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Saudi Arabia to require Premium Residency holders to obtain dedicated work permits
Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency holders must now secure a dedicated work permit via the Qiwa digital platform, costing SR100. This new requirement is part of broader labor market updates, including clarified rules for training contracts and resignations. Visa amendments necessitate cancellation and reissuance, with fees payable through various digital methods.
How to extend your stay in Germany after completing your studies
International students and trainees in Germany can now stay for up to 18 months to seek employment after completing their studies or vocational training. This Job Seeker Visa allows them to convert their status to a work permit or EU Blue Card upon securing a job, offering more flexibility than student visas.
What is Germany's Qualified Employment Visa and who can apply?
Germany's Qualified Employment visa offers a pathway for non-EU skilled workers with recognized qualifications to secure jobs. Applicants need a recognized degree or vocational training and a job offer that requires such qualifications, excluding auxiliary tasks. Special rules apply to older applicants regarding salary or pension provisions.
Planning to work in Germany? Here's what you need to know about the work visas
Germany offers various work visas for non-EU nationals to address labor shortages, enabling them to live and work in the country. Eligibility hinges on a job offer, recognized qualifications, and sufficient income, with pathways to permanent residence and citizenship. The application process involves securing a visa before entry and a residence permit upon arrival.
Kuwait restricts domestic worker recruitment to 10 countries, bans 27 others
Kuwait has restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries, prohibiting hiring from 27 others under new Interior Ministry regulations. These updated rules aim to enhance oversight of the domestic labor sector, with recruitment procedures to be managed through the country's governorates. The decision reflects Kuwait's ongoing efforts to regulate and strengthen monitoring within the domestic worker recruitment industry.
H-1B filings rise at OpenAI, Anthropic and Nvidia as companies expand overseas recruitment
AI firms OpenAI, Anthropic, and Nvidia are boosting H-1B visa applications. This comes as they compete for specialized talent. Other major tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are reducing their visa filings. New H-1B rules favor higher-paid applicants. A court blocked a proposed fee on overseas applicants.
UK to reimburse visa costs for firms bringing in overseas workers
Britain is now reimbursing visa fees for fast-growing tech and innovation companies hiring international talent. This initiative, targeting scale-ups in digital technology, life sciences, and clean energy, aims to ease hiring costs and boost the UK's appeal. The government is also speeding up sponsor licence approvals and offering a "concierge service" to support ambitious firms.
Indian diaspora groups welcome court ruling striking down $100,000 H-1B visa fee
Indian diaspora groups in the US have lauded a federal court's decision to strike down the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, deeming it a fair move for the employment-based immigration system. This ruling, which found the fee unlawful without congressional approval, is expected to bring relief to stakeholders, though concerns about potential procedural hurdles remain.
US lawmakers cheer as court blocks $100,000 H-1B fee in major blow to Trump visa curbs
US lawmakers welcomed a court ruling blocking a proposed USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee, despite White House plans to appeal. The decision crucially protects the vital employment pipeline for highly skilled Indian professionals, who systematically secure the majority of these 85,000 annual US work permits.
UAE simplifies work permit system, expands categories to 13
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has introduced new work permit reforms. These changes aim to accelerate hiring and simplify access to labour services. The ministry has expanded permit categories and reduced paperwork significantly. All services are now available digitally. This initiative supports faster transactions and enhances the UAE labour market's efficiency.
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Kuwait launches online visa service for domestic workers, drivers; revises sponsorship rules
Kuwait has introduced a new digital service for managing domestic workers and drivers. Citizens and expatriates can now use the Sahel app for these services. This move simplifies procedures and reduces the need for in-person visits. New rules also define sponsorship eligibility for single women, married women with children, and men.
South Korea expands talent visa to scientists, professors
South Korea is rolling out a revamped Top-Tier Visa, now welcoming professors and researchers in science and technology. This move aims to draw top global talent, bolstering the nation's research prowess. Universities and institutes can sponsor eligible academics, who must demonstrate significant professional achievements. The government targets attracting 2,000 experts by 2030, offering priority support for their integration.
Indian immigrants founded more US unicorns than any other nationality: Report
Indian-born entrepreneurs lead in founding US billion-dollar startups. They have established 96 unicorns. Immigrants overall founded 59% of US unicorns. India stands first among immigrant founders. Israel and the United Kingdom follow. Immigrant founders contribute significantly to America's high-growth companies. International students also play a key role.
Saudi Arabia launches flexible working hours in Riyadh
Riyadh has launched flexible working hours across six major business districts to combat traffic congestion and enhance quality of life. Over 50 government entities can now offer employees arrival windows between 5:30 am and 11 am, depending on their governing law. This initiative supports Riyadh's urban development and Vision 2030 goals by spreading travel demand and improving mobility.
US DHS chief Mullin signals flexibility on $100,000 H-1B visa fee
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated the DHS can waive a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee in specific cases, potentially easing employer recruitment costs. He also expressed support for streamlining the return process for compliant seasonal H-2B visa workers, acknowledging the need for congressional action on broader visa program changes.
More than two lakh H-1B applicants paid $100,000 for entry to US, says DHS
US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin revealed over two lakh applicants paid USD 100,000 for faster H-1B visa processing in fiscal year 2026. This fee allows for processing in about 15 days. Senator Susan Collins raised concerns about rural doctor shortages and asked about fee exemptions for medical professionals. Senator Lisa Murkowski also flagged teacher shortages in rural Alaska.
