ICYMI: July 11-24

You've built a top-notch global mobility program that aligns with your company's talent agenda. Now you have to stay on top of the tactical elements. Changes around the world can affect your employees and stakeholders. So, in case you missed it, here's what's been happening that you might want to pay attention to. 

1. European Union: Don't forget that changes to traveling in Europe (particularly in the Schenghen area) are due to take place in 2024 and 2025. This includes the introduction of the Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel and Immigration Authorization System (ETIAS). Take time to review the purpose of the EES, who it applies to, and the process here.
    
2. Portugal: Per Newland Chase, because of some extensive delays in processing due to the unavailability of appointments, Portugal extended the validity of Residence Permits and Visas until June 30, 2024 (see also their previous alerts from February 10, 2023 and January 4, 2024). Provided the holder can prove that a renewal appointment has been scheduled, these documents will continue to be accepted beyond this date.
    
3. United Kingdom: Banning work from home? A report from The Independent shared that landlords are increasingly banning their tenants working from home due to not wanting to drive up household bills and insurance reasons. 
   We also have a new update on the eVisa implementation. The new eVisa will replace biometric residence permits, biometric residence cards, passport endorsements (such as indefinite leave to enter wet-ink stamps) and vignette stickers in passports (such as entry clearance or visa vignettes) by the end of 2024.
    
4. Belgium: Fragomen reports that effective October 1, 2024, the Brussels Region will make substantial changes to its immigration policy for foreign workers. Some of the key changes are:
   - A stricter interpretation of minimum salary levels for highly skilled roles.
   - Employers no longer need to provide an annual compliance notification to authorities for work authorizations of more than 12 months .
   - New work permit and labor market testing exemptions, as well as relaxed change of employer rules.
   - Explicit criteria regarding applications (including renewals) for the professional card for self-employed workers.
    
5. Finland: According to Envoy Global, Finland will introduce new citizenship requirements and timelines beginning October 1, 2024. As a result, the required residence period for Finnish citizenship extends from five to eight years. See additional changes here. 
    
6. Canada: Despite a desire of major employers in downtown Toronto to have employees in the office more often, horrendous traffic is keeping workers out, according to a new poll. The new survey finds that 64% are reluctant to commute due to traffic woes. Traffic is so bad in Canada’s financial capital that a majority of Toronto residents are prepared to endure around-the-clock construction to improve the situation sooner.
    
7. Singapore: Per Parsifal, vessel congestion in Singapore's port is impacting market prices. FreightWaves reported last week on a recent report from AlixPartners revealing that congestion has severely delayed the docking of trade vessels, causing a surge in spot market prices. Since January, the number of vessels waiting at Singapore's port has steadily increased, peaking close to 100. As the world's second-busiest port after Shanghai, this backup congestion is significantly impacting shipping costs on a global scale. 
   Additionally Fragomen lists some improvements to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) online portal, which streamlines the filing process for Singapore Citizenship, Permanent Residence, and Related Long Term Visit Pass applications.
    
8. Australia: From Envoy Global, the government of Australia extended the maximum period of stay for business visas (subclass 600) held by nationals from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. These conditions will not apply to visitors from Myanmar. As a result, any subclass visa granted after 1 April 2024 will now permit multiple entries and will remain valid for up to five years. The maximum period of stay is three months per visit. Additionally, Australia introduced new visa application charges on 1 July 2024 for a number of visa categories.
    
9. United States: According to WERC, the CDC has updated guidelines for importing dogs into the U.S. The new rules are aimed at enhancing public health safety and animal welfare standards, effective August 1, 2024. Under the revised guidelines, all dogs imported into the United States must meet strict health and document requirements. The requirements will vary slightly depending on where the dog has been residing in the last six months prior to travel. Dogs must be at least 6 months old, have ISO-compatible microchips prior to rabies vaccination, be healthy and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. 
   
   Additionally, Dwellworks has shared their US rental update for Q3:

US Rental Market Forecast – Some flexibility in oversupplied markets, but the most popular rental destinations remain expensive and competitive:

• The national vacancy rate remains above 6%, which is good news for renters in most markets
• Supply has increased in many markets, including Seattle, Nashville, and multiple locations in Texas
• Supply of new multi-family construction will decrease by 2025 – higher interest rates mean less investment
• Nationally, 62% of current renters are renewing leases and getting favorable terms from landlords
• Incentives may be available to new renters in oversupplied locations with high vacancy rates
• Renters are still heading to major locations with tight supply – NYC vacancy rate is below 1.5%
• Silicon Valley vacancy is tightening due to new tech investments and expansion
• Renters continue to prefer to preview options online and use digital resources to tour and sign leases

And as always, let's close with a few additional resources that might be helpful:

• The EuRApean: This is the Summer 2024 edition of the EuRA produced magazine.
• The WERC Mobility Minute: weekly update by the largest talent mobility association in existence.
• Fragomen Worldwide Immigration Trends Report: Mid-Year Edition: Eight parts being released over 8 weeks. 
• Semafor Flagship Newsletter: A daily global news source to keep you up to date on events happening around the world. 
• Summer School Webinar Series on Mobility Tax: AIRINC and friends GTN bring a 3-part webinar series on tax issues in global mobility. July 25 is Mobility Tax and the U.S.A, August 8 is Mobility Tax and the UK, and August 29 is Mobility Tax and Equity
• Plus' Spotlight Webinar: Join us July 30, 2024 as we welcome Lauren Herring, CEO of IMPACT Group, for an open discussion on the impact of professional coaching in the global mobility world. Lauren will share her expertise along with recent research to give you different perspectives on how mobility and coaching can go hand-in-hand to elevate relocation journeys.