Posted on August 29 2022
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A key business group wants that cap for the work and holiday visa should be lifted for a temporary period before the starting of jobs and skills summit. The Business Council of Australia requested the government to increase the cap for permanent migration up to 220,000. Later it urged to keep the cap up to 190,000.
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Australia jobs and skill summit to make immigration easier
Australia skilled migration program fy 2022-23, is open for offshore applicants
Jennifer Westacott told that the permanent migration program should be boosted to at least two-thirds of the places for skilled workers. Westacott talked about providing better information to the visa holders. She also talked about setting a high bar to impose tough penalties for exploitation.
She said that the summit will provide a chance for resetting the long-term migration program. She also said that the summit will lead to manage the challenge of labour shortage. Besides making preferred changes to the migration program, the council will also make recommendations to enhance the capabilities of the domestic workers.
This will include the digital skills sharing record that will be used to track the training of the workers and their credentials that they have achieved in their careers. This will also help in increasing the funds for vocational training.
Another recommendation of the council is the improvement of the schooling system so that students who study in Australia can be prepared to work in Australia or anywhere else. The council also talks about increasing the speed of visa processing. This can be done by relaxing the eligibility criteria.
The federal government has informed that shortage in staff has led to an increase in the backlog of visa applications. Currently, there is a backlog of more than 100,000 visa applications that are to be processed. The summit will be held on Thursday and Friday.
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Australia is planning to increase immigration cap to invite skilled workers
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Saudi Arabia changes work visa rules for Indian workers from Jan 2025
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According to a recent announcement, Saudi Arabia has announced updates to the work visa requirements for Indian workers. Under the new change, Indian workers are required to submit pre-verification details of their academic and professional qualifications to be eligible for the visa.
According to reports by TOI, Indians account for the second-largest immigrant community in Saudi Arabia, and around 2 million foreign workers in the Gulf countries are reported to be from India. The new requirement aims to align with the labor sector requirements and maintain the quality of labors in the job market as per the Vision 2030 initiative.
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The following are the requirements for a Saudi Work Visa:
The table below lists the details of the fee requirement for a Saudi Work Visa:
Type of Saudi Work Visa |
Amount to be paid |
Single Entry Visa |
SAR 2000 |
Multiple Entry Visa |
SAR 3000 |
One-year Visa |
SAR 5000 |
Two-year Visa |
SAR 7000 |
The processing time for a Saudi Work Visa is around 1 to 3 weeks.
The steps to apply for a Saudi Work Visa are listed below:
Step 1: Get a job offer from a Saudi-based company
Step 2: Gather a letter of invitation from your employer
Step 3: Arrange the documents required
Step 4: Complete the fee payment
Step 5: Fly to Saudi Arabia upon visa approval
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What Express Entry changes to expect in 2025?
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Given below are some of the major changes that will impact the Express Entry system this year, in 2025:
The Express Entry system will increase the immigration targets this year. The admissions for the Federal economic programs will be increased to 124,590. However, the overall immigration levels will decrease by 20% compared to 2024. The overall PR admissions under the Federal High-Skilled (FHS) allocation will also increase to 31.5%. With all the above changes, the Express Entry pathway is set to play a major role for skilled workers looking to migrate to Canada through the program.
The Canadian Immigration Minister announced the removal of CRS points for Express Entry applicants with a job offer. The announcement was made in December 2024 and will be effective starting in the spring of this year. Until the new rule is implemented, candidates can score up to 50-200 additional points under the Express Entry program for having a legit job offer. However, removing the extra points may result in a drop in the CRS scores of most candidates. Express Entry applicants can score points on other factors such as age, work experience, language proficiency, etc.
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Two new categories will replace the Federal High Skilled Allocations, the Federal Economic Priorities, and In-Canada Focus.
The table below shows the subcategories, the total number of allocations, and the candidates that will be accepted under each of these categories:
Category |
Allocations under Express Entry |
Candidates considered under this category |
In-Canada Focus |
82,890 |
Candidates from Express Entry-aligned PNP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). |
Federal Economic Priorities |
41,700 |
Candidates who receive nominations under category-based selections meet Canada's labor market needs and demographic goals. Priority would be given to the Healthcare and Trade occupations and French language proficiency. |
This year, the IRCC aims to focus on category-based selections that are aligned with Canada's labor market priorities. The IRCC has set the below categories as a priority for the Immigration Levels Plan of 2025-2027:
IRCC will likely hold more draws targeting the above categories, focusing equally on the French language proficiency category. The overall immigrant admissions for the French category will be set at 8.5% and 9.5% in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The six main categories for the Express Entry category-based draws are as follows:
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U.S. opens new consulate in Bengaluru, India
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On January 17, 2025, the US opened a new consulate office located at JW Marriott Hotel on Vittal Mallya Road. The office was inaugurated by the US Ambassador Eric Garcetti, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The new consulate is temporarily set to function with limited staff until permanent staff is recruited. This new office is aimed to help Karnataka residents, especially students and working professionals willing to apply for US visas who make up around 37% of India’s software exports to the US.
