Global Immigration Recap: August 2025

WR Immigration’s August global immigration recap highlights key developments, including Saudi Arabia’s new work permit classification system, Vietnam’s streamlined process for hiring foreign talent, the UAE’s updated Golden Visa rules for Scientists and Specialists, Poland’s legal provisions for Ukrainian nationals, and more.

UAE – Minimum Employee Threshold for Employers Sponsoring ‘Scientists and Specialists’ Golden Visa Applicants

Employers seeking to sponsor employees under the direct approval route for the professional ‘Scientists and Specialists’ Golden Visa category must now meet a minimum employee threshold to qualify. This threshold varies by emirate and free zone, ranging from around 10 employees in Dubai to more than 100 in Abu Dhabi. To date, no official government guidance on these thresholds has been issued. Smaller employers, especially those based in Abu Dhabi, may need to explore alternative sponsorship options.

Saudi Arabia – New Work Permit Classification System Now in Effect

In Saudi Arabia, work permits are now being classified according to skill level. All workers are to be assigned to one of the following categories, based on their educational qualifications, professional experience, skills, remuneration and age.

High-skilled worker

• The profession must be in one of the main occupational groups 1 to 3 per the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO).
• The worker must meet the requirements of the Professional Accreditation Program outlined by the Ministry for main occupational groups 1 to 3.
• The worker’s salary must meet or exceed the minimum threshold established by the Ministry for the high-skilled level.
• The worker must pass the Ministry’s points-based system based on educational qualifications, professional experience and salary.

Skilled worker

• The profession must be within one of the main occupational groups 4 to 8 per the SSCO.*
• The worker must meet the requirements of the Professional Accreditation Program outlined by the Ministry for main occupational groups 4 to 8.
• The worker’s salary must meet or exceed the minimum threshold established by the Ministry for the skilled level.

*A worker whose profession is within groups 1 to 3 may be considered a skilled worker if their salary does not meet the minimum threshold for high-skilled workers.

Basic worker

• The profession must be in main occupational group 9 per the SSCO.*
• The age of the non-Saudi worker must not exceed 60 years.
• If applicable to the profession, the worker must meet the requirements of the Professional Accreditation Program outlined by the Ministry.

*A worker whose profession is within groups 1 to 8 may be considered a basic worker if their salary does not meet the minimum threshold for skilled workers.

Important Notice for Employers: Classification is required for both current and incoming foreign national employees. As a result, employers in Saudi Arabia must classify the skill level of their current non-Saudi employees based on their profession and salary and update their employee records accordingly via the Qiwa platform to ensure compliance. Likewise, any incoming non-Saudi employees are to be classified in accordance with the above-outlined criteria. We are still awaiting government clarification on some of the features and requirements of the new system and will share when we have further information.

This new classification system is designed to regulate the labor market and align non-Saudi workers with its demands. Further information is available on the official Qiwa website.

Vietnam – New Decree Introduces Positive Changes for Employers Hiring Foreign Talent

The Vietnamese government has released Decree 219, bringing about positive changes for employers who sponsor foreign nationals in Vietnam. Key changes introduced by this decree include:

• Extension of short-term work mission period – Short-term work missions can now be conducted for up to 90 days per calendar year, allowing foreign specialists to carry out short-term assignments without a work permit.

• Work permit exemptions for experts in priority sectors – For the first time, experts in priority sectors, including finance, science, technology, innovation, national digital transformation and others, may qualify for a work permit exemption. The process for obtaining this exemption has not yet been defined; however, all exemptions will require approval by a competent authority.

• Removal of labor market tests in some cases – A labor market test is now only required for foreign nationals who will work under a local Vietnamese employment contract. This means that other work permit types, including intra-company transfers and service contract deployments, are no longer subject to this requirement.

• Integration of “foreign labor demand” approval into work permit application – This has been eliminated as a stand-alone step and is now integrated into the work permit application form as a simplified explanation.

• Relaxed qualification requirements – Both experts and technical workers can now meet this requirement with less experience than was previously required. Most notably, experts in priority sectors with a relevant degree can now meet this requirement with only one year of experience in a related field.

• Work authorization across multiple provinces – Employees who hold a valid work permit for an employer in one province are now eligible to work for the same employer in other provinces without the need for a new work permit. A notification must simply be made to the local labor authority at least three days in advance.
• Removal of semi-annual reporting – Employers are no longer required to submit a semi-annual report on their use of foreign labor.

Poland – Recent Veto May Affect Ukrainian Nationals with Extended Status

The Polish president has vetoed an amendment to the Ukrainian Special Act, a decision that may affect Ukrainian nationals currently residing in Poland on the basis of an extended visa, extended residence card, or extended visa-free stay. As of September 30, 2025, individuals relying on these extensions may no longer be able to legally remain in Poland if the government does not take further action. To avoid possible disruptions, Ukrainian nationals in this situation are strongly encouraged to apply for a residence permit as soon as possible.

Ukrainians in Poland who hold UKR status or who already possess a valid residence document (e.g., residence permit) will not be affected. Their right to remain in Poland will continue to be governed by their existing status.

China – Updated List of Visa-Waiver Countries

As of publication, citizens of the following countries continue to enjoy visa-free travel to China for up to 30 days for business, tourism, to visit family and friends, or in transit to other destinations. This visa waiver program is expected to remain in effect until the dates listed below for each group of countries; however, travelers should verify the latest information before making travel arrangements.

Additionally, the following countries have a mutual visa exemption with China, allowing 30-day visa-free entry with no specified end date.