Exciting visa policy changes across global destinations
China opens its door for more tourists
China is making it easier for tourists by expanding its visa-free travel options, aiming to boost tourism and business exchanges. In September, Norway joined the list of countries whose citizens can now visit China without a visa, and recently, five
more European nations—Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, and Slovenia—have been added. Starting October 15, citizens from these countries can travel to China visa-free.
Earlier this year, China extended the same privilege to tourists from Poland, Australia, and New Zealand, as part of a phased rollout that began in early 2024. The goal is to attract more visitors and foster closer ties between China and other nations.
Now, 18 European countries are on the list, including Austria, France, Germany, and Italy. Travelers from these nations can visit China for short stays without needing a visa until the end of 2024.
While China has lifted its strict pandemic travel restrictions, international tourism is still recovering. The country is working to revive foreign interest by promoting its rich cultural heritage and enhancing travel services. Popular destinations
like Shanghai, Beijing, and emerging spots like Sanya and Chengdu are drawing more European visitors, thanks to these efforts.
Columbia’s new changes for visit visa holders:
Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has just made things easier for certain Visitor Visa holders. Effective immediately, tourists, business travelers, crew members, and those coming for events or diplomatic reasons no longer need to register with
local authorities or apply for a local ID card.
Thailand’s new rules for senior level positions:
The Board of Investment (BOI) has relaxed work permit rules for senior executives in BOI-approved companies. Foreign nationals holding top roles such as president, CEO, chairman, or managing director, will no longer
need to meet the previous age or experience requirements to get a work permit.
On the other hand, engineers and digital tech professionals now face stricter rules. These roles come with higher minimum salary requirements and tougher education and experience criteria.
When applying for the first time, applicants need to provide an employment contract that clearly states their monthly salary, signed by both applicant and their employer. For renewals, they’ll need to submit a tax document (PND1) showing their salary for the last three months.
With these changes, companies need to make sure that candidates for engineering and tech positions meet the new qualifications, and they may need to adjust salaries during the hiring process.
Dubai has extended their golden visa to outstanding professionals from 15th October 2024. Principals, teachers, university faculties and administrators from private education sector including schools and nurseries along with their close family members are eligible.
Through KHDA, private institutions can nominate their candidates between mid-October to mid-December each year. Once approved, the top talents can apply for Long term residency with Dubai immigration authorities.
Source: Hudson McKenzie
USA’s diversity visa lottery:
Registration for Diversity Visa 2026 lottery is open until 7th November 2026. No paper applications are accepted and all the applicants should submit their entries online through state department’s e-DV website.
Applicants are advised to submit only one entry as multiple entries will result in disqualification. The winners are randomly selected and the applicants can check their status starting May 2025, using their confirmation number. Applicants are urged
to avoid scams as the registrations are free.
Countries such as Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India and Nigeria remain ineligible for the process.
Source: Hudson McKenzie
UK budget 2024:
Labour’s first budget was unveiled on Wednesday, 30th October 2024 and includes several changes likely to affect Expats and businesses in the UK -
1.Rise in private school fees: From January 2025, a 20% VAT is introduced on top of the fees for private schooling.
2.Abolition of non-dom status: The 200 year old tax rule will be abolished as of 6th April 2025 and foreign residents are to pay tax on any income gained abroad.
3.Increase in NI: Employers contribution towards National Insurance is increased. Currently employers pay a 13.85% in NI on earnings above £9,100 per annum, this is to increase to 15% on earnings above £5,000 per annum.
Source:
CNBC:https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/30/uk-budget-labour-rachel-reeves-october-2024.html