ICYMI: Oct 17 - 30

As a talent leader, you invest a lot of effort in developing a world-class global mobility program that supports your company’s strategic goals. But the global landscape is ever-evolving, and staying informed about changes around the world is crucial for maintaining that momentum. From shifts in immigration policies to economic fluctuations, these updates can have a direct impact on your mobile employees and program stakeholders.

Welcome to the latest edition of In Case You Missed It - our bi-weekly update that highlights all the global updates you need to know about. Whether it's new regulations, emerging trends, or geopolitical shifts, we’ve got you covered. So, what might be affecting your mobility program right now?

1. India: According to Semafor, numerous bomb threats have interrupted air travel across the country. The chaos has disrupted one of the world’s fastest-growing commercial aviation markets. Additionally, Envoy Global notes that the Government of India decentralized the Aadhaar Card application process, with states now responsible for managing issuance and address verification. This impacts Bengaluru, Delhi/NCR, and Mumbai.
    
2. Belgium: Belgium offers a favorable tax program known as the “Expatriate Tax Regime” or the “Expat Regime.” Check out FEM's overview of how the expat regime works, who qualifies, and the benefits it offers. You can also learn more about different types of business and travel allowances and their tax implications, and how to manage them effectively. Good info for those sending expats to Belgium!
    
3. United Kingdom: There is something new with the UK ETA expansion. As of Nov. 27, visitors to London from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, or other non-European visa-exempt countries have new entry requirements. These apply even if the visit is just for a quick visit or vacation. The video below has all the details. We recommend that travelers check the official UK government website for the current list of nationalities and timings involved in the UK ETA program.
   
    
4. United States: As shared by Envoy Global, Forbes notes that new policy guidance (EB-1) will make it easier for employment-based immigrants to qualify as individuals with extraordinary abilities. The guidance could allow more immigrants to become eligible for the highest priority employment category and thereby speed up when they gain permanent residence. Also, per EIG, USCIS revised its policy manual to update the T nonimmigrant status to align with the Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons; Eligibility for “T” Nonimmigrant Status Final Rule published in April. 
    
5. Canada: Last year, according to Forbes, Canada's new program to attract H1-B visa holders quickly reached its limit. But now these days, nearly 60% of Canadians feel there is too much immigration to Canada, as reported by Bloomberg. “Record population growth — comparable to adding all of San Diego’s residents to a country that’s slightly more populous than California in just over 12 months — exacerbated housing shortages, inflated rent prices, strained public services, and pushed up the unemployment rate.”  This is now challenging the assumption that strong immigration of talent gives Canada an edge in the global race and may create challenges down the road for Canadian talent. 
   Additionally, per Fragomen, effective November 8, 2024, the minimum hourly wage for workers hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – High-Wage Stream will increase 20% from the current level, which is the median wage in the applicable province or territory of work. 
    
6. Argentina: As noted in this AIRINC tax update, Argentina's new government has repealed a 2023 tax reform law and expanded the scope of individual taxation. This change increases taxes for lower-income earners while decreasing taxes for higher earners. 
    
7. Ireland: Envoy Global notes a comprehensive overhaul for hiring foreign talent in Ireland. This is a push to streamline the process and better align immigration policies with the evolving needs of the Irish labor market. Changes include a simplified and accelerated application process, a revised labor market needs test, and an automatic cancellation process with the arrival of new work permit. 
   Also, from EIG, as of October 24, 2024, the Department of Justice announced the launch of the Digital Contact Centre (DCC) for immigration.
    
8. Finland: According to EIC, effective October 31, 2024, the employee announcement form in the Enter Finland for Employers online service will be updated. From that date, there will be a new and simplified employee announcement form, making it quicker and easier for employers to submit the announcement. Employers must submit an employee announcement when employing a person from outside the EU/EEA countries.
    
9. European Union: Per Corporate Immigration Partners, the EU introduced two new proposals that will digitize passports and identification cards for individuals traveling to and from the Schengen Area. The European Union is developing the EU Digital Travel application, launching in 2030 for EU and non-EU citizens. These individuals will use biometric passports or EU identity cards when traveling to or from the Schengen Area. 

Finally, as we head into the holiday season, check out this podcast that will catch you up on some traveling tips and tricks. In this week’s episode, BAL’s Tiffany Derentz and Brendan Kinne discuss an updated travel program from the US State Department and travel tips for foreign nationals planning to go abroad during the winter holiday season. There's also some discussion on immigration changes.