ICYMI Feb 20 - March 5

Global mobility programs are constantly evolving in response to economic, regulatory, and geopolitical changes. In early 2025, rising inflation and increasing costs of living remain top concerns, with significant impacts on employee relocations and business planning. Staying informed about these shifts is crucial for mobility teams seeking to adapt their strategies effectively.

Cost of Living Trends

Recent data from Mercer highlights the most significant cost of living increases in cities across Africa, particularly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Accra, Ghana; and Cairo, Egypt. Similarly, Eastern European cities like Tirana, Albania, and Istanbul, Turkey, are experiencing substantial inflation-driven price hikes.

Globally, the highest cost of living remains in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Iceland, Singapore, and the Bahamas, with Sweden, Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands also ranking high, according to Wise.

Immigration and Mobility Updates by location

In our latest ICYMI update , we highlight key changes in 10 countries that may already be affecting employee relocations or could soon impact program timing and costs. Let's look around:  

1. United States: Single-family homes, which have jumped ~41% above pre-pandemic levels, according to Zillow. Multifamily rent has also increased, rising 26% over the same period. The average rent for a single-family home was ~$2.2k as of December 2024, while the typical multifamily unit was listed for ~$1.8k. The typical renter is no longer a 21-year-old post-grad cramming into a studio apartment: The median age of a US renter was 42 in 2024, up from 33 in 2021. But good news for those in Austin, TX: Austin rents have tumbled 22% from peak due to a massive home building spree. On the immigration side, per Fragomen, employers and their immigration counsel may register foreign nationals for the FY 2026 H-1B cap starting at noon ET on March 7, 2025 through noon ET on March 24, 2025. All cap registrations must be drafted and submitted online during this period. It is unclear how a potential government shutdown on March 15 might affect the registration system, so employers may wish to consider submitting registrations early in the registration period. Lastly, the US is creeping closer to a March 14 deadline for a government shutdown. If the government agencies close for budgetary reasons, all but "essential" personnel are furloughed and are not allowed to work. Check out this overview of how immigration-related agencies have operated during prior shutdown periods. In anticipation of an earlier 2024 potential government shutdown, DHS also updated its guidance outlining a contingency plan and what activities are considered essential (or exempt).
2. Canada: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the 2025 Express Entry categories on February 27, 2025. The department introduced big changes to category-based draws. You can find the changes and the current Express Entry categories listed on IRCC’s website. These categories will be prioritized for invitations to apply (ITA) through category-based draws within the Express Entry system.  If you're in Canada, or maybe even if you are not, don't forget that March 5th is National Poutine Day!
3. Ireland: Per Fragomen, effective February 19, 2025, Ireland introduced a Seasonal Employment Permit. Previously, Ireland had no equivalent work permit for seasonal workers. The permit – open to non-European Economic Area nationals – allows for seasonal work for a maximum of seven months per year, from April 14 until November 13.
4. Germany: Post election, many are expecting tighter immigration policies and controls, including stricter deportation policies and measures to curb irregular migration. It's not clear yet just how this will impact corporate talent inbound to Germany but there could be delays in processing as other reforms are addressed. 
5. United Kingdom: As previously indicated, expired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards will be accepted as proof of right to enter the UK only until March 31, 2025, provided the holder still has valid immigration status in the country. BRP card holders who have not yet applied for an eVisa are strongly advised to do so to avoid difficulties in proving valid immigration status –particularly upon returning to the UK following travel abroad. eVisas officially replaced physical BRP cards at the end of 2024. More information regarding eVisas can be found on the UK.GOV website. Additionally, per BAL, eligible European nationals will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) beginning March 5 and will require an ETA prior to travel to the UK beginning April 2.
6. Saudi Arabia: Per Wolfsdorf, Qualification Verification Program (QVP) registration is now mandatory for all Saudi work visa applications, regardless of industry. The QVP verifies academic credentials held by foreign nationals who wish to work in Saudi Arabia. Those applying for Saudi work visas should note that this new requirement will add two weeks to standard processing times. The QVP also carries a fee, currently set at $93 USD. Additional fees may apply for credentials issued by institutions not previously verified by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
7. European Union: The European Commission has published information clarifying the timeline for the introduction of the ETIAS online travel authorization system. ETIAS is currently not in operation and will not start in the first half of 2025. No action is required from travelers at this point. The launch of ETIAS will take place a few months after the introduction of the Entry Exit System (the EES), now expected to be later in 2025. The implementation of ETIAS will be gradual. The rules for visa-free travel to Europe will change for travelers coming from 59 countries and territories. Find out here what the first year of ETIAS will look like in practice.
8. Hong Kong: On February 18, 2025, the Hong Kong government announced that the latest round of the Talent List update has been completed. Per EIG, the new Talent List will take effect from March 1, 2025, and cover 60 professions with local talent shortages. Foreign national talents who meet the eligibility criteria for relevant professions can enjoy immigration facilitation when applying under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP).
9. Worldwide: Per Fragomen, foreign nationals and their employers can expect immigration processing delays throughout March and April in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and parts of Asia during the observance of Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr. Many government offices worldwide reduce their hours and/or close during Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr. Processing delays could continue in the weeks following Ramadan, due to application backlogs that accumulate during the closures.
10. Japan: Per Corporate Immigration Partners, Japan has introduced mandatory Tuberculosis (TB) screening for specific mid- to long-term visa applicants, effective April 1, 2025. The new regulation aims to enhance public health measures and aligns with Japan’s broader efforts to monitor health risks among foreign nationals entering the country. Applicants requiring a Certificate of Employment (COE) must submit a valid TB screening certificate and their visa application. The screening process includes a chest X-ray conducted at an approved medical institution in designated countries. The issued certificate remains valid for 180 days from the examination date.

Final Thoughts: Staying Agile in a Rapidly Changing Landscape

The first months of 2025 have underscored the necessity for mobility teams to remain adaptable. Economic shifts, regulatory changes, and evolving talent strategies mean businesses must be both proactive and reactive to navigate this dynamic environment successfully.

As always, we’re here to keep you informed and prepared for what’s ahead. Stay tuned for our next update, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions on how these developments may impact your global mobility programs.