ICYMI: June 25th - July 9th

Strategic mobility programs are most effective when they address both the purpose and the execution of talent movement. While the "why" drives the program's intent, the "how" ensures success on the ground. These updates are designed to keep you informed of critical tactical changes across key locations that could affect your mobility strategy.

Below are the latest updates from around the world that may influence your decisions:

United States

• Summer Travel Concerns
  Many visa holders are expressing concerns about reentering the country due to increased scrutiny, policy shifts, and travel bans. Immigration teams are receiving a surge in questions from those planning summer travel. Baker McKenzie has shared a helpful video that outlines best practices and offers guidance based on various scenarios.
• Massachusetts Housing Policy
  Massachusetts is set to adopt a provision in the 2026 budget that will remove broker fees from tenants and place the responsibility on landlords. This change mirrors recent developments in New York City. In response, some landlords may raise rents or require tenants to hire brokers independently.
• Expanded Travel Restrictions
  The Trump Administration has announced a proclamation banning entry from 12 countries and may expand this to include citizens from 36 more.

Canada

• OINP Changes
  Ontario has implemented changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program that include in-person interview requirements, revised timelines for submissions, and new authority to return applications earlier. These changes are intended to better align with labor market needs.
• EMPP Extension
  The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot has been extended until December 31, 2025. The program continues to offer immigration pathways to skilled refugees. Since its launch, 970 individuals have been admitted, with over 30% working in health care. The job offer stream will accept up to 950 applications in 2025, allowing more skilled refugees to secure permanent residence and contribute to essential sectors like health care, construction and food service.  
• Post-Graduation Work Permit Updates
  As of June 25, 2025, Canada has updated the list of eligible fields of study for post-graduation work permits. The changes reflect current labor shortages and demand.

Norway

• Beginning September 1, 2025, certain applicants may be exempt from completing Norwegian language and social studies courses to qualify for permanent residence. Authorities can grant waivers based on specific documented circumstances.

European Union

• Several countries within the Schengen Area have implemented or extended internal border checks through late 2025. These include Poland, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden. Slovakia has extended its border controls with Austria and Hungary in response to a livestock disease outbreak.

United Kingdom

• On July 1, 2025, the Home Office released a significant update to its Immigration Rules  (HC 997). Changes include raising the skills threshold for Skilled Worker visas, eliminating 111 job classifications, and closing the overseas social care worker route due to concerns over exploitation. A new targeted salary list will be introduced, and the Migration Advisory Committee has been tasked with reviewing this list.

Australia

• Effective July 1, 2025, income thresholds for skilled visas have increased by 4.6 percent in line with wage growth. This change reflects recommendations from the country’s Migration Review and supports long-term strategy goals.

South Korea

• The government has approved a substantial increase in the Seasonal Worker Program. Over 22,000 additional workers will be placed in rural areas starting in July 2025. This marks a 41 percent increase from the previous year.

Malaysia

• Starting October 1, 2025, Malaysia will require all employers to register and contribute to the Employees Provident Fund on behalf of non-Malaysian citizens under a new mandatory policy. The rule applies to most foreign employees under the age of 75 with a valid employment pass.

Taiwan

• As of October 1, 2025, all incoming travelers must complete the Taiwan Arrival Card online within three days prior to arrival. The new digital system is available in multiple languages and uses passport image recognition to speed up processing.

Israel

• The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has confirmed that Ben Gurion Airport is fully operational as of June 30, 2025. All prior restrictions on passenger numbers and flights have been lifted.

Saudi Arabia

• The General Directorate of Passports has announced a 30-day grace period for individuals with expired visit visas to regularize their visa status and leave the country legally. This initiative is effective as of June 27, 2025.

United Arab Emirates

• The UAE has temporarily paused the issuance of freelance visas. While renewals are still allowed, the reason for the pause and its expected duration have not been disclosed. Further updates are expected.

Monitoring these changes helps keep your mobility program both tactically sound and strategically aligned. Be sure to review these developments with your internal teams and partners to assess their impact, and we will continue sharing updates that may affect your global mobility population.