VISA
Saudi Arabia bars visit visa holders from Hajj, entry restricted without permit
Saudi Arabia has prohibited all visit visa holders from performing Hajj this year, restricting entry to Mecca and holy sites solely to those with official permits. This strict measure, enforced from the start of Dhu Al Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah, aims to regulate pilgrim movement and ensure safety.
India medical tourism slips below pre-Covid peak amid geopolitics, visa delays and rising Asian competition
India's medical tourism is facing challenges. Arrivals have dropped significantly below pre-Covid levels. Geopolitical tensions and visa delays are impacting the sector. Competition from other Asian nations is also a factor. Industry leaders suggest focusing on high-tech, reliable healthcare delivery to attract international patients. Improvements in ties with Bangladesh could help reverse the trend.
Visa's likely to appoint Suresh Sethi as India head
Visa is reportedly appointing Suresh Sethi, former CEO of Protean eGov Technologies, as its new India country head. Sethi, with extensive experience in banking and tech, succeeds Sandeep Ghosh. This leadership transition occurs as Visa intensifies its focus on digital payments and regional partnerships, aiming for continued growth and innovation in the Indian market.
JD Vance's dodgy H-1B sleight of hand
US policies are impacting foreign-trained doctors. Claims of widespread H-1B visa fraud are not fully supported by government data. Recent actions have frozen work authorisations and visa processing for nationals of many countries. This is creating physician shortages in rural areas. Millions of Americans rely on these doctors for care. The situation risks patient well-being.
Japan halts visa applications for foreign restaurant workers as cap nears
Japan has halted new visa applications for foreign restaurant workers under its specified skilled worker program as the sector nears its 50,000-worker cap. This decision, effective Monday, anticipates reaching the limit by May 2026. The program, launched in 2019, aims to address labor shortages across various industries.
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US expands visa restriction policy targeting individuals linked to adversarial activity in Western Hemisphere
America has tightened its visa rules. Foreign nationals working for rival nations in the Western Hemisphere will now be blocked from entering the US. This move aims to protect national security and regional stability. Immediate family members of these individuals are also affected. The State Department has already placed restrictions on 26 people under this new policy.
Trump administration attempts to deport Iranian media commentator Yousof Azizi
The Trump administration is attempting to deport Iranian academic Yousof Azizi, alleging he lied on his visa application. Azizi, a commentator on Iran and U.S.-Iran relations, has appeared on Sky News and BBC Persian. A Muslim advocacy group criticizes his detention as a crackdown on Iranian voices amid the Iran war.
No campus housing? Key renting rules for Indian students in the US
Indian students pursuing education in the US on F1, M1, or J1 visas often face challenges securing off-campus housing. Landlords typically require a US credit history or a guarantor due to financial risk. Students must understand lease terms, including notice periods for moving out and rules against unauthorized occupancy.
Visiting Japan this year? Here are the new costs you should know about
Japan's travel costs are rising in 2026 due to new taxes and price hikes across accommodation, transport, and departure fees. Kyoto and other regions are implementing lodging taxes, while the international departure tax will triple. Rail pass prices are also increasing, with potential visa fee hikes under consideration.
UK universities warned against relying on international students as demand weakens despite recruitment push
UK universities are being cautioned against relying on international students for financial stability as demand for UK education weakens. Despite expanding recruitment efforts, institutions face stricter visa rules, rising costs, and lower profitability. Sector experts warn that growing overseas enrolment may no longer guarantee revenue, with compliance risks and increasing expenses making the model less sustainable.
H-1B and F-1 in 2026: What visa-dependent professionals need to know about long-term immigration planning
Recent policy shifts have significantly narrowed the margins for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in the U.S., increasing uncertainty for families. A new $100,000 employer fee and changes to H-4 EAD renewals are creating financial planning challenges.
Pakistani, Bangladeshi migrants pretend to be gay to claim asylum in UK: Report
An undercover investigation reveals a scheme where migrants pay thousands to immigration advisers. They allegedly create fake stories to claim asylum in the UK by pretending to be gay. This practice exploits the asylum system, particularly for those whose visas have expired.
Saudi Arabia imposes heavy fines for illegal Hajj participation ahead of pilgrimage season
Saudi Arabia is implementing stringent rules for the upcoming Hajj season. Unauthorized pilgrims and those assisting them face hefty fines up to SR100,000. Violators will be deported and banned from the Kingdom for a decade. Authorities urge compliance and reporting of any breaches. These measures aim to manage the massive gathering effectively.
New Zealand eases health insurance rules for Peak Seasonal Visa from April 19
New Zealand is easing health insurance rules for the Peak Seasonal Visa starting April 19, 2026. This change aims to simplify compliance for migrants and employers. The updated policy will align insurance needs with products readily available in the New Zealand market. This adjustment is expected to reduce application uncertainties and speed up visa processing for seasonal workers.
