US Expands Travel Bans; Germany Eases Transit for Indians; UK Immigration Arrests Rise

Starting January 2026, the US will expand travel bans from 19 to 39 countries, restricting visa issuance for citizens of several nations, including Afghanistan and Iran. Meanwhile, Germany has introduced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders at major airports, easing European connections. The US visa bulletin shows continued long waits for Indian green card applicants across employment and family categories. In the UK, immigration enforcement intensified in 2025, with record raids and arrests targeting illegal workers, including many Indians.