Continent encompassing Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reissued a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for Mpox, highlighting the organization's growing concerns about the rapid spread of the disease. The renewed alert comes in response to a significant increase in Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and several neighboring countries, including the emergence of a new strain of the virus.
However, the WHO is quick to reassure that Mpox is not the new Covid-19. The risk to the general public in countries outside the DRC and neighboring countries remains moderate, according to the organization. Some port authorities have enforced stricter health and epidemiological measures to prevent the disease from spreading through international vessels, but the WHO advises against implementing travel-related health measures specific to Mpox.
Meanwhile, Finland and Lithuania have announced changes to their immigration policies. In Finland, the revised income thresholds for residence permit applicants are crucial, as the previous thresholds, set in February 2013, no longer align with the present cost of living. The aim is to ensure applicants have funds equivalent to the minimum subsistence level for Finnish households. The new thresholds will be applicable across various categories of residence permits, including family members, students, researchers, and working holiday and au-pair permits.
In Lithuania, the minister responsible for the new regulation on the processing of temporary residence permits since September 2, 2024, is Minister Agnė Bilotaitė. The new regulations cover aspects such as the automatic cancellation of current permits, the digitalization of labour market testing, the timelines for changing employers, and the minimum salary requirements. Notably, temporary residence permit applications from Nepal will no longer be processed through external service providers from September 2, 2024, and applicants are advised to consult the latest guidelines for direct submission.
The changes in Lithuania are partly due to potential security risks and are part of a decrease in the total count of outsourced units, dropping from 34 to 31 this year, with closures in Lebanon, Jordan, and Sri Lanka.
Ireland is also making adjustments to its immigration policies. Starting September 2, 2024, Ireland will implement a new employment permit specifically for seasonal workers. Additionally, Ireland will simplify its labour market testing procedures and revise the rules regarding changing employers, as part of the newly passed Employment Permits Act 2024. The new regulations are expected to facilitate the recruitment of talent for employers, although they may also introduce some administrative challenges due to the Irish government's heightened focus on compliance.
It is worth noting that there is no mention of any changes to the income thresholds for residence permit applicants in Finland, Ireland, or any other country in the previous bullet points. Furthermore, the income thresholds for the residence permit for employed individuals remain unchanged for now, but may rise in the future.
Some authorities have initiated screening procedures for travellers and ships coming from the affected regions, including Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Argentina, Uruguay, and Venezuela. However, the WHO continues to emphasize that the risk to the general public in countries outside the DRC and neighboring countries remains moderate.
In the case of Mpox, the WHO is urging its member states to remain vigilant and prepare for potential outbreaks, while emphasizing that the general public should not be unduly alarmed. The organization is working closely with affected countries to control the spread of the disease and develop vaccines and treatments.
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