For many foreigners, Serbia is European country that is not well-known. However, it is a perfect place to adventure seekers thanks to its unique natural landmarks. Culture lovers would also enjoy its festivals and the old monasteries that still exists today. Unfortunately, visa policy for those who wish to live or work in the country have been difficult. But, this will change with the latest announcement of its visa application process.

Application Process

On Thursday, October 10, the Serbian government announced that they will be relaxing their visa policy for residency, long-term stay and work. This will be the first time the government is relaxing its immigration laws. It also opens the opportunity for foreign workers to work after they enter the country.

Currently, Serbia is having problems with its workforce because of brain drain and the aging workforce. With the improved migration rules, the country will be able to attract migrant workers to the country.

Starting December 20, 2020, foreign nationals who wish to work in the country will now be able to apply for both their residence and work visa together. They will only need to submit one application form while in their home country. Originally, foreigners will need to stay in the country without work and wait for 30 days for their permits to work. They also do not need to submit duplicate applications to two different departments.

Workers will also be able to apply for a work permit extension at least 60 days before their work permit expires. Previously, they can only apply 30 days before their permit’s expiry. The extension will also help employers to consider renewal options, especially if it is rejected. Workers also do not need to submit notarized documents for their applications.

With regards to long-term stay, foreigners will be able to apply for their long-term stay visa abroad starting January 1, 2020. The visa will allow them to start working within 30 days of their work visa being filed once they arrive in the country. Temporary residence permits can also be applied from overseas, which is not allowed currently.

Find more about these changes here.

Serbia Tips

Want to check out what Serbia has to offer? Check out the official website of the National Tourism Organization of Serbia to find out more about the country.

If you will be working in Serbia, we have a guide on the cost of living and average salary in the country.

We also have a full guide on how you can retire in Serbia.

The post Serbia to Facilitate Applications for Work and Residence Permits appeared first on Check in Price.

Retaining one’s residence permits, as well as applying for one, often entails several rules and regulations for holders to follow. For some countries, their requirements are very strict and often leads to foreign residents to give up their permits. However, Qatar intends to change that with their new measures.

New Rules on Residence Permits

The announcement of the new measures was done during the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs press conference on October 9. The new measures will enable the sons of residents to work in the private sector without changing their sponsorship. They will only need to present a written approval from their family head and obtain their work permit from the ministry.

New temporary work visas for certain professions and jobs will also be available, as well as reduce MoI’s service fees to 20%. These new visas will be valid for one to two month and will be around QR300 to QR 500 respectively. Visas up to 6 months will be QR 200 each month.

The new measures aims to get the sons of expatriate residents to help the country’s economy. Currently, only daughters are ok to work without changing their sponsorship.

Meanwhile, the new temporary work visas will be made available to private companies, commercial establishments and other licensed entities who handle emergency, temporary and seasonal work. The reduction of fees will also help pave way to change the services of government and make them online. It will also reduce paperwork for the government to review, as well as reduce the recruitment and housing expenses for employers.

Currently, work is underway to create the legislative tools necessary to get the proposal through. It is possible that the proposal to let sons of expatriates work without changing sponsorship will under the amendment for Article No. 17 of Law No. 21 of 2015. Meanwhile, the measure for temporary visas will be under Labor Law No. 14 of 2004 and its other amendments.

Qatar Travel Tips

If you want to check out Qatar, there are a lot of tips in this site that you can use. We have a guide on where you can stay while in Doha. If you are in a layover at Doha International Airport, we have a guide here for you.

You can check out the site of  Visit Qatar for other great travel tips.

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