ICYMI: The "mise en place" for global mobility

Mise en place is a French kitchen phrase that means “putting in place" or “gathering.” It refers to the discipline and organization a good chef exhibits in the kitchen. To practice mise en place, a chef should have all of their ingredients and supplies prepared and organized before they begin cooking. 

To run a world-class global mobility program requires understanding all the elements that can impact the talent mobility around the world. In some ways, the “staying aware” is the gathering of information from many different sources. It's like the “mise en place” of global mobility. 

Our goal is to support you in this process of staying on top of what might impact your global mobility program. Here are some key recent changes that you might want to consider: 

1. India: Predictions of searing heat waves over the next three months (April-June) have many around the country worried about power disruption and water shortages.  The city of Bengaluru, home to the $194 billion IT services industry, is already struggling with water shortages and these heat waves are expected to impact the availability of drinking water. With poor air quality across the country, many also are worried about the impact of increased use of coal for power. Both of these elements may impact hardship allowance calculations. 
    
2. Indonesia: As of April 1, Indonesia implemented a Remote Worker Visa (E33G) program. Per Fragomen, the visa will allow eligible foreign nationals to reside in Indonesia while working remotely for their home employer for a period of up to one year (subject to renewal for another year). Eligibility requirements include being employed by a foreign company outside of Indonesia, earning a minimum annual income of at least USD 60,000, and submitting proof of sufficient funds, among others.
    
3. Italy: Fragomen reports that Italy has introduced a Digital Nomad visa which allows foreign nationals to reside in Italy and perform highly-skilled work as a freelancer or for an employer outside of Italy. The visa is valid for up to 12 months and renewable. The biggest stipulations are that eligible applicants must have an income over three times the minimum level required for exemption from health care participation expenses, health insurance covering their entire period of stay, proof of accommodation in Italy, and at least six months of work experience as a digital nomad or remote worker.
    
4. Japan: And here we are with another Digital Nomad visa announcement for Japan! Also from Fragomen, the Japanese Minister of Justice announced that the Digital Nomad Visa is now open for applications, effective March 29, 2024, following an earlier announcement this year about the program. The visa allows eligible foreign nationals (and family members) to reside in Japan while working remotely for their home employer for a non-renewable period of up to six months - as long as they utilize information and communication technology in their position.
    
5. United Kingdom: The UK is rolling out its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme, with the European Union to follow in 2025 with its European Travel Information and Authorization Scheme (ETIAS). Working similarly to the ESTA scheme for short-term travel to the US, ETAs are an electronic-only authorization and are needed by short-stay business and social travelers. The EU is expected to introduce its ETIAS scheme in 2025 for all travelers to the EU, including UK nationals. Additionally, per Crisis24, unionized security staff at London Heathrow Airport have suspended a planned strike on April 11-14. 
    
6. Canada: According to BAL, Canadian officials released a statement on finalized provincial and territorial allocations for the 2024 cap on international student permit applications. The initial target of 485,000 was adjusted to account for students in Canada who apply for an extension, while taking a look at permit approval rates. Some students are exempt from the cap (primary and secondary school students and master’s or doctoral degree students). After accounting for these adjustments, there are approximately 393,000 study permits applications to be allocated to the provinces and territories under the national cap. 
   
   AIRINC also notes an increase in rents in Toronto due to spiking demand. This pressure on the rental market has led to a drop in vacancies. Similarly, Edmonton rental vacancy rates have plummeted due to an increase in domestic and international arrivals. There are reports of record low vacancy rates in Calgary as well, with a robust spring rental season expected. Other Canadian locations' rental prices have also moderately increased.
    
7. Brazil: Per Erickson Immigration Group, a visa will now be required for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia to travel to Brazil, regardless of the purpose of travel. You must have a country passport, a valid Brazilian visa or e-visa, beginning April 10, 2025 for tourists and currently for all other types of travel. Visit the Brazilian government-authorized website to obtain your e-visa: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com
    
8. United States: rents across the U.S. are on average up to $1983, a slight increase from March. Rents are also climbing in 48 of the 50 biggest metro areas. Cities with the highest increases are Providence, RI with an annual increase of 8.2%, followed by Louisville, KY (6.9%) and Cleveland, OH at (6.5%). However, two Texas cities have actually seen rental prices drop: Austin (-3.3%) and San Antonio (-0.6%). Across the country, the highest rental market is still San Jose, with a typical monthly price of $3,277. Other metro areas with high rental prices include New York City ($3,206), Boston ($3,079) and San Francisco ($3,024). 
    
9. France: The torch is lit and the looming Olympic Games in Paris (July 26-Aug 11) will be the biggest event ever organized in France, spread across 40 different sites. This will inevitably create huge challenges for relocation, travel, and service accessibility. According to our friends at Home Conseil, traffic is expected to be extremely dense throughout the event. In particular, the Opening Ceremony (July 26th), the Closing Ceremony (August 11th), and the Cycling and Triathlon events will shut down traffic in Paris’s central districts on July 27, 30, and 31, as well as August 3-4. Read more here.
    
10. Greece: In the latest EIU report that assesses the best places for doing business around the world, Greece's score was the most improved. This reflects the impact of a pro-business government that has undertaken reforms, cut taxes, and boosted business confidence. The report looks at 91 indicators across 82 countries and territories, and you can download it here.
     
11. European Union: Appointments for submitting EU Schengen C visa applications are limited due to increased application numbers caused by the upcoming peak travel season of May to August. Per Fragomen, travelers should plan in advance as much as possible for upcoming travel to the Schengen Area.

A last minute add that Dubai has been hit with the worst storm ever recorded, with the equivalent of 3 year Dubai rain, or 5 month London rain in few hours. The city is now semi-paralyzed until the water can be removed with grounds completely saturated. Per our friends at Intouch Relocations, The airport is partially closed, and the main roads are either partially or completely closed disrupting access to some living areas. Anticipate potential disruption for the rest of the week, going back to normal on Monday. 

If you're looking for additional resources to expand your knowledge, you can also take a look at the latest 2024 Atlas Corporate Relocation Survey. This is their 57th annual survey, with data from 575 relocation experts and decision-makers.