New Immigration Policies in June 2025: China Joins Poland, Australia, Sweden, UAE, US, UK, Spain, Portugal, France And Italy

The start of June 2025 brought along a range of significant shifts in immigration policy around the globe. Such reforms mark a balancing of national interests, needs of the labor market, and foreign relations. States such as China, Poland, Australia, and the UAE have implemented policies that stand to affect travel, working requirements, and resident requirements considerably. Below is a comprehensive rundown of these revised policies and their effects.

China’s Visa-Free Travel Expansion

On June 9, 2025, China expanded its visa-free travel scheme to include citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. These travelers can now visit China for up to 30 days without a visa. This move builds upon existing agreements with Qatar and the UAE. According to Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, the country welcomes more travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Moreover, as of June 1, 2025, citizens from five Latin American countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay—can also enjoy 30-day visa-free access to China.

In addition to these new agreements, China continues to offer visa-free entry for nationals from the European Union (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others) and certain countries in Asia (Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia), as well as Australia and New Zealand in Oceania. These expansions indicate China’s growing openness to global tourism and business interactions.

Poland’s Work Authorisation Overhaul

Poland implemented significant changes to its immigration policies on June 1, 2025, focusing on work authorizations. Under the new rules, the labor market test has been abolished, and employers are now required to submit only electronic applications for work permits. The shift to digital submissions aims to streamline the process and eliminate paperwork.

Additionally, Poland introduced a list of “protected” jobs that cannot be filled by foreign workers. This list will be curated by district authorities and applies to certain sectors where domestic labor is prioritized. A notable shift is that work permits for jobs under half-time will only last one year. Priority processing is now given to employers in key economic sectors, as well as those filling positions in shortage occupations.

Other new provisions include stricter checks on employers, with penalties for illegal employment ranging from 3,000 PLN (Rs 68,000) to 50,000 PLN (Rs 11 lakh). Employers must also submit a copy of the employment contract before the worker starts and report any changes in the foreign worker’s status within seven days.

Australia Cuts Migration Intake

Australia has set its migration intake at 250,000 people for the year ending June 2025, bringing the annual number of migrants back to pre-pandemic levels. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a decrease in net overseas migration, dropping from 536,000 in the previous year to 446,000 in 2023-24. This decision to scale back migration aims to address the country’s ongoing housing and labor market challenges, with a focus on restoring balance.

Sweden Raises Income Threshold for Migrants

In Sweden, a new immigration reform will require migrants to earn at least 80% of the median Swedish salary to qualify for a work permit. This threshold, which currently amounts to around 35,600 kronor (approximately Rs 3 lakh), will be enforced starting June 2025. The government aims to limit labor immigration to high-skilled roles while ensuring that workers meet local salary standards. Domestic care workers, however, will be exempt from this rule. Sweden’s push to prioritize highly skilled workers is reflected in the increase in the number of departures and arrivals from certain countries, with Indians becoming the second-largest group of new arrivals behind Ukrainians.

UAE Introduces New Work Visit Visa

On June 30, 2025, the UAE will roll out a new type of visa specifically for skilled professionals. The Visit Visa for Work Purposes will allow individuals to enter the country for short-term job assignments or to explore employment opportunities for up to 120 days. This move is part of the UAE’s strategy to enhance labor market flexibility and attract global talent in key sectors.

To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as possessing qualifications within skill levels 1 to 3 as designated by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, or being recent graduates from top 500 global universities. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay.

Changes in the US Visa System

The United States made headlines by pausing all new international student visa interviews. The State Department ordered embassies to halt scheduling appointments for F, M, and J visa applicants. This move is part of an expansion of social media checks for visa applicants, raising concerns about delays and increased scrutiny.

In a related development, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students, a decision that would have affected 7,000 visa holders. While the decision provides temporary relief, the overall situation remains uncertain for international students planning to study in the U.S.

UK Immigration Surge and Visa Changes

In the UK, there was a notable surge in applications for British citizenship, with over 6,600 Americans applying in the year ending March 2025. This was the highest number since 2004, with a significant portion of these applications coming between January and March 2025.

Additionally, the UK’s White Paper on immigration proposed several changes. Notably, the eligibility for Skilled Worker visas will be restricted to university-level roles, with lower-skilled positions no longer qualifying. Employers will also be required to invest in training local staff, or they risk losing access to the Skilled Worker route. The paper also proposes an increase in the Immigration Skills Charge and changes to the Graduate Route, reducing its duration from two years to 18 months.

Spain Eases Work and Study Permit Regulations

Spain has made important reforms to its immigration system, especially for foreign workers and students. The new rules grant stronger workplace protections for foreign workers and simplify residency processes for their dependent family members. Additionally, university students can now work up to 30 hours per week, and upon graduation, they can transition directly to work permits without additional hurdles. Foreign students who meet eligibility requirements may also sponsor family members, further enhancing Spain’s appeal as a destination for international students and workers.

Portugal Tightens Border Control Systems

In Portugal, the introduction of a new border control system requires third-country nationals with short-stay visas to provide biometric data, including fingerprints, upon arrival. While this aims to enhance security and streamline immigration procedures, it may result in longer wait times at airports and seaports in the initial phase of implementation.

France’s Talent—EU Blue Card Reforms

France has revised its Talent—EU Blue Card system, offering more flexibility to highly qualified workers. The reforms now allow workers with contracts as short as six months to qualify, and applicants without higher education degrees can apply if they have at least three years of relevant experience. These changes are part of France’s broader effort to attract skilled labor to meet its economic needs.

Italy Introduces Fingerprinting for National Visa Applicants

Italy introduced a fresh biometric requirement for applicants for long-stay national (D) visas. As a requirement of the new procedure, the applicants must present themselves for an in-person interview to provide fingerprints. But those who have already provided biometric information for a Schengen visa in the past five years could be exempted.

References: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Polish Government, UK Home Office