WR Immigration’s June global immigration recap includes the latest developments on Israel’s automatic visa extensions, Portugal’s expired residence permit validity, Spain’s re-entry permit waiver, Poland’s restrictions on posted workers, and more.
Israel – Automatic Visa Extension Granted in Response to Widespread Closures
Following the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli airspace re-opened on June 25, 2025. Inbound and outbound flights are now operating without restrictions, although many international carriers have yet to resume service to the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv in light of recent events. Ministry of Interior offices within Israel, as well as Israeli consulates abroad, are also returning to normal operations for the first time in nearly two weeks.
Given the widespread disruption to both travel and immigration processes, the Population and Immigration Authority announced that all foreign national visas that were valid as of June 12, 2025, will be automatically extended until September 30, 2025. No action is required on the part of visa holders to access this extension.
Due to the far-reaching impact of the recent closures, delays in the processing of visa applications and renewals are anticipated for the foreseeable future.
Portugal – Residence Permit Validity Extended Until October 15, 2025
The Portuguese government has announced that residence permits that expired between February 22, 2020, and June 30, 2025, will remain valid and be fully recognized by Portuguese authorities until October 15, 2025.
It is important to note that this extension is only valid within Portugal. Travel outside of Portugal with an expired residence permit is not recommended.
After October 15, 2025, these expired residence permits will only be accepted if the holder presents proof of renewal payment issued by AIMA, I.P. This payment receipt will be valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.
AIMA is expected to release information regarding residence permit renewal procedures in the coming months.
Spain – Re-entry Permit Waiver at Land and Maritime Borders; Updated Government Fees Released
Re-entry Permit Waiver at Land and Maritime Borders
From now until September 30, 2025, foreign nationals residing in Spain whose residence permit has expired may re-enter the country via a land or maritime border without a re-entry permit, provided they can produce the following documentation:
- A valid passport or travel document;
- An expired residence permit; and
- Proof of submission of renewal application.
It is important to note that this exception applies only at land and maritime borders. Those re-entering Spain by air must obtain a re-entry permit to avoid being denied boarding on their return flight. Further, this provision applies only to Spain – travel to other Schengen countries remains subject to the regulations of those countries.
As a general rule, re-entry permits continue to be issued to foreign nationals who have submitted an application to renew their residence permit and meet the requirements for extension. This waiver was introduced to accommodate foreign nationals awaiting a decision on their application during the summer holiday period who have not yet received the corresponding re-entry permit.
Re-entry permits are now being issued as multiple-entry documents.
New Requirement for EU Registration Certificate
In Madrid, authorities are now requesting a “certificado de empadronamiento” certifying the applicant’s residence in the local vicinity as part of the EU Registration Certificate application process.
Updated Government Fees
Following changes to Spain’s immigration policy back in May, the government has updated the associated fees for immigration services. A complete list of updated fees can be found in the Boletín Oficial del Estado from June 16, 2025, here (in Spanish).
Poland – New Rules Governing the Posting of Foreign Workers Now in Effect
Employers are reminded that the new regulations governing the posting of foreign workers to Poland are now in effect.
As of June 1, 2025, foreign nationals posted to Poland must meet the following requirements:
- Be employed by and have actually performed work for the posting entity abroad (employees of letterbox companies are ineligible);
- If posted as an intra-company transferee – Be employed by an entity which shares vertical capital ties with the receiving entity in Poland; and
- If providing services – Provide services under a direct agreement held by their foreign employer.
Other key immigration reforms that came into effect in Poland on June 1, 2025, include:
- All work permit applications must be submitted online.
- Fast-track processing of work permit applications – Priority will be given to employers whose activities are of significant importance to the Polish economy. Work permit applications for occupations with labour shortages and renewal applications for current work permit holders who will continue under the same terms of employment (e.g. salary) will also be given priority.
- Removal of labour market tests – Local authorities reserve the right to release a list of “protected” occupations for which foreign nationals may not be hired.
- Stricter right to work requirements – Those residing legally in Poland on a Schengen visa issued by another member are no longer able to work in Poland on the basis of this visa. Employers are urged to exercise greater diligence in performing right to work checks to avoid illegal employment and the ensuing fines, which can amount to up to PLN 50,000.
