Thailand: Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Thailand will fully implement the Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system on 1st May 2025, replacing the traditional TM6 form. This transition modernises the immigration process by enabling foreign travellers, including visa-exempt nationals, to submit their arrival details online before entry. The TDAC system will integrate with multiple government agencies to enhance data verification, streamline border control, and reduce processing times, making immigration more efficient.

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Hungary: Work and residence permits

From January 2025, Hungary has limited the availability of Employment Purpose and Guest Worker Residence Permits to nationals of Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines. This policy ensures that only applicants from countries willing to readmit nationals overstaying their permits in Hungary can apply. Existing permit holders and those with pending applications submitted before 2025 remain unaffected. While the eligibility list is expected to expand, the immediate impact restricts access for foreign workers from many countries.

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Canada: Temporary resident documents

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its regulations, granting border and immigration officers greater authority to cancel temporary resident visas (TRVs) and electronic travel authorisations (eTAs). Officers can now revoke these documents if the holder becomes inadmissible, fails to prove they will leave Canada after their stay, or if the document is lost or stolen. Additionally, permits can be cancelled if issued due to an administrative error or if the holder becomes a permanent resident or is deceased. These measures aim to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and border security.

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New Zealand: Student Visas

New Zealand has introduced key updates affecting international students. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will now prioritise visa applications from students already in the country applying for a second visa with a new provider or course, while all other applications will continue to be processed in order of submission.

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Portugal: Residence permit processing

Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) has introduced a new system to accelerate the processing of pending residence permit applications. The revised procedure applies to foreign nationals who submitted an expression of interest through the old SAPA Portal before 30th April 2023.

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Eligible applicants will receive an email prompting them to reset their password on a new service platform. After accessing the system, they must generate a Single Billing Document (DUC) and complete payment within 10 days. Once the fee is paid, a scheduling proposal will be sent within 20 business days, detailing the date, time, and location for their appointment.

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Before the appointment, applicants will be required to submit updated documentation online, ensuring a more efficient process.

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Should you have any queries regarding the above information or if you require assistance with your corporate, employment or immigration matter, please get in touch with a legal professional at Hudson McKenzie via email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone +44(0) 20 3318 5794.

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The information provided does not amount to legal advice.