Saudi Arabia is tightening labour enforcement and raising costs for rule-breaking employers. Hiring foreign workers without the required permits can now bring a SR10,000 fine. The crackdown also covers child labour, passport retention, and failure to record employment contracts electronically, with the stated goal of improving market stability and supporting growth.
Japan has stopped accepting new visa applications for foreign restaurant workers under its specified skilled worker program as it approaches a 50,000-worker cap. The move takes effect Monday and anticipates the limit being reached by May 2026. Launched in 2019, the program targets labor shortages across multiple industries, not just restaurants.
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From April 1, 2026, USCIS will roll out major H-1B updates, including stricter form requirements, higher costs, and greater scrutiny. Most notably, the selection process will shift toward a wage-based system that prioritizes higher salaries and specific skills. Officials say the goal is to better match allocations to labor market needs and spur domestic hiring.
Canada will eliminate the need for a separate co-op work permit for eligible post-secondary international students starting April 1, 2026. Students can use their study permit for internships and practicums, reducing paperwork and speeding up authorization. The government is also consulting on additional proposals to broaden work rights for students and graduates.
Canada will temporarily boost the hiring cap for low-wage foreign workers in rural areas to 15% from 10%, starting April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. The change targets ongoing labour shortages in smaller communities and applies to participating provinces and territories, giving employers greater flexibility to fill roles where local supply lags.
Spain has brought into effect a new law to regularise up to 500,000 undocumented foreign nationals by granting temporary residence and work permits. The window runs until June 30, 2026, targeting labour shortages and demographic pressures. Eligibility hinges on residency, age, and criminal-record criteria, with additional routes via employment, family ties, or social vulnerability.
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Canada has rolled out a temporary policy for eligible foreign workers in Quebec to extend employer-specific work permits by up to 12 months. The move is designed to help workers transition toward permanent residence through Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program, ensuring they can keep working while their applications are processed.
Canada has introduced special temporary immigration measures from April 1, 2026 through November 30, 2028 for international students, foreign workers, and visitors affected by natural disasters. The program provides an extended six-month window to restore or extend immigration status, helping people keep work and study on track. Fee exemptions also apply for foreign emergency workers.
Belgium is digitizing parts of its immigration work permit process. From May 1, 2026, short-work and commuter permits must be filed online via the “Working in Belgium” portal. The government says the shift will speed up processing and cut errors. Employers will need digital access to complete applications as Belgium expands broader immigration service upgrades.
Canada plans a major overhaul of its Express Entry system by consolidating three existing immigration programs into one streamlined pathway. Officials say the move will simplify eligibility rules and better match economic immigration to real labor market needs. Consultations are expected in Spring 2026, with final decisions coming after feedback.
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Canada has updated its business visitor category to clarify who can enter without a work permit. The guidance says listed activities are only illustrative, and applicants must show an international scope and that foreign sources provide primary payment. Documentation expectations are higher, including employer letters and evidence of personal funds, while final approval remains discretionary.
Canada is expanding its Provincial Nominee Program for 2026 by 31% over 2025, giving provinces and territories more allocation to nominate foreign workers. The increase should translate into more permanent residence opportunities, with notable gains reported for major destinations such as Ontario and Alberta. For prospective migrants, this could mean a wider pool of applications and faster access to PR routes.
Georgia will roll out a mandatory work permit system for most foreign workers from March 1, 2026, replacing the current informal approach. Employers will need to advertise vacancies before seeking permits. Foreign workers already in the country will have until January 1, 2027, to comply. The government says the change will improve labor oversight and reduce illegal employment, with penalties for violations.
Canada’s immigration backlog dipped below one million by January 2026 for the first time since October 2025. Processing for work permits improved, easing delays for many applicants, but study permit waits jumped sharply. Visitor visa delays eased slightly, while permanent residence inventory rose and Express Entry backlogs declined—signaling uneven progress across visa categories.
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Australia is tightening rules for employer-sponsored visas starting July 1, 2025, by raising income thresholds linked to annual wage indexation. The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold is set at AUD 76,515, while specialist roles must meet a higher AUD 141,210. The policy aims to ensure overseas workers receive pay comparable to local employees.
Canada says it has cut processing times for temporary residence applications since April 15, and Indian applicants are seeing faster decisions for visitor visas, study permits, and super visas. The one wrinkle: work permit processing for applications from India has increased slightly, even as other categories move quicker.
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