In line with Resolution 5477 of 2022, which brought substantial changes to the Colombian immigration system, individuals holding Permanent Resident (R) Visas issued before this resolution came into effect are required to transfer their visa within two years, specifically by October 21, 2024.

The new rule mandates that in order to maintain its validity, Permanent Resident (R) visa holders must request a transfer of their visa every five years, at least one month before the expiration date. Previously, transferring the Permanent Resident (R) visa was voluntary, as the visa itself was indefinite despite the expiration date on the label.

Once the visa transfer is completed, applicants must also apply for a new immigration card that corresponds to the new visa characteristics.

The Permanent Resident (R) visa offers significant advantages. Except for pensioners, it includes an open work permit, allowing the main holder to engage in any lawful activity within Colombia, subject to compliance with regulations governing specific professions or activities.

Furthermore, holders and beneficiaries of the Permanent Resident (R) visa can access Colombian nationality through naturalization within two to five years of residing in Colombia with this visa type, depending on individual circumstances.

Under Colombian regulations, eligibility for a Permanent Resident (R) visa can be achieved by continuously holding certain other visa types for a specified period. Resolution 5477 of 2022 also revised the criteria for applying for the Permanent Resident (R) visa based on accumulated time holding other visas. Some visas previously counting towards residency no longer do. However, the resolution provides a transition period allowing visas that accumulated time for residency under the previous rules to count towards the new requirements, provided there is a minimum of two years of effective stay in Colombia at the time of the Resident Visa application.

The resolution also clarifies that continuity of time for visa accumulation exists if a new visa is granted before the preceding visa expires. It specifies that temporary permits do not count towards continuity.

If you hold a Permanent Resident (R) visa and wish to maintain it, contact us to assist with the visa transfer process. For those with other visa types aspiring to apply for the Permanent Resident (R) visa based on accumulated time, planning your migration route in light of these changes is crucial.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us via colombia@newlandchase.com

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or specific advice. It is important to note that migration processes are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to contact Newland Chase for any specific evaluation of their case or business.

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Since June 2024, Colombia has faced significant delays in issuing foreigner ID cards due to operational changes at Migración Colombia. The issue has persisted despite no regulatory changes taking effect, or official statements regarding the delays.

In March 2024, Migración Colombia contracted the National Printing Office to handle the issuance of foreigner ID cards, leading to the previous provider ceasing operations on April 30th. It apears that these operational changes have contributed to the delays observed since June 2024.

These delays may affect foreign workers’ ability to join the General Social Security System and open bank accounts for salary payments, potentially impacting their start dates even if their visas are approved.

For further information or assistance, please contact us at colombia@newlandchase.com.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or specific advice. It is important to note that migration processes are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to contact Newland Chase for any specific evaluation of their case or business.

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In an effort to streamline work and student permit processes, the Swedish Migration Agency has introduced a pilot scheme to allow nationals from 23 countries to complete the passport verification requirement using an application on their mobile phone or computer instead of attending in person to a Swedish Embassy or Consulate. Eligible applicants include nationals from Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, UK, Ukraine, and the USA.

It is anticipated that eligible applicants will receive an email from the Swedish Migration Agency within a few days of submission of the work or student permit application. The email will contain a link to the online service to complete the verification process online.

The introduction of the online verification will hopefully allow faster processing of applications and will be more cost effective to applicants. However, with many new online services, there may be some potential issues during the initial implementation phase.

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

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 SWEDEN – Simplified Passport Checks appeared first on Newland Chase.

Effective April 24, 2024, the Peruvian visa exemption for Mexican ordinary passport holders for tourist and business visits to Peru will be suspended. Mexican ordinary passport holders who wish to visit Peru for tourism or business purposes must apply for an appropriate visa at the nearest Peruvian diplomatic mission in their country of citizenship or ordinary residence before travel.

However, the following Mexican passport holders remain exempt from tourist and business visa requirements for up to 180 calendar days, either as a continuous visit or several consecutive visits during a one-year period, and are not required to apply for a visa before travel:

The holder of a visa for the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, or any member state of the Schengen area (see Note 1), with a minimum validity of six months.

The holder of permanent residence status as a foreigner for the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, any member state of the Schengen area, or any member state of the Pacific Alliance (see Note 2).

Newland Chase insights

The visa exemption suspension by the Peruvian government is in response to the Mexican government’s decision on April 6, 2024, to temporarily suspend the visa exemption enjoyed by Peruvian passport holders for travel to Mexico for tourism or business purposes with effect from April 20, 2024. The decision was taken due to an exponential increase in the number of irregular Peruvian migrants travelling through Mexico to reach the United States and Canada, which has created a humanitarian emergency. It is hoped that this measure will stop migrants from putting their lives, health and human rights at risk.

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.

Notes:

1. The member states of the Schengen area include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

2. The member states of the Pacific Alliance, include Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.

The post PERU – Suspension of Visa Exemption for Mexican Ordinary Passport Holders appeared first on Newland Chase.

Operation of the Bogota office will be overseen by Diana Monsalve, who was recently named the director of Newland Chase’s practice in Colombia. Diana is a Colombian attorney holding a specialization degree in employment law from the Universidad del Rosario as well as a master’s degree in international business law from York University. She has years of experience working with some of the Big Four consulting firms, where she provided immigration assistance to a variety of multinational clients.

