In case you missed The View From The Top, here is the Immigration update from Fragomen's Julia Onslow Cole with a focus on worldwide trends!
The world is currently seeing a much sharper economic slowdown than expected, with inflation reaching its highest levels in several decades. Against this backdrop, there is a high level of dissatisfaction with governments around the world, with an unprecedented number of government elections scheduled for this year.
Rising unemployment and acute labor shortages, particularly in specific tech skills, are some of the challenges that the global mobility industry is currently facing. Major layoffs are taking place, which is causing significant concern in the industry. In addition, the Ukraine crisis continues to affect immigration, with increasing restrictions on Russian citizens.
COVID-19 has also impacted immigration, causing delays at consulates worldwide. However, business travel is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, which is a positive development. Governments are getting creative in their approach to immigration, moving away from the sponsored route and introducing new visa programs. This includes fusing tourist and business visas, which can have a positive impact on business.
Another trend that Julia highlighted is the digital transformation in the industry. With internet connections improving globally, many governments are moving towards online platforms to make the immigration process more efficient. However, compliance is still a significant issue, and businesses need to be careful in this regard.
Lastly, Julia mentioned the proliferation of businesses looking at investment in digital health passports during the pandemic. While many expected this trend to take off, it has not gained traction as expected, and governments are still relying on their systems for measuring digital health.
In conclusion, the global mobility industry is facing significant challenges, but there are also positive developments. With the right approach, businesses can adapt to these trends and emerge stronger than ever.
You can watch Julia's complete update here:
Access previous show recordings
Previous immigration updates can be accessed here.