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The opening of the new consulate office marks a crucial step in strengthening diplomatic bonds with the US. This move is likely to enhance ties in education, technology, trade, and other sectors.
The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India is also planning to open a consulate office in Los Angeles, reflecting mutual engagement between the two countries. Jaishankar is also hoping to set up student exchange programmes and joint campuses as a step to overcome “hesitations in history”.
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Canada Tax changes affecting Start-Up visa applicants in 2025
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According to recent news, Canada will introduce a number of major tax changes in 2025, which is likely to impact entrepreneurs willing to apply for the Canada Start-Up Visa program this year. The following are the key tax changes to be introduced in 2025 in Canada:
Transition to Online Mail: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is planning to make online mail as the default process for business correspondence. CRA will announce the major notices and updates via the My Business Account Portal. This will be applicable for existing and new business registrations as well as businesses represented via the “Represent a Client” service. Candidates must make sure to keep their email address up-to-date in “My Business Account” to receive updates on time.
New Inclusion Rate for capital gains: The CRA is awaiting parliamentary approval to introduce new inclusion rate for capital gains. The new changes will increase the inclusion rate for capital gains, affecting selling prices for shares. The CRA will also provide updated forms for corporations, trusts and individuals from January 31, 2025. The new change will also include penalties for applications filed after March 03, 2025 and relief for arrears interest.
Changes in Trust Reporting Requirements: The exemption policy restricting bare trusts from filing T3 Income Tax and Information Return for the 2024 tax has been extended by the CRA. Other trusts are required to update reporting requirements including filing T3 return with Schedule 15 and complying with specific CRA requests for trust information.
Canada Pension Plan Enhancements: The Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) will increase to CAD 71,300 in 2025 while the Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YAMPE) is set to be at CAD 81,200. Candidates earning between CAD 71, 300 and CAD 81,200 are subjected to CPP2. The payroll system should be updated by both employers and employees so that the new changes would show. Entrepreneurs must comply with these rules while recruiting members to avoid penalties.
Enhanced Digital Services: The digital platforms are being upgraded to improve user experience for businesses. The new changes include improved navigation and layout of the ‘My Business Account’ and ‘Represent a Client’ Portal, new notification for account changes and payments. The updates also include tools like the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Self-Assessment Tool to ease the process of claiming tax credits.
Updates to Filing Information Returns: Starting from January 2025, candidates submitting tax returns must follow the updated guidelines, which include limiting submissions to a single type of return and notifying businesses in case of discrepancies before filing.
Administrative Relief for T4/T4A Reporting: Candidates who do not have a dental coverage plan under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) can now keep the box for T4 and T4A slips unchecked for 2024 tax year. However, entrepreneurs must make sure to update their payroll systems for these changes to show.
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US reached cap count for additional H-2B visas for first half of FY 2025
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The USCIS has recently announced that it has received enough petitions for the additional 20,716 H-2B visas allotted to returning workers, thereby reaching the H-2B visa cap for the first half of Fiscal Year 2025. January 07, 2025, was the final date to receive H-2B visa petitions.
The additional H-2B visas were allotted under the H-2B Supplemental Cap Temporary Final Rule which was published on December 02, 2024. These additional visas were introduced to invite returning workers who had start dates on or before March 31, 2025.
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The USCIS is still open for H-2B non-immigrant workers for the additional 20,000 visas reserved for workers from Costa Rica, Colombia, El Salvador, Ecuador, Haiti, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Workers from these countries whose start dates are on or before March 31, 2025, and are exempted from the returning worker requirement can submit petitions to the USCIS. Applicants under the 20,716 H-2B visa category who were unable to submit the petition this time can apply under the country-specific visa allocation.
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Employment in Canada up by 91,000 as of December 2024
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According to the latest StatCan reports, employment in Canada was up by 91,000, recording an increment rate of 0.2%. The current employment rate in Canada is 60.8%, as of December 2024 reports.
Canada reported a decline of 0.1% in unemployment, bringing down the current unemployment rate to 6.7%. The year 2024 ended with 413,000 more people working in the country as compared to the figures reported at the beginning of the year.
