ICYMI: March 5 - 18

The best advice for managing mobility in a chaotic world is to build a program that doesn't require calm conditions to function.

Some will tell you to practice mindfulness and curate your media diet. That's lovely. But when airspace closes over the Middle East, when a new executive order rewrites H-1B policy overnight, or when a housing market swings 15% in a quarter, your transferees can't wait for you to find your center.

The mobility leaders navigating 2026 effectively all have something in common: they stopped trying to predict what's coming and started building programs designed to absorb disruption. That means flexible policy language that doesn't require a rewrite every time something changes. It means supplier relationships strong enough to activate quickly. It means communication protocols that go out before employees have to ask. And it means staying close to intelligence sources — from immigration counsel to relocation partners — who are watching the landscape in real time so you don't have to watch it alone.

Chaos isn't the exception right now. It's the operating environment. The only question worth asking is how to manage through it. That's what we're here for. And it's what this edition of ICYMI is all about.

Consider our three-part series on various aspects of the war with Iran that are impacting global mobility programs today and into the future, even for those with no activity in the Middle East.

Here are the updates from the last two weeks, ICYMI:

Middle East

• Our partners remain operational, leveraging a hybrid approach in most locations. Field services are delivered where required, with a focus on safety and essential activities. Travel within cities is being minimized where appropriate, in line with precautionary practices.

• As you would expect, some residents and expatriates throughout the Middle East have decided to travel and leave their homes at short notice due to the current situation. When leaving a property temporarily unattended, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure the property remains secure and well maintained when vacant. We have guidance that outlines key considerations to help minimize potential issues in the future.  Our partners can support key collection and holding, perform weekly or bi-weekly inspections, and support forced departures/evacuations. Leases may require tenants to notify their landlord when leaving the property vacant for an extended period it is recommended for tenants to check the lease terms and comply accordingly. Reach out if you would like the guide. 

• Flights at Dubai International Airport were briefly suspended on Monday after a drone strike causing cancellations and diversions. The prices of many global airfares that bypass the Middle East are rising, as the conflict drives up oil prices and airlines warn of higher fuel costs ahead. 

• Sea shipments: Military escalation has significantly disrupted transportation networks across the Middle East. Attacks on vessels and infrastructure have impacted maritime traffic and logistics hubs throughout the region. The impacts are: ocean freight capacity to/from Gulf countries, rerouting of vessels adding 10-14 days of transit time, and increased insurance, bunker fuel and war risk surcharges. (Paramount)

• Air shipments: Airspace restrictions and security concerns across the Middle East are affecting global aviation routes used for both passenger travel and air cargo. The impacts are: increased airfreight costs for expedited shipments, longer flight routes and potential delays. (Paramount)

• The end of Ramadan is nearly here, closing out a month of fasting, prayer and charity. Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to be observed on Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20, depending on the sighting of the moon. That will mark the end of reduced office hours.

• CERC webinar: On March 17, from 1-2pm ET, CERC is hosting a webinar: “Navigating the Middle East Crisis — What Mobility Leaders Need to Know”

• Participate in AIRINC's short pulse survey on “Assignee Evacuations and Danger Pay in the Middle East”. Given the timeliness of this topic, the pulse survey will only be open until the end of Friday March 20. Results will be aggregated and published quickly.

United States

• On March 17, 2026, mobile employees faced significant travel disruptions primarily across the United States due to a "triple-threat" storm system causing blizzard conditions in the Midwest, severe weather in the East, and record heat in the West. Over 2,000 flights are delayed or canceled, with major air hubs experiencing high-impact issues. A partial government shutdown in the U.S. is exacerbating airport security bottlenecks with TSA staffing issues.

• The U.S. Department of State has issued a Worldwide Caution, advising U.S. citizens to exercise increased vigilance amid heightened global security risks.  The alert follows the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, which has led to elevated regional tensions and potential travel disruptions. 

