WR Immigration’s May global immigration recap includes the latest developments on the UK’s White Paper proposals, Spain’s immigration policy reforms, Portugal’s new border control systems, and the extension of China’s visa-wavier program to Latin America.
UK – White Paper Proposes Changes to Eligibility Criteria for Visas and Settlement to Reduce Net Migration
The UK Government released a White Paper outlining a series of proposed changes to immigration rules aimed at reducing net migration. Significant adjustments to the eligibility criteria for Skilled Worker visas and Settlement are anticipated, however, it’s important to note that these proposals are still in the draft stage and subject to modification in the final legislation. Any changes are expected to impact those applying for the first time after the proposals have been formally introduced into law.
Skilled Worker Visas
- Eligibility for Skilled Worker visas will be limited to roles at RQF Level 6 (which typically require a university degree) and above, thereby excluding lower skilled roles which are currently eligible for sponsorship. Salary levels required to qualify are also expected to increase.
- There will be a shortage occupation list to allow granting of Skilled Worker visas for select roles below RQF Level 6.
- Employers will be incentivized to show investment in domestic workforce training; those failing to do so may lose access to the Skilled Worker visa route.
- The Immigration Skills Charge that employers must pay to obtain Skilled Worker visas will be increased by 32% (currently £1,000 per migrant, per year for large sponsors or £364 per migrant, per year for small sponsors).
English Language
- Skilled Workers required to demonstrate English language proficiency via language testing will need to score at a B2 level rather than the current B1 level.
- Adult dependents across visa categories will need to demonstrate language proficiency by scoring at an A1 level, progressing to A2 for extension of their visa and B2 for Settlement. This has never previously been a requirement for dependent family members.
Graduate Route
- The post-study work period for international graduates will be reduced from two years to 18 months. A levy on income from international students may be introduced to support domestic education and training.
Settlement & Citizenship
- The standard qualifying period for Settlement will be increased from five to 10 years – there has been some mention (in the news) of extending this to existing visa holders, but this remains to be seen and is subject to public consultation.
- Accelerated Settlement will be considered for those making substantial contributions to UK society or economy (and also possibly for Appendix FM family members).
- The Life in the UK Test requirement is also expected to be reinstated.
Further updates regarding the White Paper will be published as new information becomes available.
Spain – Recent Reforms Broaden Immigration Access
Spain recently updated its immigration policy (Reglamento de Extranjería), granting foreign workers enhanced rights and protections and offering a more streamlined path to legal residency for dependent family members and settlement applicants. The updated policy also brings positive changes for university students and graduates who wish to work in Spain.
Below are highlights of the revised policy by category.
Foreign Workers
- Workplace rights and protections for foreign workers have been strengthened.
- The requirements and process for securing highly qualified work permits, intra-company transfer work permits, and digital nomad visas remain unchanged.
Dependent Family Members
- The process of demonstrating sufficient financial means to support dependents has been simplified.
- Spanish citizens may now sponsor any of the following as dependent family members: de facto partners, children up to age 26, parents, in-laws and caretakers.
- A new 5-year temporary residence permit is available to dependents of Spanish citizens.
Settlement (Arraigo) Applicants
- Individuals who have resided in Spain for at least two years at the time of application are now eligible for residency by “arraigo” regardless of the specific category.
Students and Graduates
- Study permits will now be issued for the duration of the academic program, removing the need for renewals during the course of study.
- University students are permitted to work up to 30 hours per week on the basis of a study permit, without requiring additional authorization. Employment must take place within the same or one of the neighboring provinces. Work performed remotely is exempt from this geographical limitation.
- Following graduation, study permit holders may submit a request to change their status to a work permit, allowing them to work full-time (40 hours per week) upon approval.
- Students now have the option to sponsor dependent family members, provided they and their dependents meet the eligibility criteria.
These changes reflect Spain’s ongoing efforts to modernize its immigration system and make it more accessible and inclusive to foreigners.
Portugal – New Border Control Systems in Place at Air and Sea Ports of Entry
New border control systems aimed at increasing efficiency, security and compatibility with other systems across the EU are now in place at air and sea points of entry in Portugal.
With the implementation of these new systems, third-country nationals with short-stay visas will now be required to provide fingerprints upon entry. While the entry requirements for Portuguese and EU citizens will not change, all travelers should be prepared for the possibility of increased scrutiny, requests for additional documentation and delays at border crossings as officials transition to these new systems. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid potential disruptions to their travel itinerary during this transition period.
France – Eligibility for Talent – EU Blue Card Relaxed; New Shortage Occupation List Released
Eligibility for Talent – EU Blue Card Relaxed
A new law aimed at adopting the European Union law into national law in France has relaxed the eligibility criteria for the French Talent – EU Blue Card.
- Minimum contract duration lessened –Highly qualified foreign workers with a fixed-term employment contract of at least six months may now qualify for a Talent Passport. Previously, a year-long contract was required.
- Less professional experience required –Applicants in select occupations without a higher education degree may now qualify for a Talent Passport with only three years of relevant professional experience within the last seven years, rather than five.
- Extended validity period – Talent Passports issued for fixed-term contracts will now be valid for three months beyond the length of the employment contract.
- Increased mobility for EU Blue Card holders –Foreign workers holding an EU Blue Card from another EU member state may now apply for a French EU Blue Card after 12 months, instead of 18. In some cases, this waiting period is further reduced to six months.
- Options for long-term EU residency – Talent–EU Blue Card holders who have resided in France for a period of two years are now eligible for an EU long-term residence card if they have also spent at least three years in France or any other EU member state with one of the following residence permits:
- EU Blue Card;
- Skilled Employee Talent;
- Research; or
- Refugee/Subsidiary Protection Status.
New Shortage Occupation List Released
In other news, an updated shortage occupation list was released on May 21, 2025. The updated list includes several new professions and replaces the previous list from 2021.
Work permit applications for occupations on the list are exempt from the labor market test, meaning that employers are not required to post the position with France Travail to demonstrate that no eligible local job seeker is available to fill it, thereby streamlining the process of recruiting foreign workers. In addition, undocumented workers who are already employed in one of the occupations on the updated shortage list may also apply for a residence permit as a temporary worker or employee, provided other eligibility criteria is met.
Italy – Fingerprints Now Required for National (D) Visa Applications
The Italian government is now requiring fingerprints to be taken as part of the long-stay national (D) visa application process. This means that applicants must attend an in-person appointment to provide this biometric data. Those who have provided fingerprints for a Schengen visa application within the past 59 months may be exempt from this requirement.
China – Visa-Waiver Policy Extended to Latin America and Remaining GCC Countries
China has announced the extension of its visa-waiver policy to several countries in Latin America and the Middle East. Under this visa-waiver program, citizens of the following countries can travel to China visa-free and stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, cultural exchange activities, family visits, or in transit to other destinations.
From now until May 31, 2026: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.
Beginning June 9, 2025, until June 8, 2026: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
With the addition of these four Middle Eastern countries, China will officially offer visa-free treatment to all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
