Lex Visas Weekly Immigration Roundup: Key Global Mobility & Immigration Updates | 31st July 2026

Every week brings new immigration policies, visa updates, and compliance requirements that can influence international hiring, employee mobility, and cross-border business operations. At Lex Visas, we simplify these global developments by bringing together the most significant immigration news in one place. This week’s roundup covers important updates from India, South Africa, Malaysia, Ireland, the UAE, and Singapore, helping organizations and professionals stay informed, compliant, and prepared for what’s next. 

India Clarifies Citizenship Rules After Acquisition of Foreign Nationality

The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) has issued an important clarification regarding Indian citizenship and passport surrender requirements. According to the updated guidance, Indian citizenship automatically ceases once an individual voluntarily acquires the nationality of another country. Individuals who obtain foreign citizenship are required to surrender their Indian passport within 30 days of acquiring their new nationality.

After surrendering their passport, they must, where applicable, regularize their stay in India by obtaining the appropriate visa through the e-FRRO portal. This clarification reinforces India’s citizenship laws and highlights the importance of timely compliance. Failure to surrender an Indian passport within the stipulated timeframe may result in penalties and complications during future immigration procedures.

What this means:

• Indian passports must be surrendered within 30 days after acquiring foreign citizenship.
• Individuals should immediately apply for the appropriate visa if they wish to remain in India.
• Employers managing expatriates or employees returning from overseas should ensure compliance with these updated requirements.

South Africa Introduces Proposed Fee for New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

South Africa is moving ahead with its plans to modernize border management through the introduction of a Digital Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) platform. The Department of Home Affairs has proposed charging a ZAR 500 processing fee for ETA applications. The new fee is expected to become effective from 17 August 2026, subject to final approval.

The ETA system aims to simplify visa processing by reducing administrative costs while also providing eligible visa-exempt travelers with an optional fast-track immigration clearance process upon arrival. Public consultation on the proposal remains open until 11 August 2026.

Why this matters:

• Faster digital visa processing.
• Reduced administrative burden for travelers.
• Improved border management efficiency.
• Additional convenience for business travelers entering South Africa.

Organizations with employees frequently traveling to South Africa should monitor the implementation timeline and prepare for the upcoming digital application process.

Malaysia Strengthens Employment Pass Requirements

Malaysia has introduced additional compliance measures for employers recruiting foreign professionals under specific salary categories. Employers hiring foreign nationals with monthly salaries ranging between RM15,000 and RM19,999 are now required to complete a Labour Market Test (LMT) through the MyFutureJobs portal before submitting an Employment Pass application.

In addition, employers must obtain approval from SOCSO (Social Security Organisation) before lodging the Employment Pass application, unless they qualify for an exemption under existing regulations. The new requirements are intended to encourage local workforce participation while maintaining transparency in the hiring of foreign professionals.

Key employer obligations include:

• Complete the Labour Market Test.
• Obtain SOCSO approval.
• Verify exemption eligibility before filing Employment Pass applications.
• Plan recruitment timelines accordingly to accommodate the additional compliance steps.

HR and mobility teams should review current recruitment strategies to avoid delays in onboarding international talent.

Ireland Extends Relief Amid Residence Permit Processing Delays

Ireland continues to experience significant delays in issuing Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards, with processing times now exceeding 17 weeks in many cases. To reduce disruption for foreign nationals, Irish authorities have confirmed that individuals whose IRP renewal applications were submitted before their existing permits expired may continue to legally reside and work in Ireland until 31 August 2026, even if their physical permit has expired.

The temporary measure offers reassurance to employers and foreign workers awaiting updated residence documentation.

Important points:

• Applies only to timely renewal applicants.
• Legal residence and work authorization remain valid until 31 August 2026.
• Employers should retain proof of submitted renewal applications for compliance purposes.

This temporary flexibility helps maintain workforce continuity while authorities work through the processing backlog.

UAE Expands Visa on Arrival Eligibility

The United Arab Emirates has broadened its conditional Visa on Arrival program by including passport holders from six additional countries:

• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Kenya
• South Africa

Eligible travelers from these countries who hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by jurisdictions such as the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, or Canada can now benefit from simplified entry procedures when visiting the UAE. The expansion is expected to support increased tourism, investment, and business mobility by making travel more accessible for qualified visitors.

Benefits include:

• Simplified arrival procedures.
• Faster entry for eligible travelers.
• Greater flexibility for international business travel.
• Enhanced regional mobility.

Businesses operating across the Middle East may benefit from smoother travel arrangements for employees and clients.

Singapore Raises Local Qualifying Salary Threshold

Singapore has officially increased the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) to SGD 1,800 per month, effective 1 July 2026. The LQS determines whether local employees count toward an employer’s workforce calculation for foreign worker quota eligibility. Employers who fail to meet the revised salary threshold may see their quota for hiring foreign workers affected.

What employers should do:

• Review payroll structures.
• Ensure local employees meet the new qualifying salary.
• Reassess workforce planning where foreign work permits are involved.
• Stay compliant with Ministry of Manpower requirements.

The revised threshold reflects Singapore’s ongoing efforts to strengthen local employment while maintaining a balanced foreign workforce.

Why Do These Updates Matter for Global Mobility?

This week’s immigration developments demonstrate how governments worldwide are increasingly focusing on digital transformation, employer accountability, workforce compliance, and border security. For multinational organizations, HR departments, and mobility professionals, keeping pace with these regulatory changes is essential to:

• Maintain immigration compliance.
• Avoid visa processing delays.
• Support international employee mobility.
• Reduce legal and operational risks.
• Plan global workforce strategies more effectively.

Partnering with experienced Immigration experts helps organizations navigate changing regulations with confidence while ensuring uninterrupted international business operations.

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. Connect with Lex Visas today and let our experienced immigration specialists help your organization navigate the ever-changing global immigration landscape with confidence, compliance, and peace of mind.