Global immigration highlights: What’s new this month?
This article features the recent changes in visa requirements across the globe.
Australia:
Australia will launch a new “Skills in Demand” visa in late 2024, replacing the current Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It includes three pathways based on earnings:
- Specialist Skills (over AUD 135,000, fast-tracked, excluding certain trades).
- Core Skills (AUD 70,000–135,000).
- Essential Skills (under AUD 70,000 in critical sectors, with stronger worker protections).
Earnings thresholds will adjust yearly. Visa holders can work toward permanent residency, and job advertising rules will ease. A new agency, Jobs and Skills Australia, will guide demand needs. Other updates include a National Innovation Visa and strengthened
regional and Indo-Pacific ties.
Italy:
On October 24, 2024, Italian ministers announced the 2025 entry quotas for foreign workers:
- 70,720 non-seasonal jobs
- 730 self-employment roles
- 110,000 seasonal jobs
Employers can pre-fill applications on the Ministry of the Interior’s portal from November 1–30, 2024. Applications open on these "click days" in February 2025:
- February 5: non-seasonal jobs
- February 7: social assistance roles
- February 12: agriculture and hospitality
A trial program allows 10,000 extra spots for elderly and disability care from February 7. Seasonal tourism applications open October 1, 2025. Employers need a digital ID, certified email, and confirmation no local workers are available.
Lithuania:
From December 1, 2024, Lithuania is changing how residence permits are processed through external service providers. Applications must now be made in the applicant’s home country
unless they qualify under specific reasons like family reunification, highly skilled work, or studying.
With Nepal's branch closed, those who applied before September 1, 2024, can still schedule appointments there until December 31, 2024, but only for document collection after that.
Citizens from countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, and the UK can continue applying at any service provider. Lithuania has reduced its outsourced offices from 34 to 30, closing locations in Lebanon, Jordan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
New Zealand:
From November 6, 2024, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is streamlining the process for employers and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders during business sales or restructures.
If an AEWV holder stays in the same role and location but their employer changes, they’ll still need to apply for a Job Change. INZ will approve this if the new employer is accredited or has applied for accreditation. No Job Check is needed unless
the role or location changes.
For new employers, AEWV holders count under the standard quota of five. High-volume accreditation is advised if this limit might be exceeded.
Saudi Arabia:
Starting early 2025, holders of the Temporary Work Visa will be subject to a shorter duration of stay of 90 days (down from the current 180-day duration). As is currently the case, such visa holders will still be able to apply for a further 90-day extension.
Source:
What's new in global immigration? - Smith Stone Walters
Australia: Migration Strategy Commits to Simplifying Immigration System and Creating New Visa for Skills Shortages | Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP
Saudi Arabia: Amendments to Temporary Work and Seasonal Visa Regulations Forthcoming | Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP