Kuwait launches the Wage Payment System (KWPS) to monitor private-sector salaries in real time and strengthen employer compliance.

USCIS finalizes rule eliminating the 540-day automatic EAD extension for renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025.

DHS proposes amending USCIS premium processing timeframes. Current 15, 30, and 45 business day windows may lengthen.

Kazakhstan sets July 1, 2027 for mandatory QazETA travel authorization. Free, valid 180 days, apply 72 hours ahead.

Kyrgyzstan's Parliament ratifies visa waiver deals with Seychelles and Togo — one for all citizens, one for official passports

Quebec's incoming Parti Québécois government proposes halving temporary immigration and raising French proficiency requirements for permanent residence.

US suspends PERM applications and opens H-1B and J-1 investigations. What employers need to know about compliance and subpoena response.

South Africa waives the 60-day advance filing rule for in-country visa extensions and changes. Pending applications and appeals covered automatically.

Austria expands shortage occupation list to 64 professions for 2026, offering faster Red-White-Red permit processing for in-demand roles.

Finland pushes for an EU-wide ban on Russian tourist visas. Five proposals tabled in Luxembourg as EU divisions resurface.

Finland requires a citizenship test from March 2027. Study materials due by year-end; first sessions in seven cities from spring 2027.

GCC citizens edge closer to Schengen visa-free travel. Major announcement expected at the Riyadh summit on October 24.

UK immigration rule changes take effect October 8, 2026. Exploited Skilled Workers gain an exit route; visitors and BN(O) families benefit.

US suspends PERM certification for eight major tech firms including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Microsoft and Adobe, blocking Indian workers' green card path.

H-1B registrations from India fall 38.5% for FY 2027 — sharpest drop in seven years, driven by fees and wage-based selection.

Denmark's digital MF4 becomes mandatory on October 14, 2026. Paper forms rejected; MF1 and MF2 withdrawn for accompanying family applicants.

Australia bars most temporary visa holders from onshore Student visa applications from October 2, 2026. Family inclusion tightened.

Germany extends its 90-day residence permit waiver for Ukraine-based foreign nationals to December 2027, adding a military compliance condition.

Thailand advances two travel tax proposals: 450-baht arrival fee and 1,000-baht departure tax. Combined charges could reach 2,570 baht.

Australia's Ministerial Direction 121 reshapes subclass 482 processing, favouring health, trades and resources roles over other skilled occupations.

Kuwait creates a 10-year residence permit for former nationals who lost citizenship, with fee exemption, absence flexibility, and family sponsorship.

Saudi Arabia now lets skilled foreign workers sponsor spouses, sons under 25, and unmarried daughters during their own work visa processing.

Kenya ETA portal now requires $44 travel insurance despite a court suspension. Breakdown of coverage minimums and traveler requirements.

DHS proposes $70,000 initial OPT fee and $30,000 for subsequent periods. Universities would pay; costs may pass to students.