Current Affairs in Visa Policies

Some recent developments in visa policies and related affairs:

China Expands Visa-Free Entry

As of November 30, 2024, China has extended its visa-free entry policy to nine additional countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan. 

This initiative aims to boost tourism and business travel, thereby aiding China's economy.

The visa-free entry period has also been extended from 15 to 30 days. 

Iran Abolishes Visa Requirements for Indian Tourists

Effective February 4, 2024, Iran has removed visa requirements for Indian tourists. 

Indian passport holders can now visit Iran once every six months for up to 15 days without a visa, aiming to enhance tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations. 

Bulgaria and Romania Join Schengen Area

On March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania became members of the Schengen Area, allowing for passport-free travel across many European countries. 

Initially, this applies to air and sea travel, with plans to extend to land borders in the future. 

Australia's Visa Policy Adjustments

Australia has introduced Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) to replace the previous MD107, aiming to change the processing of offshore student visas for international students. 

The new scheme prioritizes processing up to 80% of an institution's international student cap, with the remaining applications processed more slowly. 

This move is intended to manage international student numbers fairly, though it has faced criticism regarding its effectiveness. 

U.S. Visa Policy Changes for Religious Workers

In March 2023, the U.S. government implemented changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act, affecting foreign-born clergy by integrating more applicants into the same queue, causing significant backlogs for religious worker green cards. 

In response, the Catholic Diocese in Paterson, New Jersey, along with five priests, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government in August 2024, arguing that these changes impose substantial burdens on religious workers aiming to continue their vocation in the U.S.