Asia-Pacific Immigration Update: Challenges and Opportunities

As global mobility professionals, staying informed about immigration trends across the Asia-Pacific region is crucial. Recent developments in several key countries present both challenges and opportunities for companies managing international assignments.

Let's explore the latest updates:

Singapore: Navigating the Compass System

Singapore's new Compass system for Employment Pass renewals is causing significant challenges for companies. Key points to remember:

• Renewals after September 1st require at least 40 points based on individual and company criteria.
• Salary thresholds for eligibility have increased substantially.
• Companies with high concentrations of certain nationalities (e.g., India, Philippines) struggle to earn diversity points.
• International companies often face difficulties earning points for supporting local employment.
• Tech roles may qualify for bonus points, but require detailed documentation of skills and experience.
• Applications are under intense scrutiny, often requiring multiple submissions.
• Tip: Consider S Pass options for employees who don't qualify for Employment Pass renewals, but be mindful of quota implications.

Indonesia: Post-Election Outlook

Following recent elections, Indonesia's new president will take office on October 20th. While significant changes to immigration policy are not expected, the appointment of the new Minister of Manpower will be crucial to watch.

Japan: Political Shifts and Immigration Stability

Despite recent political upheaval and the prime minister's announced resignation, major changes to immigration policies are unlikely. The Liberal Democratic Party is expected to maintain its dominance.

Thailand: Progressive Developments

Thailand is making exciting progress in attracting international talent:

• New visa pathways are opening up for skilled professionals and tourists.
• A visa waiver program now covers 93 countries.
• Most notably, Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. While the full immigration implications of the same-sex marriage bill are yet to be determined, this is a significant step forward for LGBT+ assignees and their families in the region.

Vietnam: Continuing Complexities 

Vietnam's immigration landscape remains challenging, despite attempts to simplify processes:

• Decree 70 (September 2022) has not fully addressed issues from the previous Decree 152.
• Labor market testing continues to cause significant delays in application processing.
• The system still lacks provisions for common "fly-in, fly-out" work arrangements.

Industry advocacy efforts are underway to address these challenges and push for more business-friendly immigration policies.

In conclusion, while some countries in the Asia-Pacific region are making strides toward more open and inclusive immigration policies, others continue to present hurdles for global mobility programs. Staying informed and working closely with local immigration experts will be key to navigating these complex and evolving landscapes.

Thank you to Fragomen's Julia Onslow-Cole for this week's immigration update!  You can view the full discussion here.