In case you missed The View From The Top, here is a recent Immigration update from Fragomen's Rajiv Naik (stepping in for Julia Onslow-Cole).
The world of immigration and mobility has experienced a whirlwind of changes in recent years, driven by significant events such as Brexit, the Trump travel bans, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical crises like the Ukraine and Russia conflict. As we emerge from the pandemic, we find ourselves in a new world order, where remote work, digital nomadism, and cross-jurisdictional assignments have become the norm. This macro look at global immigration trends highlights the evolving priorities of governments, the need for agile immigration systems, and the importance of data capture and technology in shaping the future of immigration and talent acquisition.
A Shift in Government Prioritization:
Governments around the world are recognizing the opportunities presented by their immigration policies. Rather than focusing solely on protectionism, there is a noticeable shift towards emphasizing commerce, talent acquisition, and the use of technology to capture valuable data. The traditional work permit and visa systems are being replaced by dynamic skills and labor shortage assessments, as countries vie for the best talent available. Immigration is no longer solely a corporate concern; it has become a national macro issue.
Revamping Immigration Systems:
To attract and retain skilled individuals, countries are reassessing their immigration systems. Singapore, for instance, has introduced Compass, a points-based system, and established SkillsFuture, a national agency group that assists companies in acquiring talent from local and international labor markets. In Australia, there is a strong emphasis on micro-focused skills assessment, where individual skills and experiences are scrutinized to measure their suitability for roles. Governments are widening their aperture to review skills and implement immigration systems that adapt to changing workforce dynamics.
Reviews and Future Prospects:
The United Kingdom is conducting reviews of the shortest occupation list and visit immigration rules, demonstrating a commitment to align immigration policies with evolving business needs. These reviews aim to determine which roles, individuals, and skills are crucial for companies operating in the UK. Additionally, governments worldwide are focusing on data capture and implementing systems like the European electronic travel authorization (ETA) and entry-exit systems within the European Union. The UK is set to introduce ETA this year, gradually rolling it out to various countries, while the European Union's ETA is expected to launch at the beginning of the following year.
Future-Proofing Businesses:
To navigate the changing immigration landscape successfully, organizations must adopt a proactive approach. Understanding the locations of their employee populations and ensuring work readiness are essential. Embracing digital transformation and leveraging the right tools and technologies to streamline right-to-work processes is crucial. By staying informed and regularly assessing upcoming trends, businesses can position themselves to adapt to the ever-changing immigration landscape.
You can watch the complete update here:
Access previous show recordings
Previous immigration updates can be accessed here.
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