New Delhi :
The United States has recently undergone a significant policy change that allows B1/B2 visa holders to apply for jobs and participate in job interviews, marking a departure from its previous stance of not permitting international visitors on B1/B2 visas to seek employment.
B1 and B2 visas are temporary, non-immigrant visas that are granted for business and tourism purposes, respectively.
The B1 visa is for business-related trips, while the B2 visa is for activities such as vacations or visiting family.
This policy shift comes amid a period of widespread job layoffs in the US, which has affected many Indian immigrants who hold H1-B work visas. Currently, laid-off immigrants have a 60-day grace period to stay in the US.
If they are unable to find another job or change their visa status during this time, they are required to leave the country.
However, under the new rule, laid-off immigrants can change their status to B1/B2 within the initial 60-day period.
Once they obtain a B1/B2 visa, they are legally allowed to remain in the US for an additional 60 days, during which they can search for jobs and attend job interviews.
It’s important to note that if a request for change of status is denied, the individual must leave the US and obtain an employment-authorized classification before commencing new employment to comply with the regulations.
Moreover, if the worker fails to take any action within the 60-day period, they are obligated to leave the US within that timeframe.
As per a press release issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), numerous individuals have inquired about the permissibility of searching for a new job and attending job interviews while in B1 or B2 status.
The USCIS has clarified that such activities are allowed under B1 or B2 visas.
Additionally, the German government has approved proposed changes to the Skilled Immigration Act with the objective of attracting more foreign workers to address the acute shortage of skilled workers in various sectors.
In 2022, Germany reported a record-high of 1.98 million open vacancies, many of which remained unfilled due to a lack of workers in specific sectors.
The latest changes to immigration policies include the following:
Qualification: The salary threshold will be reduced, the required length of professional experience will be shortened, and proof of German language proficiency will no longer be mandatory.
Experience: Prior recognition of degrees will not be mandatory before arrival, but due diligence must be conducted after arrival.
Potential: Individuals who are unable to find a job in Germany from their home country will now have the option to obtain an Opportunity Card, allowing them to move to Germany for a year and search for employment. This Card will be granted based on a points-based system that takes into account criteria such as proficiency in German and English, professional experience, connection to Germany, age, and more.
In Australia, the number of migrant arrivals for the year 2021-22 has significantly increased by 171 percent compared to the previous year, totaling 395,000.
India is among the top five countries of birth for migrant arrivals, along with China, Nepal, and the Philippines, according to a report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
In the decade leading up to the pandemic, migrant arrivals from India had notably increased, largely driven by international students in the higher education sector.
Overall, there has been a substantial increase in migrant arrivals for all temporary and permanent visa holders, as well as international students and working holiday makers, in comparison to the previous year.
Egypyt giving $700 Visa
Egypt has announced a unique initiative of offering a five-year visa for a fee of $700, making it the first time such a visa option is available.
Additionally, over 180 nationalities can now obtain a single-entry 30-day visa on arrival for $25, with Indians and Chinese among the nationalities added to the list of beneficiaries.
It is important to note that the visa on arrival is granted only to tourists who possess a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, or Schengen countries on their passports.
This move aims to revitalize Egypt’s struggling tourism industry, which has faced various challenges.
In contrast, Denmark has experienced a significant increase in the number of Indian workers immigrating with work permits in 2022.
Out of the total 31,600 foreigners who immigrated to Denmark for work purposes in 2022, Indians accounted for a remarkable 73 percent increase with 2,800 arrivals.
According to Statistics Denmark, the country’s official statistical website, the number of foreigners immigrating to Denmark for work purposes increased by 24 percent in 2022 compared to the previous year, marking the highest number since 1997.
As of January 1, 2023, approximately 176,300 foreigners in Denmark held a residence permit to work, marking an 18 percent increase compared to a decade ago.