New Zealand to increase income thresholds for parent visa categories from April 30
New Zealand has announced higher income and sponsorship thresholds for Parent Category Resident Visa and Parent Boost Visitor Visa applicants from April 30, 2026. The changes will raise minimum earnings and savings requirements based on updated wage levels. Similar revisions will also apply to Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota visas, aligning eligibility rules with current income and living costs.
US Visa Bulletin May 2026: Green Card backlog for Indians remains high; EB-5 may see cut-off rollback
The US Visa Bulletin for May 2026 shows little movement in green card categories for Indians, with long backlogs continuing across family- and employment-based visas. Key categories remain unchanged, reflecting oversubscription. The bulletin flags rising demand in the EB-5 unreserved category, warning it may face retrogression or limits later in the fiscal year.
VFS Global expands Singapore visa services in India, opens new centres in Chandigarh and Chennai
VFS Global has expanded Singapore visa services in India by opening new Visa Application Centres in Chandigarh and Chennai. The centres will serve applicants from Punjab and Tamil Nadu for tourist, family visit, and business visas. The move aims to improve accessibility and streamline the application process, while visa decisions will remain with Singapore authorities.
Saudi Arabia restricts Makkah entry from April 13; permit mandatory for residents and foreign nationals
Saudi Arabia has implemented new Hajj season regulations. Foreign nationals and residents without official permits are barred from entering Makkah from April 13. This measure aims to manage pilgrim flow and ensure safety. Umrah visa holders must depart by April 18. Makkah entry will be restricted to Hajj visa holders from April 18. Strict adherence to rules is urged.
Japan to increase visa renewal fee for foreign residents
Japan plans to significantly increase visa renewal and permanent residency fees under proposed amendments to the Immigration Control Act. The cost for a five-year visa renewal will rise to approximately 70,000 yen, while permanent residency permits could reach 200,000 yen. These changes aim to adjust fees to evolving administrative needs, with higher fee ceilings set by the government.
Thailand reviews visa-free entry system over compliance gaps
Thailand is reviewing its visa-free entry for tourists from over 90 countries due to compliance gaps and misuse of entry rules. The government aims to attract higher-quality tourists by potentially shortening the 60-day stay, aligning tourism with economic priorities and focusing on income generation over sheer volume.
H-1B hiring at universities faces new curbs
Iowa's legislature is advancing a bill that would restrict public universities and colleges from hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas from countries deemed "foreign adversaries." The proposal, which passed the House and is awaiting a full Senate vote, aims to bolster national security and prioritize American workers. Existing employees would largely be unaffected by the new hiring restrictions.
10 Indians indicted in US visa fraud conspiracy
Ten Indian nationals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with a conspiracy to carry out staged armed robberies of convenience stores for the purpose of allowing store clerks to falsely claim they were crime victims on immigration applications. The defendants were previously charged by criminal complaint in March 2026, according to the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Laid off months apart from US jobs and no options, Indian techie couple on H-1B and H-4 visas have to return home. They get advice on how to restart their careers
An Indian tech couple on H-1B and H-4 visas faced sudden job loss, triggering a tight immigration deadline. With no immediate visa extension options, they've decided to return to India to rebuild their careers from scratch. Their story, shared online, has sparked discussions and advice on navigating the transition back home.
UK hikes visa fees: What it means for visitors, students and workers
UK visa and immigration fees will rise from April 8, 2026. Applicants from India and worldwide will face higher charges for visitor, study, and work visas. The British High Commission in India states the increase aims to improve the visa system and ensure efficient service delivery. This revision impacts various visa categories, with most seeing a 6-7% hike.
Reform UK threatens to deny visas to citizens of countries demanding reparations
Reform UK proposed denying visas to countries seeking slavery reparations, a move the Caribbean reparations commission decried as "toxic racism." The anti-immigration party stated it would block visa requests from nations demanding reparations, citing Britain's role in outlawing slavery. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism, with the CARICOM reparations chair calling it a "tragic" punishment of victims.
Japan may soon require language proof for engineer, specialist visas
Japan will soon mandate Japanese language proficiency for engineer and specialist visa applicants, requiring a B2 CEFR or N2 JLPT level. This policy aims to prevent foreign workers from taking unskilled jobs, with exemptions for international students transitioning status. Companies with past labor violations will also face hiring restrictions.
Visa's India, South Asia head Sandeep Ghosh to quit
Sandeep Ghosh, Visa's India and South Asia head, is stepping down after more than four years to pursue an external opportunity. His departure occurs as the payments company intensifies its focus on digital payments and regional partnerships. A successor has been identified and will be announced shortly to ensure a seamless transition.
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