01 January 2026

2025 Year in Review | Tax Alerts: Global Mobility

Africa | Americas | Asia | Europe | Middle East
Oceania | International Organizations | Global Mobility

This year in review, organized by region, lists all EY Tax Alerts concerning global mobility, including expatriation and immigration, during 2025.

 

Africa


 
Chad
12.01.2025Chad suspends issuance of visas to nationals of the United States (2025-2387)
Gabon
12.05.2025Gabon launches digital e-Visa platform for short-term visa applications (2025-2428)
Ghana
07.31.2025Ghana announces visa-free policy for nationals of Colombia, Dominica, Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe (2025-1629)
Kenya
07.22.2025Kenya updates Electronic Travel Authorization eligibility criteria (2025-1556)
05.16.2025Kenya accepting applications for the new Digital Nomad Permit (2025-1079)
Malawi
11.26.2025Malawi announces new policies regarding visa-free entry and visa application fees (2025-2376)
Mauritius
01.03.2025Mauritius enacts legislation to give effect to extra allowance for qualifying employees (2025-0124)
Mozambique
05.19.2025Mozambique announces new pre-travel registration requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals (2025-1088)
Nigeria
09.10.2025Nigeria launches new online platform to streamline immigration processes (2025-1833)
07.14.2025Nigeria Immigration Service provides clarifications regarding upcoming immigration reforms and initiatives (2025-1438)
05.08.2025Nigeria's new immigration regulations and upcoming changes discussed (2025-1018)
04.21.2025Nigeria announces reforms to the Expatriate Administration System and new e-Visa effective May 2025 (2025-0927)
South Africa
09.30.2025South Africa extends temporary concession for individuals with pending waiver and appeal cases through 31 March 2026 (2025-1969)
09.25.2025South Africa announces phased rollout of new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa (2025-1936)
05.09.2025South Africa's Constitutional Court declares automatic loss of South African citizenship unconstitutional (2025-1021)
04.01.2025South Africa extends blanket concession for individuals with pending visa, waiver and appeal applications until 30 September 2025 (2025-0795)
01.24.2025South Africa extends blanket concession for individuals with pending visa, waiver and appeal applications until 31 March 2025 (2025-0312)
10.09.2025South Africa announces further extension of Zimbabwean and Lesotho Exemption Permits (2025-2042)

