Global Immigration Policy Shifts: Key Updates and Trends

The landscape of global immigration is undergoing seismic shifts as nations recalibrate policies to attract talent, boost economies, and streamline entry processes. From expanded student work rights in New Zealand to Saudi Arabia’s pioneering skill-based permit system, July 2025 has witnessed transformative changes affecting millions of migrants worldwide.

New Zealand Student Visa: Expanded Work Rights Take Effect

In a landmark move, New Zealand has significantly liberalized work provisions for international students. Effective November 3, 2025, tertiary and secondary students (Years 12-13) can now work 25 hours weekly during semesters – a 25% increase from the previous 20-hour limit. The changes, part of the International Education Going for Growth Plan, mark New Zealand’s aggressive bid to become a top study destination.

Key developments include:

• Extended eligibility for all exchange/study abroad students, including those in 1-semester programs
• Mandatory new visa applications (not condition variations) when changing institutions or lowering study levels
• Parental consent remains essential for secondary scholars seeking work rights

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) data reveals 40,987 current visa holders stand to benefit. While 29,790 visas expire before March 2026, students with valid visas must apply for variation of conditions (with fees) to access extra hours. Education Minister Erica Stanford emphasized: “This balances students’ financial needs with academic commitments while addressing workforce gaps in hospitality and retail sectors.

Implementation considerations:

• Students nearing graduation may defer applications to avoid fees
• Full-time work remains permitted during scheduled breaks
• Further reforms including vocational graduate visas are under Cabinet review

Source: Immigration New Zealand Official Announcement

Saudi Arabia Revolutionizes Work Permits with Skill-Based System

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources launched a groundbreaking points-based work permit classification on July 5, 2025. The system categorizes foreign workers into three tiers – high-skill, skilled, and basic – using criteria like education, experience, wages, and occupational groups.

Implementation Timeline	Phase	Start Date	Coverage
1	July 5, 2025	Existing foreign workers
2	August 3, 2025	New applicants

Classification criteria:

• High-Skill: Managers/specialists earning ≥SAR 12,000 monthly, scoring ≥75 points
• Skilled: Technical/clerical roles with professional accreditation
• Basic: Elementary occupations with age cap (≤60 years)

The automated system on Qiwa Platform allows employers to challenge misclassifications. “This attracts premium talent while ensuring wage fairness,” stated Ministry spokesperson Khalid Abaalkhail. The reform aligns with Vision 2030’s human capital development goals.

China-Malaysia Visa-Free Travel Goes Live

The long-anticipated visa waiver between China and Malaysia took effect July 17, 2025. Ordinary passport holders can now enjoy:

• 30-day visa-free stays (max 90 days/180 days)
• Coverage for tourism, business, medical visits, and family reunions
• Exclusion of work/study/journalism activities requiring prior visas

This reciprocal agreement – signed last April – aims to revive tourism, with Malaysia targeting 5 million Chinese visitors in 2025.

Canada Opens Parents/Grandparents Program

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue 10,000 invitations for Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) sponsorships starting July 28, 2025. Key details:

• Exclusively drawn from 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool
• Electronic applications via Permanent Residence Portal
• Unsuccessful applicants encouraged toward Super Visas (10-year validity, 5-year stays)

India Expands e-Visa Access to Kuwait

India’s new e-Visa facility for Kuwaiti nationals (effective July 13, 2025) features:

• Processing within 72-96 hours
• Entry through 32 airports/5 seaports
• Categories covering tourism, business, and medical travel
• Biometric collection upon arrival

Must Know

Q: How does New Zealand’s student visa work extension impact existing holders?
A: Current visa holders must apply (and pay) for a variation of conditions or new visa to access 25-hour weeks. Those near visa expiry may delay applications until renewal. Summer break full-time work rights remain unaffected.

Q: Can Saudi work permit classifications be appealed?
A: Yes. Employers/workers can submit reclassification requests via Qiwa Platform if occupational duties, wages, or credentials warrant higher categorization. Decisions require documented proof alignment with SSCO standards.

Q: What activities are prohibited under China-Malaysia visa-free travel?
A: The waiver excludes paid work, academic enrollment, journalism, and stays exceeding 30 days per entry. These require appropriate visas from respective embassies beforehand.

Q: How frequently does Canada’s PGP open?
A: IRCC typically opens the program annually, but invitation numbers vary. 2025’s 10,000 spots represent a 15% increase from 2024, reflecting family reunification priorities.

Global mobility is accelerating at unprecedented speed, with New Zealand’s student visa overhaul and Saudi Arabia’s skill-based permits setting 2025’s benchmark for adaptive immigration policy. These changes signal a competitive race for talent where flexibility and clarity become national assets. For families, students, and professionals navigating these shifts, consulting accredited immigration experts remains critical to harnessing emerging opportunities.