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February 2025 Global Immigration Update

Mar 3, 2025 | Global

WR Immigration’s February global immigration recap includes the latest developments on the UK’s grace period for expired BRP cards, Saudi Arabia’s Iqama work permit requirements, the UAE’s Golden Visas, and more.

UK

Expired UK BRP cards may now be accepted for entry through June 1, 2025

The government previously indicated that expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards will be accepted as proof of right to enter the UK until March 31, 2025, provided the holder still has valid immigration status in the country. They have now announced that this grace period will be extended to June 1, 2025.

BRP card holders who have not yet applied for an eVisa are strongly advised to do so as soon as possible to avoid difficulties in proving valid immigration status –particularly upon returning to the UK following travel abroad. Employers are also encouraged to periodically remind their foreign employees to apply for an eVisa to prevent any disruptions to their business resulting from employees traveling internationally with an expired BRP card.

eVisas officially replaced physical BRP cards at the end of 2024. More information regarding eVisas can be found on the UK.GOV website.

As a precaution, anyone who travels outside the UK and plans to re-enter the country should carry the following items:

  • Physical BRP card, even if it has expired; and
  • Copy of most recent visa application approval email.

Additionally, travelers should make a note of the UKVI Customer Contact Centre’s phone number in case they experience issues at the border: +44 (0)203 875 4669.

Saudi Arabia

Qualification Verification Program (QVP) registration is now mandatory for all Saudi work visa applications, regardless of industry. The QVP verifies academic credentials held by foreign nationals who wish to work in Saudi Arabia. Those applying for Saudi work visas should note that this new requirement will add an additional two weeks to standard processing times. The QVP also carries a fee, currently set at $93 USD. Additional fees may apply for credentials issued by institutions not previously verified by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

UAE

The UAE has announced updates to the eligibility criteria for its Professional Category Golden Visa. From now on, eligible professionals must have been employed by the same company in the UAE for at least two years and possess a recognized educational qualification. Applicants must also have a managerial title listed on their current residence visa and earn a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. Furthermore, “no objection” letters for Freezone employees must now be issued directly by the Freezone, rather than on company letterhead as previously required. Prospective applicants should note that they may face challenges in obtaining this Golden Visa if their employer has 10 or fewer employees.

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Ukraine: News Updates

U.S. Senator Padilla Coordinates Help for Ukrainians U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, has been coordinating efforts to work with allies in the Ukraine region to provide refugee and humanitarian assistance, protect Ukrainian nationals in the United States, and impose sanctions. Sen. Padilla’s office has provided a form for affected individuals and families to request humanitarian assistance on a case-by-case basis. Questions about the form can be emailed to casework_padilla@padilla.senate.gov. State Dept. Clarifies Guidance The Department of State released information for nationals of Ukraine to “further clarify visa options and outline alternatives to visas that Ukrainians may consider.” The Department noted that “a visa is not a viable way to achieve refugee resettlement in the United States.” The Department also recently released information for U.S. citizens in Ukraine. See “Information for Nationals of Ukraine,” , and “Information for U.S. Citizens in Ukraine,” which includes border-crossing advice. Lautenberg Amendment Extended The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, an omnibus spending bill passed by Congress and awaiting President Biden’s signature, included an extension of the Lautenberg Amendment, which provides a special refugee category for religious minorities to enable them to resettle in the United States. The amendment […]

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SAUDI ARABIA: Work Visit Visa No Longer Available

Visa officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have advised that work visit visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are no longer available. Those currently in the Kingdom under these visas are free to remain through the expiration date.  While they are free upon return to their home country apply for a new work visa (i.e. a visa that allows for conversion to an iqama upon entry into Saudi Arabia), work visit visas are not convertible directly.   The Ministry of Labor’s Assistant Deputy Minister for Labor Policies added the following comments:   A new type of temporary visa is currently under review by the Council of Ministers, details expected in the coming days or week, allowing work for 6 months renewable for another 6 months. These visas will not be convertible, and the same rules will apply to all nationalities.   A list of activities which may be performed under a business visit or tourist visa is being prepared (i.e. “exempt activities”). These activities will likely include sports and entertainment engagements, signing and negotiating agreements and presenting lectures.  While visitors holding such visas may receive financial honoraria, they may not be employed by the sponsor.  While some agencies […]

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