Switzerland Lifts Visa Restrictions on Ethiopia
What changed
From 12 June 2026, Switzerland has removed visa restrictions for people who hold Ethiopian nationality. The European Union recently did the same. This decision recognises that Ethiopia has improved its cooperation on bringing its citizens back home. Before this, restrictions were in place because Ethiopia did not cooperate enough on return operations.
The detail
Policy history
Switzerland Lifts Visa Restrictions on EthiopiaRelated changes
SwitzerlandInternational AgreementsEffectiveEffective 5 Oct 2026 Switzerland and India Conclude Migration and Mobility Partnership and Young Professionals Training Exchange Agreements
What changed
Switzerland and India have signed two important agreements: a Migration and Mobility Partnership and another agreement for training exchanges for young professionals. The Migration and Mobility Partnership makes official the existing cooperation on migration, creating legal ways for people to move and addressing issues like irregular migration, human trafficking, and forged documents. The agreement for young professionals will provide training placements to help people improve their professional and language skills.
Published 5 Oct 2026Effective 5 Oct 2026State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — Media releases
New ZealandVisitor VisasEffectiveEffective 1 Oct 2026 New Zealand Transitions Most Visitor and Transit Visa Applications to Online Only
What changed
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is transitioning to a fully online application process for most visitor and transit visas. Effective from 1 October 2026, individuals applying for these visa types must use the enhanced Immigration Online system, as paper submissions will no longer be routinely accepted. This move aims to streamline processes, reduce paperwork, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of visa applications within New Zealand's jurisdiction.
Published 4 Sept 2026Effective 1 Oct 2026Immigration New Zealand — News
AustraliaVisitor VisasEffectiveEffective 29 Sept 2026 Australia Updates Approved Travel Agents fo Visitor (Class FA) Visa Applications
What changed
Australia has changed how applications are handled for the Subclass 600 Visitor visa, specifically for the Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream. The 'Migration (Arrangements for Visitor (Class FA) visa applications) Amendment Instrument 2026' (departmental reference LIN 26/060) has replaced the previous list of approved ADS travel agents in China. This document was created on 24 September 2026, officially recorded on 28 September 2026, and became active on 29 September 2026, which was the day after its registration.
Published 28 Sept 2026Effective 29 Sept 2026Federal Register of Legislation — Migration instruments
SwitzerlandConsultationsPassedIssued 25 Sept 2026 Switzerland Increases Federal Funding for Integration Programmes for 2028–2032
What changed
The Swiss Federal Council has significantly increased funding for integration promotion by the Confederation and the cantons. It approved a commitment credit of 334.5 million Swiss francs for the years 2028 to 2032, a rise of 5.4 million Swiss francs annually compared to the current period. This enhanced funding targets language development, educational pathways, and labour market integration, primarily benefiting immigrants and refugees through strengthened cantonal programmes and national projects. The change takes effect for the new programme period starting in 2028.
Published 25 Sept 2026State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — Media releases
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