Americas

 
Argentina
10.23.2025Argentina implements procedural changes that impact issuing of provisional residence certificates (2025-2144)
08.13.2025Argentina amends Citizenship Law (2025-1685)
08.01.2025Argentina announces new visa exemption for certain Chinese nationals (2025-1639)
06.06.2025Argentina enacts new regulations impacting foreign nationals and employers (2025-1216)
Barbados
10.24.2025Barbados introduces free movement agreement for nationals of Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (2025-2148)
Brazil
10.09.2025Brazil expands the scope of business visitor activities (2025-2047)
04.10.2025Brazil reinstates visa requirement for nationals of Australia, Canada and the United States (2025-0857)
03.28.2025Brazil considering review of visa requirement for nationals of Australia, Canada and the United States (2025-0775)
Canada
12.16.2025Canada amends Citizenship Act through Bill C-3 (2025-2529)
11.07.2025Canada's 2025 budget and immigration levels plan discussed (2025-2244)
06.17.2025Canada | Ontario shifts OINP to employer-driven process in major overhaul to OINP Employer Job Offer streams (2025-1276)
03.28.2025Canada removes arranged employment points under Express Entry, creating new challenges to permanent residence (2025-0786)
03.13.2025New DHS registration requirement impacts certain Canadian nationals traveling to the United States (2025-0682)
01.17.2025Canada changes eligibility for open work permit for family members of temporary residents (2025-0263)
01.10.2025Canada | Update on home office expenses for 2024 (2025-0204)
Colombia
08.06.2025Colombia announces new visa requirement for nationals of Israel (2025-1658)
07.17.2025Colombia's administrative unit staff strike impacts immigration services (2025-1517)
05.02.2025Colombia introduces new vaccination requirement and declares national health emergency due to yellow fever outbreak (2025-0981)
01.02.2025Venezuelan nationals now eligible for two-year visas to regularize their status in Colombia (2025-0100)
Costa Rica
06.30.2025Costa Rica amends rules for remote workers and digital nomads (2025-1481)
06.04.2025Costa Rica introduces changes to company registration regulations (2025-1194)
Ecuador
09.02.2025Ecuador announces new transit visa requirement for nationals of 45 jurisdictions (2025-1782)
09.02.2025Ecuador eliminates yellow fever vaccination requirement for nationals of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Peru (2025-1781)
07.23.2025Ecuador requires new customs form for certain travelers entering or leaving Ecuador (2025-1564)
05.08.2025Ecuador announces new yellow fever vaccination requirements for certain travelers from four countries (2025-1015)
Guatemala
11.07.2025Guatemala announces new temporary residence permit for digital nomads (2025-2248)
United States
12.18.2025US proclamation announces new travel restrictions (2025-2549)
12.12.2025USCIS releases new form and instructions to petition for an immigrant visa under the Gold Card program (2025-2496)
12.12.2025US Customs and Border Protection announces new data collection requirements for ESTA travelers (2025-2492)
12.09.2025US DOS announces changes to H-1B and H-4 visa vetting processes lead to appointment cancellations (2025-2458)
12.08.2025USCIS announces that the maximum validity period for certain EADs will be reduced (2025-2442)
12.03.2025USCIS announces holds on processing of certain immigration benefit requests, Policy Manual updates, and retroactive reviews of certain approvals (2025-2413)
11.21.2025US DHS proposes to rescind the 2022 public charge ground of inadmissibility regulations (2025-2342)
11.06.2025US DHS proposes to require submission of biometrics by any individual associated with an immigration benefit request (2025-2225)
10.31.2025US DHS announces end to 540-day automatic extension of employment authorization documents (2025-2198)
10.27.2025US DHS publishes final rule requiring facial comparison biometrics for non-U.S. citizens (2025-2174)
10.21.2025USCIS releases clarifying details on the $100,000 payment requirement for certain H-1B petitions (2025-2125)
10.17.2025US Department of Homeland Security implements immigration parole fee (2025-2097)
09.26.2025US DHS proposes weighted selection process for H-1B Lottery (2025-1944)
09.24.2025US Executive Order provides new details on Gold Card Program (2025-1930)
09.23.2025US presidential proclamation establishes new $100,000 payment for some H-1B Petitions (2025-1911)
09.11.2025U.S. Department of State issues new instructions requiring NIV applicants to apply in home country (2025-1834)
09.02.2025US DHS proposed rule contains significant changes for F-1 and J-1 visa holders (2025-1775)
08.07.2025US Department of State introduces visa bond pilot program for certain visa applicants (2025-1666)
07.30.2025US Department of State interview waiver update (2025-1624)
07.21.2025USCIS reaches Fiscal Year 2026 H-1B cap (2025-1540)
06.06.2025United States | White House proclamation announces new travel restrictions (2025-1212)
05.15.2025US Department of Homeland Security announces termination of Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan (2025-1064)
03.24.2025United States 2025 travel guide discussed (2025-0735)
03.11.2025US DHS publishes Interim Final Rule elaborating on registration requirement for certain foreign nationals (2025-0645)
02.27.2025USCIS announces registration requirement for certain foreign nationals in the United States (2025-0574)
02.21.2025U.S. Department of State announces changes to nonimmigrant visa interview waiver policy (2025-0530)
02.07.2025USCIS announces FY 2026 H-1B Cap registration period (2025-0423)
01.28.2025USCIS sunsets settlement agreement mandating bundling the adjudication of I-539 and I-765 applications filed by H-4 and L-2 spouses (2025-0340)

