ICYMI: May 1-14

May is National Moving Month in the U.S.!  Normally we would say we are heading into the "peak season" of relocation, but many are wondering if there will be much of a peak in 2025's peak season! Tariffs continue to trouble many companies and are impacting the economy and business growth initiatives. As an example, the Port of Long Beach is projecting at least a 30% drop in shipments over the next few weeks. These are ships that besides carrying new retail items that would have tariffs, would also have peoples personal (used) household goods shipments. While the tariffs are not applied to those used goods, they are having an impact with fewer shipments. As this unfolds, most movers are predicting increased costs and delays in international shipments. 

How else are these tariffs impacting mobility currently? Tell us what you are feeling and seeing. Let us know! We are seeking to hear from mobility professionals on their thoughts on the tariffs. Take our survey here.

In Zagreb, the big annual EuRA conference just ended. The industry conference is a must attend for many as industry professionals, acquaintances, and friends greet, meet, and shake off their social muscle atrophy! I have always loved that conference and all of the partners and friends met along the way. Great things emerge when people get together from around the world to collaborate and communicate as they put relationships and ideas together to solve problems for corporate mobility programs!

And now, here is our latest bi-weekly update, covering recent global changes that might have an impact on your mobility program. Feel free to let us know if there are any other topics you'd like more information on! 

Let's look at some key locations and the changes happening:

1. United States: First, the Real ID requirement for travelers to board US domestic flights took effect on May 7, though passports and certain other forms of identification will still be acceptable.  EIG shares more information about the Real ID, requirements and frequently asked questions and that can be found here.  Next, the NYT shared that flights could be disrupted across the U.S. during the busy summer season. So far, the troubles at the nation’s airports have created significant havoc for travelers, especially at Newark Liberty International, stranding some far from their destinations. 
   
   Then, per Fragomen, given the current administration’s heightened approach toward immigration vetting, several groups of travelers should take extra care in their decision-making and planning for international travel.  See this advice for students, foreign nationals in the U.S. that have prior interactions with law enforcement, and anyone visiting that needs to remain to complete business, school or other personal activities. Depending on your individual circumstances, it may be advisable to seek immigration counsel before deciding whether to travel abroad. For more on immigration concerns, Axios shares that the current immigration crackdown is sparking employer worries over workplace raids and staffing challenges, according to new survey of executives out Wednesday. Many feel that it is important for employers to proactively conduct reviews to check that I-9 forms are up to date, that they know where they’re located, and that there is a crisis management team in place in the event of a site visit from ICE or another government agency. 
    
2. Canada: According to EIG, on May 6, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published details of a new procedure whereby eligible International Experience Canada (IEC) participants who are already in Canada can receive their work permit by mail at a Canadian address. The new system is effective immediately until December 1, 2025.
    
3. Germany: From May 6, 2025, the government of Germany will enforce stricter border controls and limit asylum applications. The government contends that asylum seeks should first apply for asylum in the first EU country they enter. You can see more from EIG here.
    
4. Poland: Envoy Global reports that Poland will enforce new immigration rules requiring employers to use electronic work authorization procedures and comply with expanded rejection criteria for applications. Employers must also meet stricter compliance obligations, including submitting employment contracts before work begins and adhering to new notification deadlines. Increased fines and enhanced right-to-work checks will apply, while a fast-track process will prioritize economically significant sectors. Occasional remote work for foreign entities will be permitted without a work permit, but standard remote work regulations remain unchanged. 
    
5. Italy: Italy will now require fingerprint collection for Schengen and national entry visas with certain exemptions. Per Envoy Global, Italy made it mandatory to collect fingerprints from applicants for Schengen visas (type C) and national entry visas (type D). Applicants must appear in person to submit their visa applications. The collected biometric data will be stored for 59 months, eliminating the need for future in-person fingerprint submissions for subsequent visa applications. 
    
6. Romania: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that Romania will be removed from the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), effective June 1, 2025. As of that date, Romanian citizens will no longer be eligible to travel to the United States using VWP under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Romanian nationals must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate to travel to the United States for business or tourism.
    
7. Philippines: As reported by Fragomen, the president of the Philippines recently signed an Executive Order, establishing a legal framework to issue Digital Nomad Visas to attract foreign remote workers to the Philippines. The program will allow eligible foreign nationals to live and work remotely from the Philippines for up to one year, with possible renewal.
    
8. India: Indian military operations have resulted in significant implications for air travel, especially to few parts of northern India. Airports in Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Dharamshala, are currently non-operational until further notice. Some international routes may be diverted due to regional airspace restrictions. Multiple airlines have temporarily suspended flights to few parts of northern India due to airspace restrictions and airport closures. Travelers may experience delays or cancellations for departures, arrivals, and connecting flights in India, and should expect enhanced screening at Indian airport checkpoints. Travelers to India should verify their flight status prior to travel.
    
9. Indonesia: New tax regulations have been issued concerning non-cash benefits in kind (BIK). Previously, most BIK were neither deductible for the employer nor taxable to the employee. Under the new regulations, BIK are generally taxable to employees and deductible for employers. Limited exceptions apply, including benefits related to food and beverages, BIK associated with employment in remote hardship areas, uniforms or safety equipment, and those provided by government-paying entities. Taxable BIK are now subject to withholding tax, and if the employer bears the tax on BIK, the tax is subject to gross-up.
    
10. Malaysia: Per EIG, the Immigration Department of Malaysia has announced that it has extended its visa exemption policy for citizens of China and India until December 31, 2026. Travelers are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card within three days before the arrival date. 
    Additionally from AIRINC, the government has approved mandatory contributions to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) for foreign employees. Previously, foreign nationals were exempt from mandatory EPF contributions but could contribute voluntarily. Starting later in 2025, EPF contributions will become mandatory for foreign employees at a rate of 2%, applicable to both employees and employers. The implementation date has not yet been announced. As Malaysia does not currently have any totalization agreements in force, this change will increase costs for inbound assignments.
     
11. Vietnam: Also from AIRINC, the Vietnam Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced plans to introduce tax amendments effective from 2026. Proposed changes include reducing the number of tax rates and brackets applied to salaries and wages, as well as modifying family deductions. The MOF has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on the proposed amendments. 
     
12. Croatia: Per Mondaq, since January 2021, foreign nationals have been able to apply for a temporary residence permit for a stay without having to be supported by a local company (as a sponsor), but this was only possible for a maximum of one year. The duration of this visa has now been extended and stays of up to 18 months are now possible. The visa offers foreign nationals the opportunity to live and work from Croatia as a digital nomad, whereas previously all work permits in Croatia required the support of a local employer.
     
13. UAE: Per Envoy Global, the UAE has introduced a 90-day visa that allows multiple entries without needing a local sponsor. Application is easy via online portal of the official government site and applications are processed in five to seven business days. It is possible to extend for up to 180 days and is an option for business travelers.  The cost is AED 800 plus a refundable AED 2,000 security deposit.
     
14. France: Per Fragomen, effective May 2, France has introduced more relaxed EU Blue Card rules. Key changes include new professional experience eligibility criteria, reduced mandatory employment contract durations, amd relaxed intra-EU rules. These reforms are part of France implementing the requirements of the 2021 EU Blue Card Directive.

Plus Relocation's next Spotlight Webinar will be focusing on immigration and mobility at the halfway point and will highlight the expertise from Erickson Immigration Group on June 12  at 11am CST. More information shortly will be shared for you to register.