- Greater flexibility for Polish EU Blue Card holders – The minimum length of employment contract required for a Blue Card has been reduced from twelve to six months, and the work experience requirement has been lowered from five to three years for some occupations. Additionally, Polish Blue Card holders are now permitted to engage in self-employment.
- Incidental remote work allowed without a work permit – The work must be carried out for a foreign entity, unrelated to the Polish labor market and economy, and be incidental in nature.
- Amended notification timelines for employers – The timelines in which an employer is required to notify the authorities of a foreign national starting or failing to start work, changing job title or scope of responsibility, and terminating employment have been adjusted. Employers are also required to submit a copy of the employment contract before work commences.
Employers are encouraged to review the latest sponsorship requirements and obligations to avoid illegal working and subsequent penalties for non-compliance.
Malaysia – Non-compliant ESD Submissions to Result in Temporary Suspension
In response to a rise in non-compliant submissions to the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online system, the Immigration Department of Malaysia has announced that any ESD-registered companies found to be in violation of compliance regulations related to the employment of foreign nationals will have their application privileges suspended for a period of six months. During this time, the company will be unable to submit any new applications.
Common offenses that will result in suspension include:
- Submission of false reports or statements;
- Falsification or misrepresentation of information;
- Use of forged or fraudulent documents; and
- Any other form of misuse or abuse of the ESD system.
Authorities will conduct a comprehensive review of the offender’s compliance track record, governance practices, and overall integrity. At the end of this 6-month “cooling-off period”, eligibility to resume application activity will be re-assessed based on the results of the review. Serious or repeat offenders are subject to additional disciplinary measures.
All ESD-registered companies are encouraged to exercise due diligence and ensure that every submission meets compliance standards to avoid interruptions in their access to the online system and ability to sponsor foreign nationals.
Canada – New Employer Portal for OINP; Quebec to Curb Immigration Levels
New Employer Portal for OINP
A new employer portal for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is set to launch on July 2, 2025, marking a shift to an employer-led process for all three Employer Job Offer streams: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills.
This new portal will allow employers to submit and manage applications online, add company contacts and authorized representatives, and communicate directly with the program.
Employers should note that all existing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be automatically withdrawn from the system prior to the launch of the new portal. Once employers have registered and provided the relevant employment position information within the new portal, applicants will be able to re-register their EOI.
Quebec to Curb Immigration Levels
The Government of Quebec has announced changes aimed at reducing overall immigration levels in the coming years. The following changes may impact foreign national workers in Quebec.
- Suspension of the Temporary Foreign Worker Stream of the Quebec Experience Program: The temporary suspension of the TFW stream of the QEP will continue until November 30, 2025. Pending applications submitted prior to the suspension will continue to be processed.
- French Language Requirement for Temporary Foreign Worker Program Extensions: A minimum level of French (oral French level 4) is expected to be introduced as a requirement for program extensions after three years, beginning in the fall of 2025.
- Targeted Invitations for Permanent Selection via the Skilled Worker Selection Program: Invitations to apply for permanent residence targeting those who already live in Quebec, speak French and are employed in an occupation that contributes to relieving labor shortages are set to begin in July 2025. Those with exceptional talents will also be targeted.
Vietnam – Work Permit Applications to Be Submitted via New National Public Service Portal
Vietnam is in the process of making significant administrative reforms, including a mandatory transition to the National Public Service Portal for all online administrative procedures beginning on July 1, 2025. These procedures include labor, immigration, tax and financial declarations, business licensing, and social insurance. All provincial and ministerial-level service portals will be discontinued.
In line with these reforms, work permit applications will also need to be submitted exclusively through the National Public Service Portal once this feature becomes operational. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) anticipates this will come into effect beginning in July or August. Employers are advised that an electronic identification account (VNeID) will be required to log into the new work permit application system.
To avoid any interruptions in application processing, companies are encouraged to register for a VNeID at their earliest convenience.
China – New, 180-day Business Visa Now Available to ASEAN Citizens
China has rolled out a new visa allowing citizens of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to visit China for business for up to 180 days. This five-year, multiple-entry visa will also be extended to spouses and children of ASEAN business visitors who meet the eligibility requirements.
The new ASEAN visa is available to citizens of the ASEAN member states, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as ASEAN observer Timor-Leste.