Asia

 
Azerbaijan
02.06.2025Azerbaijan introduces relaxed rules for highly qualified foreign nationals (2025-0409)
China
11.10.2025China Mainland introduces new visa-free policy for nationals of Sweden and extends visa-free policy for nationals of 45 countries (2025-2260)
09.09.2025China announces new visa-free policy for nationals of Russia (2025-1819)
07.08.2025China announces new visa-free policy for nationals of Azerbaijan (2025-1473)
06.04.2025China Mainland announces new visa-free policy for nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia (2025-1193)
05.19.2025China Mainland introduces new visa-free policy for nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay (2025-1091)
Hong Kong
07.11.2025Hong Kong launches new Technical Professionals Stream under General Employment Policy and Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (2025-1471)
03.04.2025Hong Kong revises fee structure for certain admission policies (2025-0597)
03.04.2025Hong Kong 2025/26 Budget Proposal discussed (2025-0595)
01.21.2025Hong Kong digitizes various immigration application processes (2025-0281)
India
10.27.2025India announces new requirement for Overseas Citizen of India card holders to apply for e-Arrival Card (2025-2162)
10.07.2025India introduces new e-Arrival Card requirement (2025-2029)
04.25.2025India suspends all visa services and Indian visas issued to Pakistani nationals (2025-0944)
04.24.2025India suspends the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals (2025-0937)
Indonesia
07.08.2025Indonesia implements new immigration classifications (2025-1472)
Japan
10.30.2025Japan implements new requirements for Business Manager work and residence category (2025-2190)
09.25.2025Japan announces new requirements for Business Manager work and residence category (2025-1937)
06.25.2025Japan announces JESTA and enhanced immigration enforcement measures (2025-1353)
04.01.2025Japan requires TB clearance for nationals of Nepal, the Philippines and Vietnam (2025-0794)
Korea
12.11.2025Republic of Korea mandates e-Arrival Card for all foreign nationals effective 1 January 2026 (2025-2474)
04.11.2025Republic of Korea introduces new F-2 visa for skilled foreign nationals in high-tech industries (2025-0869)
04.07.2025Republic of Korea requires new documentation for F-3 Dependent Visa applications (2025-0833)
Malaysia
12.05.2025Malaysia introduces new exit requirements for foreign nationals (2025-2434)
11.26.2025Malaysia announces new online platform for Employment Pass applications in Sarawak state (2025-2377)
11.06.2025Malaysia introduces overstay fines for Employment and Dependent’s Pass holders (2025-2238)
09.09.2025Malaysia announces changes to the list of eligible positions for Professional Visit Pass applications (2025-1820)
08.22.2025Malaysia digitizes several processes related to Employment Pass and Professional Visit Pass applications (2025-1737)
07.16.2025Malaysia introduces changes to simplify immigration processes and increase enforcement to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (2025-1499)
05.05.2025Malaysia implements online appeals for rejected work permit applications (2025-0987)
03.25.2025Malaysia to introduce new Investor Pass for eligible foreign investors (2025-0753)
03.11.2025Malaysia introduces electronic format for certain passes (2025-0644)
02.24.2025Malaysia introduces new 1:3 Internship Policy to contribute to local talent development (2025-0547)
01.03.2025Malaysia extends visa exemption period for India and China nationals (2025-0115)
Philippines
05.08.2025Philippines announces new Digital Nomad Visa (2025-1016)
02.17.2025Philippines implements major changes impacting Alien Employment Permits (2025-0491)
Singapore
11.18.2025Singapore announces updated COMPASS scoring criteria for Employment Pass applicants (2025-2313)
10.21.2025Singapore updates renewal process for Re-Entry Permits for permanent residents (2025-2119)
08.15.2025Singapore releases updated salary benchmarks for Employment Pass applicants (2025-1694)
03.13.2025Singapore announces changes to its foreign workforce policy (2025-0660)
Taiwan
02.26.2025Taiwan introduces new Digital Nomad Visa (2025-0557)
Thailand
11.11.2025Thailand launches online platform for work permit applications (2025-2268)
07.01.2025Thailand introduces new salary thresholds and quotas for foreign employees working for BOI-promoted companies (2025-1480)
05.19.2025Thailand's BOI-promoted companies subject to the TM.30 notification requirement (2025-1092)
04.21.2025Thailand announces new Digital Arrival Card for certain non-Thai nationals (2025-0926)
Turkiye
01.08.2025Turkiye increases minimum salary requirements for all employees, including foreign nationals (2025-0167)
Vietnam
09.08.2025Vietnam resumes processing of work permit applications in Ho Chi Minh City (2025-1807)
08.28.2025Vietnam announces new Special Visa Exemption Card for certain categories of foreign nationals (2025-1768)
08.27.2025Vietnam issues decree providing guidance for foreign workers (2025-1762)

