The Irish government introduced legislation last week for awarding US-style green cards to skilled immigrant workers in order to protect them better and ensure the country's economy continues growing.  Due to Parliament’s break for summer that started July 1, the bill published last week by Enterprise and Employment Minister Micheal Martin will be debated in the autumn session.  The Employment Permits Bill will allow the minister to establish the number of employment permits in total and by sector, and to identify the skills and employment categories for work permits.

The laws will provide a number of new protections for migrant workers. The work permit will be granted to them rather than to the employer.

Trade unions and immigrant support groups have complained the existing system has led to exploitation of vulnerable immigrant workers.

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Chinese tourists will be allowed to stay in Korea for up to 30 days without a visa when they travel to and from Europe via Incheon International Airport.  According to the Korea Times, the Ministry of Justice recently said that Chinese travelers to and from Europe will be able to stay in Korea for a maximum of 30 days by showing a visa or permanent residency from one of 30 European countries along with a connecting air ticket at the immigration desk of the airport.

The 30 European countries include eight that have direct flights between Korea. Chinese travelers in this group will be qualified for ``B-2’’ immigration status, which will grant them a 30-day travel period.