Lex Visas Weekly Immigration Roundup: Key Global Mobility & Immigration Updates | 24th July 2026

In this edition of the Lex Visas Weekly Immigration Roundup, we bring you the latest global immigration updates from India, the UAE, Australia, the United States, South Africa, Thailand, and Malaysia. Whether you’re managing cross-border talent, planning overseas assignments, or preparing visa applications, these developments can help you stay ahead of changing immigration requirements and ensure smoother global mobility.

Let’s take a closer look at this week’s key updates.

India – UAE Strengthen Cooperation on Labour Mobility & Consular Affairs

On 22 July, 2026, India and the United Arab Emirates successfully concluded the 7th Joint Committee Meeting on Consular Affairs in New Delhi, which reinforced their long-standing partnership in labour mobility, visa facilitation, and the welfare of Indian nationals residing in the UAE. The discussions focused on improving bilateral cooperation in handling consular matters, simplifying visa-related procedures, strengthening workforce mobility frameworks, and enhancing support services for the large Indian diaspora in the UAE.

Why these matters

The UAE remains one of India’s largest overseas employment destinations. Strengthened cooperation between the two countries is expected to:

• Improve mobility pathways for skilled professionals.
• Enhance visa processing coordination.
• Strengthen worker protection measures.
• Support businesses managing cross-border talent movement.

For companies with operations across India and the UAE, these developments indicate continued commitment towards smoother international workforce movement.

Australia: Police Clearance Certificate Delays May Impact Visa Processing

Indian nationals planning to apply for Australian visas should prepare for possible delays in obtaining Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs). The temporary suspension of Indian consular services in Australia has affected the issuance of PCCs, an essential document required for many Australian visa categories, including employment visas, skilled migration visas, and permanent residency applications. Since PCCs are mandatory for many immigration applications, delayed issuance could affect overall visa processing timelines.

Applicants are advised to:

• Apply for Police Clearance Certificates well in advance.
• Monitor updates from relevant authorities.
• Factor additional processing time into relocation plans.
• Coordinate documentation early with employers and immigration consultants.

Proper planning can significantly reduce unexpected delays during visa processing.

United States Introduces Fixed Admission Periods for F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a significant policy change affecting international students and exchange visitors. Beginning 15 September 2026, the existing Duration of Status (D/S) system for F-1 and J-1 visa holders will be replaced by fixed admission periods. Previously, eligible students and exchange visitors could remain in the United States for the duration of their approved academic or exchange program under the D/S framework.

Under the new rule:

• Admission will be granted for a fixed period.
• Individuals must carefully monitor their authorized stay.
• Extensions or changes in status may require additional applications before expiry.
• Overstaying the approved admission period could result in immigration consequences.

Impact on employers and educational institutions

Universities, research organizations, exchange programs, and employers sponsoring international talent should review compliance procedures to ensure visa holders maintain lawful status throughout their stay.

South Africa Expands Trusted Employer Scheme to Accelerate Work Visa Processing

South Africa continues its efforts to attract international talent by expanding its Trusted Employer Scheme (TES). The initiative now includes more employers operating within strategic sectors, enabling eligible organizations to benefit from faster and more efficient work visa processing for foreign professionals.

Benefits of the expansion

The enhanced program aims to:

• Reduce administrative processing times.
• Improve access to skilled international talent.
• Support industries facing workforce shortages.
• Increase employer confidence in immigration procedures.

Businesses participating in the scheme may experience more predictable timelines when hiring qualified foreign employees, supporting faster project deployment and workforce planning.

Thailand Launches Temporary Work Permit to Address Processing Delays

Thailand has introduced a new Temporary Work Permit (Form B.T. 62), effective 1 July 2026, providing greater flexibility for foreign nationals awaiting formal work permit approvals. The initiative allows eligible foreign workers to begin employment legally while their standard work permit application is still under review.

Administrative processing delays have often postponed employee onboarding despite completed recruitment processes.

The temporary permit helps by:

• Allowing legal employment during processing.
• Reducing project delays for employers.
• Supporting business continuity.
• Improving workforce mobility for international assignments.

This move reflects Thailand’s ongoing efforts to modernize its immigration system while addressing employer workforce needs.

Malaysia Introduces Stricter eVisa Photograph Requirements

Malaysia has implemented updated eVisa photograph specifications aimed at reducing application errors and improving processing efficiency.

Applicants must now comply with stricter technical standards regarding:

• Photograph size.
• Background colour.
• Facial positioning.
• Image clarity and quality.
• Overall formatting requirements.

Failure to meet the revised specifications may result in delayed processing or rejected applications.

Before submitting an eVisa application, travellers should:

• Review the latest photo guidelines carefully.
• Use professionally captured photographs whenever possible.
• Verify image specifications before uploading.
• Ensure all supporting documents meet current immigration requirements.

Even minor documentation errors can significantly delay travel and business schedules.

Stay Ahead with Lex Visas

Whether you’re preparing for changing immigration regulations, expanding into new markets, or supporting employees on international assignments, Lex Visas is here to help you stay one step ahead.