New Zealand and Thailand Enhance Immigration and Border Security Cooperation through Strategic Partnership

What changed

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has issued Order INT/1033/2026, which started on 8 October 2026. This order extends the temporary return of border controls at Spain's internal air and sea borders for people travelling from Italy. This measure, which continues earlier extensions, covers passenger flights and maritime links until 22 October 2026. It suggests that the Spanish authorities believe there are still serious threats to public order and internal security, meaning checks are still needed at borders that would normally be open under the Schengen Agreement.

What changed

New Zealand's Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, announced that an in-person citizenship test will be introduced as part of the citizenship by grant process from late 2027. Aspeq Limited has been appointed to design and deliver this new test. This initiative is designed to ensure that applicants seeking citizenship possess a sufficient understanding of their responsibilities and privileges as citizens of New Zealand, thereby strengthening the meaning of citizenship. The test will cover concepts such as freedom of speech and the principle of equality before the law.

What changed

The United States and the Hellenic Republic held their sixth Strategic Dialogue on 7 October 2026, where they confirmed their wide-ranging relationship. As part of these discussions, both countries agreed to improve cooperation in law enforcement and counter-terrorism. They specifically mentioned addressing the challenge of irregular migration. This confirms their ongoing efforts to manage and fight against irregular border crossings and the criminal activities linked to them.

What changed

Hong Kong's Immigration Department (ImmD) has started offering enrolment for a new automated clearance service called "collaborative inspection". This marks the official launch of a new combined immigration-clearance system being developed for the redeveloped Huanggang Port, which is on the boundary between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The ImmD announced on 6 October 2026 that eligible Hong Kong residents can enrol immediately using its HK e-Channel mobile application. There will also be other ways to enrol at Huanggang Port.