AUSTRALIA: The Australian government announced a sponsor accreditation scheme starting November 1.
As part of “Subclass 457” visa reforms, the Australian government has announced a sponsor accreditation scheme, available beginning on November 1, 2011, for certain standard business sponsors. The Australian Government has announced plans to introduce Accredited Sponsor (AS) status, beginning on November 1, 2011, to facilitate the priority processing of company nominations and temporary entry […]
USCIS announced relief for Japanese, Pacific nationals stranded in U.S. following quake, tsunami
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on March 11, 2011, the following relief for Japanese and other nationals from the Pacific stranded in the U.S. due to the earthquake and tsunami disasters in Japan: This advisory is for Japanese and other foreign nationals from the Pacific stranded in the United States due to the earthquakes […]
AUSTRALIA: Impending Changes to Living Away From Home Allowance Rules
Currently, employees living away from home to perform their employment duties in Australia may be eligible for tax-free benefits for reasonable housing and food costs under the Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA) rules. Changes have been proposed to start on July 1, 2011, to address the perceived abuse of these LAFHA tax concessions. As […]
Ronald Klasko featured in the World Business Satelllite on the EB-5 Visa program
On March 10, H. Ronald Klasko was interviewed by World Business Satellite on the EB-5 Visa program. The show aired nationwide in Japan on TV Tokyo and covered many aspects of how foreign capital is being used to fund U.S. real estate projects including the Jay Peak Ski Resort. Chairman of the EB-5 Investor Committee of the […]
AUSTRALIA: Floods in Australia
The Federal Government announced on January 27, 2011, that it will fast-track 457 visa processing for workers engaged on rebuilding work in the wake of the devastating Queensland floods. 457 visa holders and eligibility for Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy Centrelink is an Australian Government statutory agency that delivers a range of Commonwealth services to the […]
SOUTH AFRICA: Transferring Employees and Their Families to South Africa
A significant amendment to the law is expected in the next few months that will affect transferring employees and their families to South Africa. Transferring Employees and Their Families to South Africa Under current South African immigration law, a company can transfer or deploy one or more of its employees to a company that is […]
INDIA: Tightening of In-Country Compliance and Registration Requirements
Under the Indian Bureau of Immigration’s general policy, all foreign nationals who arrive on a visa valid for more than 180 days and who expect to remain in India for more than 180 consecutive days during a single visit or stay must register at the designated registration office in the place of residence. Until recently, […]
HONG KONG: Hong Kong made changes to Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)
The Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has been extremely popular. Successful applicants can benefit from one of the premier financial centers of the world with a robust economy and a low, simple and predictable tax regime. Initially launched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government in October 2003 to attract investments from […]
AUSTRALIA: Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) crackdowns on purchase of homes in Australia by certain temporary visa holders
Increased FIRB screening and compliance measures, including a hotline and a pilot monitoring system, have been introduced to ensure that temporary visa holders comply with FIRB requirements. Statistics show 15 real estate transactions were prevented by FIRB and a further 73 proposed residential real estate purchases have been voluntarily withdrawn in the last 9 months.
UNITED KINGDOM: Non-EU Family Members With Valid EU Residency Permission Need Not Apply for Additional Permission To Enter the UK
In December, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) handed down a significant judgment regarding the rights of non-EU family members of EU citizens to enter the UK. In that case, a dual British and Irish citizen, his Colombian wife, who held a Spanish residence card, and their children had resided in Spain since 2010. The […]