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⚡️ The European Union is set to permanently end Vanuatu's visa-free access to Schengen countries. The European Commission suspended visa-free travel for Vanuatu citizens in March 2022, because of "risks posed by Vanuatu’s investor citizenship program": https://lnkd.in/dnn-gyME The European Parliament voted to cancel Vanuatu’s Schengen visa waiver during its session on November 21st. The amendment was approved almost unanimously, with 62 votes in favour and just one against. The EU's main concerns include the flaws in due diligence checks, insufficient information sharing, and lack of a physical presence requirement for investors. In August, Vanuatu introduced a requirement for investors to personally travel to provide biometric data, either in Vanuatu or at biometric collection centres in other countries. However, the European Parliament deemed this measure insufficient. The final decision to revoke visa-free access now lies with the European Council. If the ban is approved, Vanuatu citizens will be required to obtain visas for travel to Schengen countries. Currently, a Vanuatu passport allows visa-free travel to 108 countries, including the Caribbean, Singapore, and Malaysia. For travel to Australia, only an electronic visa is required: https://lnkd.in/gw2XHisr #Vanuatu #Citizenship #Investment #passport #visafreetravel #ImmigrantInvest #CreatingCosmopolitans

The government's recent decision to implement a visa regime for countries that previously enjoyed visa exemptions is a significant step towards achieving parity and fairness in international travel policies. By requiring visas for these nations, Namibia is taking a stand against unequal visa practices that put its citizens at a disadvantage. The move not only protects Namibians from the hardships of obtaining visas when traveling to certain countries but also serves as a deterrent against discriminatory visa practices employed by other nations solely for profit. It's essential for countries to reciprocate visa requirements to ensure a balanced and equitable visa system globally. This decision highlights Namibia's commitment to safeguarding its citizens' interests and promoting a more equitable international travel environment. #Namibia #VisaRegime #EqualityInTravel

On June 25th, a decree-law was approved extending the validity of all documents and visas related to the stay of foreigners in Portugal until June 30, 2025. This means that even if your visa or residence permit has expired, you won’t be considered irregular, as all these documents are now valid for an additional year. While it's always best to regularize your status as soon as possible, please know that the government is aware of the delays immigrants are experiencing. That’s why this extension for documents related to the stay of foreigners in Portugal has been approved for another year. Finally, it's crucial to note that this extension is only valid within Portuguese territory and not throughout the entire Europe. Therefore, it is highly important to refrain from traveling, as your document will be deemed invalid outside of Portugal. Share this post with those who also need to know! 😉 📲 +351 913 534 289 📧 acosta@ac-immigrationlaw.com #AndryellenCosta #ImmigrationLawyer #Portugal

EU Ends Visa-Free Travel for Vanuatu Citizens Over "Golden Passport" Scheme The European Union has removed Vanuatu from the list of visa-exempt countries due to its citizenship-by-investment program, which the EU considers a security and migration risk. Since 2015, Vanuatu citizens enjoyed visa-free travel to the EU, but this privilege was suspended in 2022. The program allowed foreigners to obtain Vanuatu citizenship in exchange for investments, granting them visa-free access to the EU. The EU deemed this a threat to migration and security rules. Efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue with Vanuatu authorities failed. This marks the first time the EU has revoked visa-free access due to such a program. The EU also announced it is monitoring other countries with similar schemes, including those in Eastern Europe and the Caribbean.

VISA NEWS UPDATE Starting April 1, 2025, Namibia will implement visas on arrival for citizens of countries that have not reciprocated Namibia’s visa exemption policy. This change follows Namibia’s decision last month to introduce entry visa requirements for non-reciprocal countries. To find out more about these changes, which countries are affected or for any further information on any immigration services, feel free to contact us today. #TravelNews #Namibia #Intergatenamibiaimmigration#Travel2025 #VisitNamibia #holidayvisas #workpermits #workvisas #studypermits #NamibiaImmigration

Will Namibia's New Visa Policy Backfire?: [DW] Namibia is set to impose visa requirements on over 30 countries that do not offer reciprocal visa-free entry. Will this tit-for-tat strategy place Namibia on equal footing, or could it have negative repercussions?

Golden Visa NOT to be withdrawn, YET. The Spanish Government, under pressure from the EU, decided on 10th April 2024, to commence withdrawal of the availability for 3rd country nationals to obtain a Schengen wide ‘Golden Visa’, which had an influence on the acquisition of properties at values above 500,000€ euro. However, we understand that proposal has now been withdrawn so that, if the Government wishes, it needs to start the consultation proposal again. For an investment in property above this valuation, the purchaser can obtain the right for themselves and their immediate family to be resident in Spain and travel throughout the Schengen area for an unlimited time above the 90 days. However, other types of working and even non-working visas are also available without the need for substantial investment.

*Sri Lanka Suspends e-Visa Platforms, Shifts to Visa-On-Arrival* Sri Lanka has halted its e-Visa service run by VFS Global and partners after a Supreme Court order. Travellers can still obtain visas on arrival. The suspension, effective from August 2 at 5:00 PM Sri Lanka Standard Time, comes after allegations that the contract was awarded without a competitive tender. Temporary Visa-On-Arrival System Despite the suspension of the e-Visa platform, the Department of Immigration continues to issue on-arrival visas to tourists from eligible countries. This measure ensures that travel to Sri Lanka remains accessible during the transition period. New source - travelobiz Attachment - Official information from site. #travel #srilankavisaupdate #visaupdate #visapolicy #evisasuspended

*Sri Lanka Suspends e-Visa Platforms, Shifts to Visa-On-Arrival* Sri Lanka has halted its e-Visa service run by VFS Global and partners after a Supreme Court order. Travellers can still obtain visas on arrival. The suspension, effective from August 2 at 5:00 PM Sri Lanka Standard Time, comes after allegations that the contract was awarded without a competitive tender. Temporary Visa-On-Arrival System Despite the suspension of the e-Visa platform, the Department of Immigration continues to issue on-arrival visas to tourists from eligible countries. This measure ensures that travel to Sri Lanka remains accessible during the transition period. New source - travelobiz Attachment - Official information from site. hashtag #travel hashtag #srilankavisaupdate hashtag #visaupdate hashtag #visapolicy hashtag #evisasuspended

Sharing some key migration dates for 2025 that might help those planning their journey. January starts with regional visa updates and March brings the EOI rounds for skilled migration. Keeping track of these milestones can make all the difference in your planning. #Migration #2025Planning