Policy updates articles
Visa Ray guides and updates tagged Policy updates.
Does any EU country still sell citizenship? What happened to Malta, Cyprus and Bulgaria
Malta closed its citizenship-by-investment scheme in 2025 after an EU court ruling. See what replaced it, which EU programmes ended, and the residence options that remain.
2026-10-19 · 3 min read
H-1B in October 2026: the PERM suspension, the $100,000 fee fight and what workers can do
What the US suspended in October 2026, what it means for H-1B workers and applicants, the court rulings that matter and lawful alternatives.
2026-10-19 · 8 min read
UAE Golden Visa in 2026: what changed for property investors and professionals
The UAE updated its Golden Visa in early 2026, including the 50% payment rule for property, new categories and longer sponsorship of children. A plain summary.
2026-09-11 · 2 min read
UK earned settlement: how the new route to indefinite leave to remain may work
The UK has proposed changing settlement from a fixed five-year route to an earned model. Here is what is known, what is not, and how to prepare.
2026-09-10 · 2 min read
France raised residence permit and naturalisation fees on 1 May 2026
French residence permit tax doubled in some categories and the naturalisation stamp duty rose to EUR 255. A summary of the new amounts and who is exempt.
2026-09-06 · 2 min read
Portugal's citizenship rules: 10 years of residence and what to check before you rely on it
Portugal's reformed nationality law raises the standard residence period from 5 to 10 years. Understand the 7-year routes, when the clock starts, and what remains uncertain.
2026-09-05 · 2 min read
Thailand cut its visa-free stay to 30 days: what travellers and remote workers should do
From 15 September 2026 Thailand's visa-exempt stay was reported cut from 60 to 30 days. Here is what it means for tourists, digital nomads and long-stay visitors.
2026-09-02 · 2 min read
Japan's Business Manager visa now needs JPY 30 million: what changed and who is affected
Japan raised the Business Manager visa capital requirement from JPY 5 million to JPY 30 million in October 2025. See the new rules and alternatives.
2026-09-01 · 3 min read
New Zealand just restructured its Skilled Migrant Category — here's what changed
On 24 August 2026, New Zealand moved its main skilled residence pathway away from a single points system toward pathways built around work experience and trade qualifications.
2026-08-26 · 1 min read
The US H-1B $100,000 fee requirement was vacated in court — what it actually means
A federal court vacated the guidance implementing a disputed $100,000 H-1B payment requirement on 8 June 2026. Here's what's confirmed and what to verify before you act.
2026-08-01 · 1 min read