The new office in Brussels will be led by Buidi Mundadi, Newland Chase’s Senior Consultant in Belgium. In this role she will oversee all Belgian casework and will advise clients on all matters related to inbound immigration to Belgium. Buidi brings more than a decade of experience to the role of Immigration Manager, having worked previously for the Big Four accounting practices and several leading relocation management companies. She has worked with clients of all sizes from large multinationals to small independent firms, working both locally in Belgium as well as internationally.

The new Colombia office joins Newland Chase’s growing footprint in the LATAM region, which includes existing offices in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, while Belgium joins a list of CIBT/Newland Chase offices across Europe.

The post NEWLAND CHASE – New Services in Belgium, Colombia appeared first on Newland Chase.

Previously, CIBT provided immigration-related services in Hong Kong through our Newland Chase brand. Now, we will also offer service through CIBTvisas, whose mission is navigating the complexities of the visa process and simplifying work and travel. Among the services now available in Hong Kong through the CIBTvisas brand are business and tourist visas, extensive visa support for some of Hong Kong’s most popular outbound destinations, and documentation services including legalizations and police clearance certificate assistance. The office will also offer specialized assistance for Taiwan visa applications, and support for Hong Kong residents in obtaining Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Cards.

As part of our expansion in Hong Kong, we will be adding more dedicated staff who are local experts with a deep understanding of the visa processes in Hong Kong. This staff, along with our industry-leading technology and global mobility database, will supply best-in-class service to travelers, companies, and foreign workers needing mobility assistance in Hong Kong.

The new operations in Hong Kong are part of CIBT’s ongoing expansion in 2023, which has also seen us expand our service offerings in Belgium, and open a new office in Bogota, Colombia. CIBTvisas services in Hong Kong will be led by Latha Olavatth, VP, Client Relationships – Hong Kong.

The post HONG KONG – CIBT Expands Service appeared first on Newland Chase.

Operation of our Bogota office will be overseen by Diana Monsalve, who was recently named the director of Newland Chase’s practice in Colombia. Diana is a Colombian attorney holding a specialization degree in employment law from the Universidad del Rosario as well as a master’s degree in international business law from York University. She has years of experience working with some of the Big Four consulting firms, where she provided immigration assistance to a variety of multinational clients.

Newland Chase, and its parent company CIBT, have more than 30 years of experience in in creating flexible, compliant, and responsive visa and immigration solutions for many of the world’s leading companies of all sizes – from small start-ups, to Fortune 500 multinationals.

Our Bogota office, under Diana and her team, will offer the responsive, innovative, and bespoke solutions our clients have come to expect from Newland Chase.

The post COLOMBIA – Newland Chase Bogota Office Now Open appeared first on Newland Chase.

The suspension will be applied for the submission of visa applications made in Colombia as well as for those that applications made at all Colombian Consulates globally.

Whilst the temporary suspension is in place, it will not be possible to amend or change existing applications that are in process.  For example, for applications that are in process and may require additional documentation, there will not be any opportunity to provide additional documents.

Likewise, a new law, Resolution 5477, will enter into force effective October 21, 2022. This resolution provides immigration changes and repeals Resolution 1980 of March 19, 2012 and Resolution 6045 of August 2, 2017.  Colombian authorities considered the new law to be necessary to update the regulations and procedures for some types of visas.  Further information on changes that will be implemented as a result of the new law will be released in due course.

Newland Chase Insights

The temporary suspension may delay approvals of work permits or visa applications that have been submitted. For example, for applications that are in process and may require additional documentation, there will not be any opportunity to provide additional documents which may lead to estimated start dates of assignments or planned travel dates needing to be revised.

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 COLOMBIA: Temporary Suspension of Colombian Visa Application System appeared first on Newland Chase.

Thailand

Visa applications will be accepted from 2 September for a new Long-Term Resident (LTR) route for four different categories of foreign nationals: Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-From-Thailand Professionals and Highly skilled Professionals.

LTR holders will enjoy privileges such as:

1. Discounted personal income tax rate.
2. Exemption from the normal required ratio when applying for visa by removal of the requirement for employers to hire four (4) Thai citizens per one (1) foreigner.
3. Fast track at the international airports in Thailand.
4. 90-day report extended to 1-year report and exemption of re-entry permits.
5. 10-year renewable visa.  LTR visa holder will be granted a visa five years at a time.
6. Immigration and work permit facilitation services at the One Stop Service Center in Bangkok.

More information and requirements for the Work-From-Thailand professionals can be found in this official government document.

Uruguay

Decree 238/022 published on 28 July 2022, declared that an existing six-month short stay permit called “Hoja Provisoria de identidad” can now be utilized by foreign nationals wishing to work remotely for foreign companies from Uruguay. It may be renewed once for another six months.

Colombia

Resolution 5477 from 22 July 2022, entering into force on 22 October 2022, has expanded the list of permitted activities of short business travelers (90 days extended to 180 max) to include remote work of digital nomads. For those foreign nationals wishing to work as a digital nomad for a longer period of time, a two-year digital nomad visa could be issued.

Portugal

A separate update will be published as soon as we know more about the new Portuguese digital nomad visa.

Newland Chase Insights

Following the COVID pandemic, more and more countries continue to implement digital nomad visas that provide that long-awaited legal immigration framework to remote work. Global immigration policies may need to be adapted to this new way of work. Employers are strongly encouraged to fully understand the impact of digital nomads from an employment, financial and tax perspective.

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 Remote Work: Latest Countries to Implement Digital Nomad Visas 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.

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