Lex Visas Weekly Immigration Roundup: Key Global Mobility & Immigration Updates | 7th August 2026

Immigration News August 2026 highlights the latest developments in global immigration and mobility as governments continue to modernize visa systems, strengthen border security, and introduce new travel policies. For multinational companies, HR professionals, business travellers, and individuals planning international mobility, staying informed about these immigration updates is essential to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary delays.

This week’s Lex Visas Weekly Immigration Roundup covers major immigration updates from India, the UAE, South Korea, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Australia and Thailand. From India’s revised OCI regulations and biometric e-gates to Australia’s faster skilled visa processing and South Korea’s new Workcation Visa, here are the key developments you need to know.

India Introduces Major Changes to OCI Regulations

India has announced one of the most significant updates to the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) framework in recent years, introducing several procedural and compliance-related changes aimed at modernizing the application process. One of the biggest changes is the removal of the six-month stay requirement for applicants applying for OCI while residing in India. This provides greater flexibility for eligible foreign nationals and Persons of Indian Origin who no longer need to satisfy a lengthy residency condition before submitting their application. The updated regulations also make in-person submission of OCI applications mandatory through designated VFS Global Centres or Indian Missions worldwide, strengthening identity verification procedures.

Additionally, applicants will now be required to complete a digital e-Arrival Card before travelling to India, further supporting the country’s move toward digitized immigration management. The Government has also officially discontinued the acceptance of PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Cards, making OCI the only long-term overseas citizenship-related document available. Existing OCI cardholders should also take note of the stricter passport update timelines, requiring timely updates whenever a new passport is issued under the prescribed rules. Alongside these procedural reforms, revised OCI application fees have also come into effect. For individuals with Indian roots living abroad, these changes make it increasingly important to understand the updated documentation and compliance requirements before submitting an OCI application.

India Launches Fast Track Immigration e-Gates at Goa Airports

India is taking another major step toward digital border management with the rollout of biometric e-gates under the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP). Effective 6 August 2026, registered Indian travellers arriving at or departing from Goa’s international airports can complete immigration clearance in less than 30 seconds using automated biometric verification.

The programme significantly reduces waiting times at immigration counters while enhancing security through biometric authentication and pre-verified traveller profiles. Initially available only to registered Indian citizens, the Government has indicated that the programme is expected to expand to foreign nationals in a future phase, supporting India’s broader vision of smarter and more efficient border control. Frequent international travellers and business professionals may benefit considerably from enrolling in the FTI-TTP once eligible.

UAE Centralizes Indian Consular Services Through ICAC Centres

The Government of India has implemented a new service delivery model for consular services across the United Arab Emirates. Effective 22 July 2026, all Indian passport, visa, attestation, and related consular services are now being managed by Al Hind Tours & Travels through 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

Applicants are now required to book appointments in advance before visiting the centres. However, walk-in services remain available for specific urgent categories, including:

• Tatkal passport applications
• Newborn passport applications
• Emergency Certificates
• Senior citizen applicants

The centralized system aims to improve service efficiency, reduce processing delays, and provide a more streamlined experience for the large Indian community residing in the UAE.

South Korea Introduces Permanent Workcation Visa

South Korea has permanently launched the F-1-D Workcation Visa, creating new opportunities for remote professionals looking to combine work and international living. The visa allows eligible foreign nationals, including Indian citizens, to live and work remotely in South Korea for up to three years, provided they continue working for employers or clients located outside South Korea.

An important feature of the programme is the reduced income eligibility requirement for certain younger applicants, making the visa more accessible to early-career professionals.

The new visa is expected to attract:

• Remote IT professionals
• Freelancers
• Consultants
• Entrepreneurs
• Digital nomads

For Indian professionals working remotely, South Korea now joins a growing list of countries offering long-term workcation opportunities.

Hungary Suspends Guest Worker Residence Permit Applications

Hungary has temporarily suspended new applications under its Guest Worker Residence Permit Programme. As a result, employers planning to deploy foreign workers, including Indian employees, to Hungary cannot currently submit new applications under this immigration route. However, the suspension does not affect existing residence permits or applications submitted before the announcement. Those cases will continue to be processed under the existing rules. Companies with workforce mobility plans involving Hungary should closely monitor future government announcements before initiating new assignments.

United Kingdom Simplifies Dependant Visa Process for Babies Born in the UK

The United Kingdom has introduced an important immigration facilitation for families of international graduates. Parents holding a Graduate Visa can now apply from within the UK for dependant visas for babies born in the country. Previously, families often needed to return to their home country, including India to complete the dependant visa process, creating additional travel expenses and administrative challenges. The new policy eliminates this requirement, allowing eligible parents to complete the application domestically, making the process quicker and more convenient for international students and young professionals building their careers in the UK.

Australia Introduces Faster Skilled Visa Processing

Australia has implemented Ministerial Direction 119, introducing a revised priority processing framework for employer-sponsored and skilled migration visas. The new framework prioritizes applications supporting Australia’s critical workforce needs, particularly in sectors such as:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Construction
• Defence
• Law enforcement

Qualified Indian professionals working in these high-demand industries may experience faster visa processing, improving certainty for both employers and applicants. At the same time, Australia has removed the previous priority categories for regional employers and accredited sponsors, meaning applications will now be assessed under the updated national priority system. Businesses sponsoring overseas talent should review their recruitment and workforce planning strategies accordingly.

Thailand Extends Interim e-Work Permit Measures

Thailand has extended its interim e-Work Permit facilitation measures until 28 October 2026, providing continued operational support for employers facing technical issues with the online work permit system. During this extension period, applicants may continue submitting work permit documentation manually whenever technical disruptions prevent online filing. The extension helps businesses avoid work authorization gaps and ensures employees can maintain legal employment status while digital platform issues are resolved. For Indian companies with personnel in Thailand, this temporary measure provides additional flexibility and minimizes disruption to ongoing business operations.

This week’s immigration developments highlight how governments worldwide are balancing digital transformation, border security, workforce mobility, and talent attraction. India’s modernization of OCI services and biometric immigration, Australia’s faster skilled visa processing, South Korea’s permanent Workcation Visa, and Canada’s tighter intra-company transfer rules all demonstrate the rapidly changing nature of global mobility. For businesses managing international assignments and individuals planning overseas travel, work, or relocation, staying informed about these regulatory updates is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding unnecessary delays.

At Lex Visas, we continuously monitor global immigration developments to help organizations and professionals navigate changing immigration requirements with confidence. Whether you require assistance with work visas, business immigration, global mobility, document legalization, or immigration compliance, our experts are here to support your international journey.

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