understand that there is a possibility that the Ministry of Interior may stop visa approvals from 1 August.
• No committee meetings will take place for family visa applications or family visit visas until further notice.

We are expecting further changes in the rules and regulation and these may be implemented with immediate effect.  Newland Chase will provide further updates as soon as these are announced by the immigration authorities in Qatar.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

The post MIDDLE EAST REGION: Immigration Updates appeared first on Newland Chase.

Which countries are affected?

The Schengen area includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

European countries which are not in the Schengen area, and are therefore not affected, are as follows:

Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,  Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Vatican City.

The United Kingdom and Ireland are not in the Schengen area, but are affected by the travel ban, as outlined above.

Who is exempt?

The ban does not apply to US citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) or their family members.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary has announced that he intends to issue a supplemental Notice of Arrivals Restriction requiring US passengers who have been in the Schengen Area to travel through select airports where the US Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures.

The ban does also not apply to C (transit) or D (air or sea crew member) non-immigrants.

When does this take effect?

This proclamation does not apply to persons aboard flights scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 11:59 pm eastern daylight time on Friday 13 March 2020. The president called it a 30-day travel ban in his speech, but the published presidential proclamation does not specify an end date for the suspension.

Background

The president has previously issued proclamations restricting entry for travelers who have been in mainland China and Iran in the previous 14 days.

Regular visa services at US consulates in China and Italy are suspended.

Our Advice

Newland Chase’s immigration specialists around the world are on standby to advise and assist employers whose staff are affected by this developing situation. Please contact us.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the US, please contact us.

The post UNITED STATES: Entry Ban Extended to Schengen States, UK and Ireland appeared first on Newland Chase.

Once implemented, the key changes will include:

• The introduction of three categories of visas and expansion of visa classes from six to 79
• Review of visa application channels to include embassies, visa application centres and visa on arrival
• Introduction of an eVisa
• Changes to Temporary Work Permit (TWP) applications and validity
• Provision for issuance of investor visa
• Visa exemptions

Please note that directives are expected from the Nigeria Immigration Service on the implementation of the new policy, but as yet no implementation date has been confirmed.

Visa Categories and Classes

The new policy introduces three visa categories – Short-Term Visas (‘SVV’), Temporary Residence Visas (‘TRV’) and Permanent Residence Visas (‘PRV’) – each of which includes several visa classes.

• SVVs are issued for up to 90 days for the purposes of tourism, business, family visit and temporary work permits, among others
• TRVs allow foreign nationals to enter Nigeria for up to 2 years (depending on the visa class) with multiple entries, for work or study, and with the possibility of bringing family members with dependent immigration status
• PRVs allow certain classes of foreign nationals, including highly-skilled workers and investors, to obtain permanent residence in Nigeria

Visa Application Channels

The new policy provides for visas on arrival for holders of passports of African Union countries and frequent business travelers, and establishes visa application centres in some countries for the submission to Nigerian diplomatic missions of visa applications on behalf of applicants.

All visa applications can also be submitted directly at the diplomatic missions.

Electronic Visa

For certain classes of short-term visa, an online application will be available.  Approval confirmation and an electronic Travel Authorization Letter (‘TAL’) will be sent out via email within 48 hours.

Temporary Work Permit

Temporary Work Permits will be available under two different visa classes:

• Temporary Work Permits under an F8A short-term visa will be valid for 90 days, for a single entry, and entering into an employment contract is not permitted
• Temporary Work Permits under an R11 temporary residence visa (similar to an STR visa) will be valid for 6 months (non-renewable) and for multiple entries. Entering into an employment contract is permitted

Investor Visa

The new visa policy makes provision for the issuance of an investor visa, as foreseen by the existing legislation. The visa will be valid for five years (renewable) with multiple entries, with different investment amounts required for different classes of investor.

Visa Exemptions

Visa exemptions are single entry, valid for up to 90 days and not valid for employment. The exemption for citizens of ECOWAS member states is retained, and others are added for:

• Citizens of Chad and Cameroon (Visa Abolition Agreement countries)
• Holders of official travel documents from United Nations Organisations (UNO), African Union Commission (AUC), ECOWAS Commission and African Development Bank
• Citizens of Brazil, Venezuela, Kenya, China, Cuba, Sudan, Namibia, South Africa, Mauritius, Singapore, Turkey, Tanzania and Rwanda (Reciprocity Visa Waiver Agreement Countries) holding diplomatic and/or official passports

Our Advice

Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Nigeria, please contact us.

The post NIGERIA: Government Overhauls Visa Policy appeared first on Newland Chase.

Effective 1 January 2020, short-term tourist residence permits are limited to one year of validity, and cannot be renewed beyond this.

Holders of short-term tourist residence permits (RPs) who wish to stay longer than one year now have to change the purpose of their stay from tourism to another valid purpose, such as family reunion.

This change affects dependent family members of work permit holders.

Until recently, the short-term tourist RP has often been used by dependent family members joining work permit holders in Turkey.  The short-term RP for family reunion is not available until the principal applicant has held their work permit for at least one year, and even then is harder to obtain than a short-term tourist RP, so many family members have chosen the short-term tourist RP and have renewed it beyond one year.  This is no longer permissible.

Our Advice

Employers whose employees and their families may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Turkey, please contact us.

The post TURKEY: Short-term Tourist Residence Permits Limited to One Year appeared first on Newland Chase.