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StatCan reports revealed an increase in employment of 30,000 workers among core aged men. Employment among core aged women increased by 21,000 in Canada, as of December 2024.
The major industries in Canada which had employment gains as of December 2024 are listed in the table below:
Industry |
Increase in employment |
% of increase |
Educational Services |
17,000 |
1.10% |
Healthcare and Social assistance |
16,000 |
0.50% |
Transportation and warehousing |
17,000 |
1.60% |
Finance and real estate |
16,000 |
1.10% |
Among all the Canadian provinces, Alberta reported the highest employment gain as of December 2024. The table below provides details of the employment rates across Canadian provinces as per December 2024 data:
Province |
Increase in employment |
% of increase |
Alberta |
35,000 |
1.40% |
Ontario |
23,000 |
0.30% |
British Columbia |
14,000 |
0.50% |
Nova Scotia |
74,000 |
1.40% |
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Germany to welcome 405,000 international students in 2025: DAAD projections
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According to recent data by the German Academic Exchange Services (DAAD), universities in Germany are expected to welcome around 405,000 international students in the winter semester 2024-2025. The President of DAAD, Dr, Joyabrato Mukherjee stated that Germany should take more international students in science, business and society willing to study in the country.
The Skilled Labour Initiative, headed by the DAAD, currently supports 104 German universities in taking international students from all over the world. The international student intake is expected to increase by 7% compared to last year. Around 90% of German universities have reported a rise in international student enrolments, along with a 56% rise in enrolment for Master’s programs in Germany.
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Germany attracts millions of international students every year due to the following benefits:
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Top 5 Schengen Visa Changes by France in 2025
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According to SchengenNews Reports, the French government will be introducing major reforms to Schengen visas in 2025. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, stated that France needs to implement changes to its visa policy to address certain visa issues.
The President has also commented that the new policy must strike a balance between introducing stricter controls and implementing measures to encourage academic, economic, and cultural immigration.
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The following are the major changes to be introduced by France in 2025:
In addition to these, France is also planning to simplify visa policies to attract students, professionals and researchers. The country is aiming to attract more foreign workers to address labour market requirements in France.
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Germany increases salary to €48,300 for EU Blue Card applicants in 2025
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According to Schengen News reports, the German government has announced updates to the minimum salary threshold for EU Blue Card applicants in 2025. Data shows that the income requirement for foreign workers has rose by 6.6%
The German federal government has specified that foreign professionals having a job offer in Germany must earn a minimum of €48,300 to be eligible for the EU Blue Card. The new income requirement is effective from January, 2025.
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The minimum income requirement for foreign nationals in bottleneck professions such as STEM, IT, construction and education sectors is set at €43,759.80, instead of the earlier requirement of €41,041.80 in 2024. However, the employment offer should be approved by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) to be eligible for EU Blue Card.
As per data by the German Federal Government, the salary threshold for young professionals remains unchanged, as of 2024. The minimum income requirement for professionals who are new to the German job market is €41,041.80.
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The EU Blue Card allows highly qualified foreign professionals to live and work in Germany. The following are the benefits of EU Blue Card:
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Romania to grant 100,000 Work Visas to foreign workers in 2025. Apply now!
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Romania has announced plans to grant up to 100,000 work visas to skilled foreign talent in 2025. The country will continue its annual 100,000-cap for the 4th successive year to boost the Romanian economy. According to the draft by the Romanian Labour Ministry, the quota is similar to the cap that was announced last year in 2024 to promote the country's economy.
The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), labor shortages, and sectors lacking a workforce are some of the factors considered in determining the work visa quota for foreign workers.
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Romania has around 311,000 job vacancies for skilled workers. Most of the foreign workers in this Schengen country are recruited from the below-listed countries:
The table below lists the sectors or occupations in Romania and the total number of unfilled jobs available for workers.
Sector |
Number of job vacancies |
construction |
47,716 |
Postal and courier services |
29,293 |
Restaurants |
21,457 |
contracting activities staff |
19,889 |
Protection and guarding activities |
12,367 |
Road transport |
9,091 |
Goods handling |
6,559 |
retail trade in non-specialized stores (Beverages and tobacco) |
4,758 |
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According to the General Inspectorate for Immigration data, Romania issued nearly 99,268 work visas in 2024. An additional 5,957 work visas for this year have yet to be processed.
The table below lists the total number of work visas issued by Romania from 2021-2024.
Year |
Number of work visas issued |
2024 |
99,268 |
2023 |
1,01,254 |
2022 |
1,08,882 |
2021 |
49,954 |
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