Global Immigration Recap: May 2026

Our May global immigration recap includes the latest on Canada’s temporary border measures to prevent the spread of Ebola, Mexico’s reforms to the Temporary Residence Visa category, Thailand’s revocation of its 60-day visa exemption policy for nationals of 93 countries, Brazil’s new visa waiver for Chinese nationals, and more.

Canada – Temporary Border Measures Introduced to Prevent the Spread of Ebola

In response to the recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Government of Canada is taking action to prevent the virus from entering and spreading within its borders.

Suspension of Immigration Documents for Residents of Affected Countries

Effective immediately, Canadian immigration documents issued to residents of countries with a high or very high risk of Ebola transmission have been suspended for a period of 90 days. At this time, this includes the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda.

Residents of these countries who are currently outside of Canada will not be permitted to enter the country during this time. This includes those with a previously approved temporary resident visa (TRV), electronic travel authorization (eTA), or permanent resident visa. Processing of pending immigration applications for nationals of these countries will also be temporarily paused.

Other Preventative Measures

In addition, effective May 30, 2026, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have been in the affected countries within the previous 21 days will be required to quarantine upon arrival in Canada. Any individuals showing symptoms will be isolated and placed under observation at a hospital immediately.

Please note that those who are already in Canada are not impacted by the above measures and may remain in the country for the duration of their authorized period of stay. As these measures may change on short notice as the situation evolves, travelers are advised to consult Travel.gc.ca for the latest information prior to departing for Canada.

Mexico – Key Changes to Temporary Residence Visa for Remunerated Activities

Several important amendments have been introduced with regard to the issuance of work visas in Mexico. The changes are particularly relevant to the Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) based on an offer of employment, as this is the primary immigration route utilized by foreign nationals who will perform remunerated activities in Mexico.

As of May 16, 2026, those applying for a TRV based on an offer of employment will be subject to the following key changes:

• Requirement to submit a more detailed employment offer letter that includes position duties, work modality (in-person/hybrid/remote), work location(s), project scope (if applicable), and the business rationale for the assignment.
• Requirement to provide details on the applicant’s professional qualifications, including academic profile, technical experience, certifications, and degrees.
• For specialized knowledge roles, the company must demonstrate that it engages in knowledge transfer, training, or capacity-building for Mexican personnel.
• Closer government review of the sponsoring company’s immigration and corporate compliance documentation.

In light of the above changes, employers should be prepared for: 

• Requests for additional evidence (e.g. additional supporting documentation or clarifications).
• Longer application preparation timelines, especially for technical, managerial, project-based, or multi-location roles.
• Closer alignment required among immigration, HR, payroll, tax, and business teams to compile necessary documentation.
• Potential government inspection visits or compliance reviews in connection with employer registration and TRV filings.
• Longer government processing times during the implementation period.

Note that the details of the practical implementation of these changes are still under development and may vary by INM office and Mexican consulate.

Thailand – 60-Day Visa Exemption to Be Revoked for Nationals of 93 Countries

Thailand will soon revoke its 60-day visa exemption policy that has allowed nationals of 93 countries to visit the country without a visa for business, tourism, or in transit to other destinations since 2024.

While those who are already in Thailand under the existing visa exemption or who enter before the exemption is officially revoked will be permitted to remain in the country until their current stay expires, all others will be subject to Thailand’s new “one country, one visa exemption policy”. Notably, many of the countries that previously benefited from the 60-day visa exemption will continue to be given visa-free access to Thailand for permissible activities, albeit for a shorter period.

30-Day Visa Exemption

Nationals of the following 54 countries will be able to visit Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days once the existing exemption is officially revoked:

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Visa Exemptions Under Bilateral Agreements

Existing bilateral agreements allowing for visa-free travel will remain in effect for the following countries:

90 Days
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and South Korea

30 days
China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Russia, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam

14 days
Cambodia and Myanmar (only at international airports)

Other Visa Exemptions

A new 15-day visa exemption has been announced for citizens of the Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius.

Finally, the current Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme will continue to be available only to nationals of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia, and India.

Brazil – New Visa Waiver for Chinese Nationals Now in Effect

In an unexpected turn of events, Brazil has extended its visa waiver program to Chinese nationals. This change comes in response to the Chinese government’s recent decision to grant a similar visa waiver to Brazilian nationals visiting China.

As of May 11, 2026, Chinese citizens who hold a valid passport issued by the People’s Republic of China may enter Brazil without a visa for stays of up to 30 days per year for purposes including business, tourism, participation in artistic or sporting events, and transit to other destinations. Multiple entries are allowed so long as the total cumulative stay does not exceed 30 days within a 12-month period.

This visa exemption will remain in effect until December 31, 2026.

UK – Home Office Reverses Expanded Right to Work Check Obligations for Sponsors

The Home Office has reversed the sponsor guidance issued on April 8, 2026, with regard to expanded right to work check obligations. As of May 20, 2026, sponsors are once again only required to carry out right to work checks on workers they wish to sponsor or employ directly. Further information regarding current obligations can be found on GOV.UK.

Israel – Heightened Enforcement Against Illegal Employment

Enforcement authorities in Israel have ramped up compliance inspections aimed at identifying foreign nationals who do not hold a valid visa or who are employed under an incorrect visa category. Inspections are currently being conducted across all sectors and typically involve on-site questioning of employees and management, as well as document checks and verifications. Those found in violation are subject to administrative and criminal enforcement measures. In light of this, employers are strongly advised to conduct internal compliance reviews and ensure that all immigration and employment documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with current regulations.

New Zealand – New English Language Requirement for AEWV

The New Zealand government recently announced that Level 3 Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applicants will be subject to a new English language requirement beginning on June 1, 2026. To satisfy eligibility criteria, applicants must have an IELTS 4.0 or equivalent test result.

Please note that current AEWV holders whose visas expire on or before December 1, 2026, will be exempt from this requirement when applying for an extension. It appears, however, that those with visas expiring beyond this date or who apply for an AEWV for a different Skill Level 3 occupation may need to demonstrate English proficiency. Clarification on this point is expected from the government shortly.

Australia – Federal Budget Impacts Foreign Nationals and Sponsoring Employers

Several provisions of the Federal Budget established by the government will impact foreign nationals and sponsoring employers in Australia.

Permanent Residence
The permanent migration intake will remain capped at 185,000 places. More than 70 percent of permanent visas will be allocated to skilled migrants, with increasing priority given to applicants already living in Australia.

Skilled Migration Reforms
The government announced reforms to the skilled migration points test aimed at prioritizing migrants with stronger education, skills, and younger age profiles.

To address labor shortages in key sectors, particularly in construction and electrical trades, the government will allocate AUD 85.2 million toward faster skills assessments and licensing recognition for Trades Recognition Australia. The measures are expected to help up to 4,000 additional skilled trades workers enter the workforce annually and reduce workforce entry delays by up to six months.

Compliance and Enforcement
The budget also includes integrity and compliance measures across the migration system, including improved workplace protections for migrant workers.

Additionally, the Australian Border Force will receive funding to implement new visa refusal and cancellation grounds to protect against antisemitism, violent extremism, and hate-related conduct under the Migration Act 1958.

Other Considerations
The government will extend its two-year ban on temporary migrants buying established residential property until 2029.

Finally, with a record backlog of unprocessed cases and projected staffing cuts at the Department of Home Affairs, employers should continue to plan ahead with regard to their Australian immigration needs.