Relocation news digest - May 25, 2024

🇰🇪 Kenya: immigration application processing temporarily suspended

The Kenyan authorities have suspended the processing of immigration applications - including permanent residence, residence permits, citizenship, and work or study permits - for two weeks.

Applications for the electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for business and tourism will continue to be processed as usual.

🇸🇪 Sweden: passport details for work and study permits can now be submitted online

Passport details previously had to be submitted in person at a consulate. The new system covers citizens of 23 countries, with plans to expand it in the near future.

🇪🇺 EU: Schengen visa fees are going up

From 11 June, applying for a Schengen visa will become more expensive. The fee will rise to €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12 - a 12% increase on the current price.

The hike is attributed to inflation and the EU's drive to raise civil servants' salaries.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: seasonal worker visas extended to 2029

The UK government has announced that its seasonal worker visa scheme will run until 2029. Under the programme, 43,000 visas will be available for the horticulture sector and 2,000 for poultry in 2025.

🇬🇪 Georgia: Red Wings to launch scheduled flights from St Petersburg to Batumi

The scheduled service begins on 13 June. The airline will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays.

🇳🇴 Norway: authorities ban entry to Russian tourists

From 29 May, Russian citizens arriving in Norway for tourism will be refused entry. The ban applies to all holders of Schengen visas issued by other countries.

Exceptions will be made for Russians travelling to the country for study or work, or to visit close relatives - parents, children and spouses.

🇦🇪 UAE: ten-year visa introduced for outstanding contributions to the environment

The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates has approved a new long-term visa category - the "Blue Residency Visa." It will allow foreign nationals who have made an exceptional contribution to environmental protection to live and work in the UAE for 10 years.

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan: Red Wings resumes flights from Samara to Almaty

Flights begin on 7 June, operating once a week on Fridays.

🇦🇺 Australia: authorities to introduce a new national visa

By July 2024, the Australian government plans to close the Business Innovation and Investment visa and replace it with a new National Innovation visa.

Through the new national visa, the authorities aim to consolidate the BIIP and Global Talent visa programmes.

🇮🇱 Israel: electronic entry authorisation scheme launched for Russians

From 1 June, Israel is launching a pilot electronic entry authorisation scheme for tourists who can visit the country visa-free.

Applicants must complete an entry authorisation form in advance, attaching a scan of their passport, flight tickets, medical insurance, and general details of the planned trip. A fee of around $10 will apply.

Applications will be processed within 48 hours, and the authorisation is valid for two years.

US and German citizens will take part in the pilot. From 1 August, the electronic authorisation will become mandatory for citizens of all countries that have a visa-free agreement with Israel - including Russia.

🇿🇦 South Africa: digital nomad visa introduced

The South African government has introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing foreign nationals with a sufficient level of income to reside in the country while working as freelancers or employees for entities outside South Africa.

The Department of Home Affairs will publish more detailed information about the programme in the official gazette in the coming months.

What changed since: October 2026

Electronic travel authorisations: where they are needed in 2026

A travel authorisation does not replace a visa and gives no right to live in the country: moving requires a residence permit.

What this means for relocants

• trips to Europe are becoming more expensive and complex for Russians: a €90 visa, mostly single-entry;
• Israel, by contrast, can be visited without a visa but with an authorisation obtained in advance;
• for those wanting to live in Australia the business route is closed, leaving talent visas and employment;
• for permanent life in the EU, residence is simpler than getting a visa every time.

What we do

We choose residence instead of a series of visa trips, such as Spain's nomad visa or Portugal residence, prepare documents and support you through to the card. We fix our fee in writing after a free consultation.

FAQ