VISA OVERSTAYERS
European Union sues IBM and two European companies over troubled border system: Report
The European Union has initiated legal proceedings against IBM, Atos, and Leonardo for delays in the Entry/Exit System. EU-Lisa reported these delays occurred during the system's development, not affecting its operation. The consortium was awarded a contract in 2019 for implementation and maintenance. In a letter from October 2021, the companies contested a fine imposed on them. They cited external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic as reasons for the delays.
UK plans facial recognition surveillance to identify visa overstayers and immigration offenders
The UK government is set to broaden the application of live facial recognition technology to detect immigration violations across various venues such as transport hubs, ports, and major public gatherings. The Home Office's goal is to track down individuals who have overstayed their visas or arrived unlawfully in the UK.
South Korea updates international education reforms; introduces incentives to develop Korean language skills
South Korea aims to change its international student visa system by focusing on Korean language proficiency and academic performance. The Ministry of Justice outlined plans to allow students with intermediate Korean skills to obtain visas without financial proofs. Proposed regulations will affect part-time work eligibility based on language achievements and could require language proficiency for visa extensions.
Airlines suspend flights to Saudi Arabia until October 17
Airlines have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia following an attack at Riyadh airport that injured multiple individuals. Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, halted services to major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. International airlines, such as Emirates and Lufthansa, also canceled numerous flights due to the disruptions. Passengers are advised to explore alternative travel options through neighboring Gulf countries.
Riyadh airport attack: Indian Embassy issues advisory; Jeddah Consulate sets up helpline for Indians
In the face of the recent Riyadh airport attack, The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has advised Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow local safety instructions amid the ongoing situation. Separately, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah has issued an advisory for Indians, particularly Umrah pilgrims, travelling between India and Saudi Arabia, and established a 24-hour control room to assist those affected by flight disruptions.
Kashmiri filmmaker Arfat Sheikh released from US ICE detention, campaign says
Kashmiri filmmaker Arfat Sheikh was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Washington Dulles International Airport and wasreleased from detention on bond. Sheikh had entered the United States in 2019 on a student visa and later applied for asylum. Sheikh's bond was granted on Tuesday and was released on Thursday; his deportation case is still ongoing.
"Big week ahead": Trump administration signals major action on foreign worker visas
The US Labor Department could step up enforcement of foreign worker visa programmes, with Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito signalling a “big week ahead” without naming specific targets. The comments come amid broader Trump administration scrutiny of H-1B sponsors, including layoffs, labour-condition filings and the use of foreign workers in roles that could otherwise go to Americans.
US imposes visa bonds of up to $20,000 on 50 countries; is India on the updated list?
The US has expanded its visa bond programme to citizens of 50 countries, requiring some B1/B2 applicants to post bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on the consular officer’s decision. India is not included, while Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are covered; paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and refunds depend on complying with travel and visa conditions.
Japan hikes visa renewal and permanent residency fees from October 1
Japan is sharply increasing fees for visa renewals, changes to residence status and permanent residency applications from October 1, with the maximum permanent residency fee rising from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. The changes come as Japan’s foreign resident and worker populations reach record levels and the country prepares to introduce an electronic travel-authorisation system in fiscal 2028.
India warns nationals against using Malaysia visa-free entry to seek jobs
India's High Commission in Kuala Lumpur issued a stern advisory to its citizens. The commission noted a rise in Indians misusing visa-free entry for job seeking purposes. Unscrupulous agents are reportedly misleading many with false employment promises. The visa-free facility is strictly for tourism and social visits only. Those seeking work must obtain valid permits or visas before traveling.
Japan raises the bar on residency. Cue the outrage
Japan is considering tougher permanent residency rules as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government reshapes immigration policy. Proposed changes could add Japanese-language and minimum-income requirements, drawing criticism from some foreign residents even as fast-track routes for highly skilled and high-earning workers remain in place.
Australia bans most international students from bringing family members
Australia will restrict most international students from bringing family members under a new migration package aimed at lowering net overseas migration and tightening visa rules. PhD students and some nationals from Southeast Asia and the Pacific are expected to be exempt, while students already in Australia with their families will not be forced to separate.
Asian countries boost international student recruitment as US, UK, Canada, Australia tighten rules
Asian nations are increasing international student recruitment as Western countries tighten rules. China, Japan, and South Korea are expanding their higher education targets significantly. These Asian hubs offer lower costs and improving academic quality to attract students. However, retaining graduates presents a major challenge for these emerging destinations. Success hinges on accommodating foreign talent and integrating them into local economies.
72-year-old South Korean man arrested in Japan for overstaying 15-day tourist visa by 26 years
A South Korean man was arrested in Japan after overstaying his visa for over twenty-six years. He reportedly entered Japan in 1993 using his brother's passport for tourist purposes. The man admitted to the charge and has been working day jobs since his arrival. Police arrested him after receiving an anonymous tip regarding his prolonged stay. Japan's Justice Ministry reported fewer visa overstayers in 2026 compared to 1993.
Head of US travel association sounds alarm on potential expansion of visa bond program
The US Travel Association expresses concern over the visa bond program's potential expansion. This program requires applicants from fifty countries to post refundable bonds. The State Department made this program permanent after a successful pilot phase. Visa issuances in pilot countries fell significantly, and overstays decreased. Industry leaders fear broader implementation will harm the US economy and travel sector.
Indian national among 50 foreigners arrested in Sri Lanka over visa overstay
An India national is among 50 foreigners arrested in Negombo, Sri Lanka, for visa overstay, according to a media report. The group included 47 Chinese and two Malaysian nationals. Authorities said they had entered on business visas but stayed illegally after expiry, and were detained by immigration officials.
These two countries are first on Trump's hit-list for $15,000 visa bonds
The United States will require citizens of Malawi and Zambia to pay a visa bond of up to $15,000 to enter the country on business or tourist visas, starting August 20. This one-year pilot program aims to reduce visa overstays, a measure the Trump administration considers crucial for national security. Travelers adhering to visa regulations will receive a refund.
Going to US could now burn a ₹13L hole in your pocket. Add another ₹22,000 for 'integrity'
The U.S. is launching a pilot program requiring some foreign travelers to pay a refundable bond, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, to deter visa overstays. Alongside, a non-refundable 'integrity fee' will be levied to cover enforcement costs. This initiative targets countries with high overstay rates and deficient screening systems. Selected travelers must use specific airports.
Visa overstays in US persist without much scrutiny
The suspect in the Boulder attack, entered the US legally on a tourist visa in 2022 and overstayed. He applied for asylum and received a work permit that later expired. Visa overstays represent a significant portion of the undocumented population, with estimates suggesting over 40% arrived legally by air and remained unlawfully, posing tracking challenges.
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