Global Immigration News
March 2010
Switzerland
Work permit quotas
2010 work permit quotas have almost reached capacity in many Swiss cantons. Unless the authorities can demonstrate an absolute economic need for additional foreign workers, the work permit quotas will not be increased. The cantons mostly affected are Basel, Geneva, Vaud, and Zurich. Once a canton’s quota is exhausted, employers cannot sponsor non-European nationals for B-Permits or L-Permits for a period up to one year. The Federal authorities will announce in June 2010 whether the quota numbers will be amended for the July to December period of 2010. Please note that work permit extensions are not subject to the quotas.
USA
Visa Waiver Program Opens to Citizens of Greece on April 5 2010
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that Greek nationals will be able to use the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to make short business or tourism trips to the United States starting from April 5, 2010. The Visa Waiver Program allows eligible foreign nationals from member countries to enter the United States for business or tourism visits for up to 90 days without the need to obtain a visitor visa from a U.S. consulate. To use the VWP, Greek citizens must hold an “e-Passport” containing an integrated computer chip that stores the traveller’s biographic data, digital photograph and other information. Greek citizens who are ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program must still apply for a visitor visa to enter the United States for business or tourism.
UK
New Rules for Tier 1 and Tier 2
On 6 April the Government will make changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system. The changes include a new points schedule for Tier 1 and Tier 2 applicants, the provision of a simpler route for very highly skilled workers without Master’s degrees, a greater flexibility for short-term transfers of employees working for multinational companies, and more protection for UK employees against such transfers being used to fill long-term vacancies that should go to resident workers. Other changes to the Immigration Rules include changes to the provisions governing English language qualifications for applicants applying for permanent residence and adding Monaco to the Youth Mobility Scheme. This Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules will be incorporated into a consolidated version of the Immigration Rules. The changes will come into effect on 6 April and 7 April 2010.