2014 Global Immigration Webinar

In our previous posts regarding Canada, we discussed the numerous changes in immigration laws and regulations being implemented in the country.  As seems to be the theme with many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada has taken steps to increase its focus on immigration compliance across major industries and implemented measures designed to make travel to the country for work purposes more difficult.  As such, Employers and their foreign nationals should be aware of the following major trends:
Continue Reading Canada Introduces More Rigorous Requirements for Work Permits in Attempt to Increase Immigration Compliance

In a government-commissioned report published in September 2014, an independent panel concluded that Australia’s 457 visa program was too complicated and burdensome for employers and applicants. The report proposed several changes to simplify and streamline the 457 visa process.

The Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) allows skilled workers to work for a sponsoring employer for up to four years. A company can only sponsor a foreign worker if it cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to do the work.Continue Reading Report Calls for Simplifying Australia’s 457 Visa Program and Increased Worksite Compliance

In our previous updates regarding the United Kingdom, we discussed the increased scrutiny on immigration compliance currently taking place in the country and the potential impact on employers and individuals working in the United Kingdom.  The United Kingdom has implemented significant changes to immigration laws and regulations, which have already gone into effect or will be implemented throughout the next year.  Although there have been a few provisions that might facilitate travel to the United Kingdom, the government’s ultimate goal is to decrease immigration to the country.  Employers and employees should be aware of some of the major changes and trends, and the impact it could have on employment practices in the United Kingdom:
Continue Reading United Kingdom Implements Significant Changes to Immigration Laws

As we reported earlier this month, South Africa instituted some important changes to its immigration laws this year. South Africa has utilized the familiar “carrot and stick” approach in its immigration overhaul: while it has extended the validity of its major employment visas, South Africa has also imposed additional immigration compliance requirements and penalties on both employers and visa holders. Global employers should particularly be aware of the following:

New requirements for all sponsoring employers. South Africa now requires all companies that employ visa holders to maintain the following on file: a certified copy of the foreigner’s passport; a copy of the visa or permanent residency permit; proof of the capacity in which the foreigner is or was employed; a copy of the foreigner’s IRP5 form or certificate of earnings and job description, respectively.


Continue Reading South Africa Tightens its Immigration Laws