• The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued its latest report on PERM and prevailing wage determination (PWD) processing times. You can find details here.

• The US Department of State (DOS) has issued a final rule amending the regulations governing the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, introducing new documentation and identity‑verification requirements aimed at reducing fraud and strengthening national security safeguards. Per EIG, the rule will take effect 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register (March 11, 2026).

• The FY 2027 H‑1B cap season marks a major shift for employers. In addition to the new $100,000 consular fee for select cases, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has replaced the long‑standing random lottery with a wage‑weighted selection system that prioritizes registrations with higher wage levels. Under the new rule, the wage listed in the H‑1B registration — and the wage level it corresponds to — now directly affects the likelihood that the beneficiary will be selected. Access Envoy Global's guide.

• Rural and under-resourced school districts across the United States are bracing for potential staffing disruptions as changes to the federal H-1B visa program raise the cost and uncertainty of hiring international teachers. School leaders and experts warn that the changes could make it significantly harder for districts already struggling with teacher shortages to recruit educators in high-need subjects such as science, mathematics, and special education.

• After declining in January, existing home closings rose 1.7% in February, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Housing inventory also increased, rising 2.4% from January to 1.29 million homes. That’s 4.9% higher than the same time
  last year. Housing affordability is gradually improving, which is helping bring some buyers back into the market, according to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. However, while inventory is growing, it’s doing so slowly. Yun noted that if demand strengthens faster than supply in the coming months, home prices could face renewed upward pressure – underscoring the need for more housing supply.

Canada

• AI is everywhere! Canada has released its first AI strategy, outlining how the department plans to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations. IRCC indicates that AI may be used to streamline administrative tasks, support data analysis, enhance fraud detection, and help triage low-risk applications for expedited review. However, the department emphasizes that final decisions, including refusals, will continue to be made by human officers and that AI systems will not operate autonomously. The strategy also contemplates experimental applications, such as modelling immigration flows and forecasting economic impacts, while confirming that fully autonomous AI decision-making is not being adopted.  

• Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) announced that temporary Work-Sharing (WS) measures will remain in place. These measures were first introduced during the pandemic and have been maintained since.  These flexibilities make it easier for employers to access the program during downturns outside their control. This allows employers to reduce employees’ hours while avoiding layoffs, with Employment Insurance (EI) providing partial income support to affected workers.

Argentina

• The Argentine Republic will now accept U.S. permanent resident cards (Green Cards) and specific U.S. visa categories as sufficient documentation for entry under the Tourist category for nationals of India and the Dominican Republic, and under Tourist or Business Visitor categories for nationals of the People’s Republic of China. This update supplements earlier guidance confirming Argentina’s recognition of U.S. immigration documentation as an alternative to an Argentine visa.

Singapore

• The Singapore government will introduce a new Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass (AI and Tech) track on January 1, 2027. The new track will replace the existing Tech. Pass and align its validity period with the broader ONE Pass, offering an initial five-year validity with the option of further five-year renewals. The new route is designed to strengthen Singapore’s ability to attract top global talent in critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

New Zealand

• Following significant reforms to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa in September 2025, Immigration New Zealand has released further details on the key changes. The new framework will expand eligibility by recognizing both professional and trade skills while reducing barriers linked to wage progression and lengthy work experience. See those changes here.

United Kingdom

• On March 5, 2026, the Home Office published a wide-ranging statement of changes to the Immigration Rules (HC1691). An explanatory memorandum accompanied the statement of changes, as well as a written statement to the House of Commons and several recent press releases. Find the 21 specific points here.

Greece

• Greece introduced a Tech Visa and a Talent Visa, with the intent of expanding its ability to attract highly skilled foreign talent. The government also extended the validity period for the EU Blue Card and eased rules regarding the allowable application submission period. Lastly, a new Specialized Technical Personnel visa allows foreign nationals to transfer from a company in a third country to a Greek company for major projects for a 12-month period. Get details here.