This browser is not actively supported anymore. For the best passle experience, we strongly recommend you upgrade your browser.
| 4 minute read

ICYMI: Nov 28 - Dec 11

Change is the only constant in global mobility. From evolving immigration policies and tax regulations to shifts in labor markets and geopolitical developments, staying informed has never been more critical. For organizations with mobile workforces, these changes can directly impact compliance, costs, and employee experience.

Let's take a look at a few essential updates from around the world. Staying on top of these updates isn’t just about avoiding risks—it’s about proactively positioning your organization for success in a dynamic landscape. 

So…in case you missed it:

  1. UAE: According to Newland Chase, there are stricter requirements for UAE visit visas. The updated requirements represent a more robust framework to prevent misuse and improve the integrity of the process. Travelers must now meet several key conditions when applying for a UAE visit visa. The four changes are: proof of financial means, return ticket required, accommodation detail must be in place and shared, and passport validity of 6 months past the travel date.
     
  2. Sweden: Per EIG, Sweden’s Riksdag has decided to implement the EU’s new blue card directive via Swedish legislation. This will be enforced starting on January 1 of 2025. There are a number of amendments to the EU blue card rules in Sweden, which can all be reviewed here.  As a reminder, an EU blue card is a combined residence and work permit for non-EU residents who have an employment contract for a highly qualified job.
     
  3. Netherlands: Expats coming to the Netherlands on a highly skilled migrant visa often find themselves ineligible for Dutch housing allowance, known as huurtoeslag. This government benefit is designed to help lower-income households cover rental costs, but many highly skilled migrants do not meet key eligibility requirements. If you want to learn more about this interesting situation, you should take a look at this article from FEM.
     
  4. Switzerland: Erickson reports that Switzerland will maintain 2024's work permit quotas in 2025. This is great news for companies who move employees into Switzerland. On November 27, 2024, the Federal Council decided not to change quotas for workers from non-EU countries and for service providers from the member countries of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The special quota for workers from the United Kingdom is also being renewed. 
     
  5. Spain: Reforms are being passed to expand Spain's labor market and address persistent labor shortages in many sectors. One of the changes liberalizes family-related immigration pathways, including creating a new permit and expanding eligibility for an existing reunification permit. Another change increases the residency period of one of the country’s two job seeker permit pathways. Yet another will improve the pathways to regularize the residency status of undocumented foreign nationals. You can see the full details here.
     
  6. Canada: As previously announced by Fragomen, the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) has been replaced by a new Permanent Residence Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). The PSTQ program will become available on June 30, 2025. In the meantime, individuals who already submitted an Expression of Interest in Quebec may update their declaration to be considered for an invitation to apply when Quebec resumes invitations on June 30, 2025. The new PSTQ has stricter French language requirements, unlike its predecessor which did not require applicants to speak French. 
    Also, per Envoy Global, Canada has updated prevailing wages on December 3rd. Employers should review temporary foreign workers’ wages annually. This ensures that wages reflect increases to prevailing (median) wage rates for their given occupation and region of work.
     
  7. United States: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of Form I-485 requirements to include the beneficiary’s medical exam and immunization records. Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, must now be submitted along with the Form I-485. Without these documents, applications for permanant residence or status adjustments may be rejected.  
    Also, changes related to the J-1 Exchange Visitors Skills List may prevent foreign scientists and researchers in the United States from being pushed out of the United States due to immigration law. The policy change allows more J-1 researchers, trainees, and others to work in the United States and not be forced to leave the country due to a foreign residence requirement. China, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and more than 20 other countries have been removed from the list. 
    Lastly, HR Brew shares that immigration is a top priority for the incoming presidential administration, and HR leaders should prepare for how stricter requirements may impact their workforce.
     
  8. Australia: As shared by EIG, the new Skills in Demand visa will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on December 7, 2024. The new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) will apply to the new visa and the Direct Entry Stream of the subclass 186 visa. Erickson notes that the visas affected are the Temporary Skills Shortage and the Employer Nomination Scheme. You can learn more here.
     
  9. Singapore: Per Envoy Global, Singapore has updated the 2025 criteria for Employment Pass (EP) applications to align with market conditions. Singapore implemented new Employment Pass (EP) applications on September 1, 2023, with renewals starting September 1, 2024. The country has updated its criteria for 2025 to align with market conditions. Updates include a C1 Salary update, C2 Qualifications, and C5 Shortage Occupations List.
     
  10. United Kingdom: We have mentioned this change in previous posts because the U.K. is such a popular location. Here's another reminder about the UK expansion of ETA for Non-EU Nationals. Non-EU nationals must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the U.K. starting from January 8, 2025!

Please note that during the holiday season, many government offices worldwide will close or have reduced or limited staff and hours of operation. It is likely to cause some delays in normal processing times for residence permits and visas over the next month-long period.

Lastly, we leave you with some holiday travel protocols, courtesy of EIG. For relocating employees, it’s critically important to plan ahead to avoid potential delays and other issues caused by the busy holiday travel season. You can review the reminders and best practices here

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has introduced stricter requirements for visit visa applications to ensure compliance with immigration laws and streamline entry processes. Travel to the UAE is a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers. However, considering the new regulations, travelers must take extra care to prepare for their journey. Failing to meet these updated standards can result in serious consequences, such as denied boarding, detainment, or entry refusal at the airport.

Tags

icymi, uae, visa requirements, travel, business visits, united states, netherlands, huurtoeslag, uscis, form i-485, canada, quebec, french language requirements, sweden, switzerland, singapore, united kingdom, spain, australia, holiday travel, best practices, updates, work permit, visa