ICYMI: July 24 - August 6

We're back to share some of the latest developments impacting talent mobility around the world! Let's get right to it, ICYMI:

United States

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released a July 31, 2025, edition of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule, adding fees for certain employment authorization applications and biometric services for select Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) forms.
• Proposals are under discussion to change the visa system, including H-1B visas, which could raise costs for foreign skilled workers if higher wage requirements are implemented.
• Officials are considering changes to the naturalization test for prospective U.S. citizens.

Mexico

• As of July 25, Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación) published updated immigration guidelines in the Federal Register, marking the first major revision since 2014. 
• Changes affect all visa types — visitor, temporary, and permanent residency — with new financial requirements for qualifying for temporary or permanent residency. 

Belgium

• Effective September 1, 2025, EU citizens applying to reside in Belgium for more than three months must submit a complete application — including multiple required documents — during their initial visit to the local municipality.
• The Brussels shortage occupation list has been updated to 81 professions, all exempt from labor market testing. The list will remain valid for one year.

Sweden

• On July 24, 2025, Sweden proposed exemptions to new work permit salary requirements.
• The Swedish Migration Board, with input from the Public Employment Service, identified 152 professions that may be excluded from the higher salary thresholds.

Spain

• Certain work permits — including Highly Qualified Professional, EU Blue Card, Researcher, Intra‑company Transfer, and Digital Nomad visas — can now be processed and issued in under 90 days.

Malta

• Malta has introduced a new Labor Migration Policy, with the first measures taking effect August 1, 2025.
• This policy overhaul impacts both employers and third‑country nationals (TCNs) working in Malta.

European Union

• The European Commission has set October 12, 2025, as the launch date for the Entry/Exit System (EES).
• The EES will be rolled out progressively over six months across the external borders of 29 European countries.

Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Arabia has launched a multi‑tier classification for work permits, categorizing them into high‑skilled, skilled, and basic levels.
• The grace period for foreign nationals in irregular status has been extended to August 25, 2025.

Malaysia

• The Expatriate Services Division is upgrading its online company interview function within the ESD Online System.
• Improvements include better communication, scheduling flexibility, and document guidance.

Vietnam

• As of July 1, 2025, companies in Vietnam must use electronic identity (eID) accounts via the VNeID platform for all administrative procedures.
• Foreign nationals with a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) are now eligible for a level‑2 VNeID account.

Singapore

• Starting September 1, 2025, the minimum qualifying salary for new S Pass applications will rise to at least SGD 3,300 (up to SGD 4,800 for older candidates) and SGD 3,800 (up to SGD 5,650) for the financial services sector.
• The monthly S Pass levy will also increase to SGD 650.

Thailand

• Thailand has replaced its proposed Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) with the fully implemented Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) program.
• The centralized system, launched in May 2025, stores traveler data and integrates with automated border gates.