Europe

 
European Union
12.11.2025Schengen border controls for December 2025 discussed (2025-2473)
11.06.2025Schengen border controls for November 2025 discussed (2025-2233)
10.02.2025Schengen border controls for October 2025 discussed (2025-1997)
09.04.2025Schengen border controls for September 2025 discussed (2025-1791)
08.07.2025EU updates visa rules for Turkish nationals traveling to the Schengen Area (2025-1665)
08.07.2025European Commission announces new ETIAS fee (2025-1664)
08.06.2025Schengen border controls August 2025 discussed (2025-1659)
08.05.2025European Commission sets the implementation date of the Entry/Exit System (2025-1652)
07.22.2025EU Council adopts law for the gradual implementation of the Entry/Exit System (2025-1557)
07.18.2025European Council extends temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals until March 2027 (2025-1530)
07.14.2025Schengen border controls for July 2025 discussed (2025-1437)
06.06.2025Schengen border controls for June 2025 discussed (2025-1210)
05.27.2025EU reaches provisional agreement for gradual deployment of the EES (2025-1133)
05.07.2025Schengen border controls for May 2025 discussed (2025-0993)
04.03.2025Schengen border controls for April 2025 discussed (2025-0813)
03.10.2025European Union adopts proposal for phased deployment of the EES (2025-0641)
03.06.2025Schengen border controls for March 2025 discussed (2025-0620)
02.10.2025Schengen border controls update for February 2025 (2025-0440)
01.14.2025Schengen border controls for January 2025 discussed (2025-0228)
Austria
12.09.2025Austria introduces new Frontier Worker Permit for third-country nationals (2025-2457)
01.09.2025Austria increases minimum salary requirements for various categories of foreign employees (2025-0184)
Belgium
09.16.2025Belgium's increased nationality registration fee and stricter EU residence permit requirements discussed (2025-1867)
06.05.2025Belgium | Flemish authorities approve proposal that streamlines immigration rules for employers and foreign workers (2025-1201)
01.28.2025Belgium increases processing fees for certain immigration applications (2025-0341)
Bulgaria
07.04.2025Bulgaria announces new remote work permit and stricter requirements for highly skilled workers (2025-1477)
Cyprus
07.07.2025Cyprus announces Blue Card launch and increased immigration enforcement for BCS companies (2025-1474)
01.14.2025Cyprus’ Ministry of Labour provides clarifications regarding upcoming EU Blue Card scheme (2025-0229)
Czech Republic
03.06.2025Czech Republic announces free access to the Czech labor market for Taiwan residents (2025-0616)
Denmark
10.15.2025Denmark launches Entry/Exit System (2025-2088)
06.16.2025Denmark extends temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees until March 2027 (2025-1265)
01.02.2025Denmark to revise application processing fees, salary requirements and Positive Lists effective 1 January 2025 (2025-0102)
Estonia
12.17.2025Estonia announces new requirements for short-term employment registrations and temporary residence permit applications (2025-2534)
Finland
12.18.2025Finland announces new, stricter citizenship requirements (2025-2554)
06.10.2025Finland confirms the implementation date for heightened requirements for employers and third-country nationals (2025-1231)
05.05.2025Finland provides updates on the implementation date for heightened requirements for employers and third-country nationals (2025-0986)
04.16.2025Finnish implementation of proposal to introduce heightened requirements for employers and third-country nationals postponed (2025-0903)
01.14.2025Finland increases salary requirement for certain work-based residence permit applicants (2025-0227)
France
09.03.2025France announces new salary requirements for certain foreign workers (2025-1784)
Germany
11.07.2025Germany approves new salary thresholds for EU Blue Card and Distinct Professional Experience applicants (2025-2249)
07.28.2025Germany announces minimum wage increase (2025-1589)
Hungary
03.18.2025Hungary announces increased salary thresholds for EU Blue Card applicants, postpones planned salary updates based on occupation codes (2025-0707)
01.09.2025Hungary announces updates to its Guest Worker Permit regulations (2025-0182)
Ireland
12.16.2025Ireland introduces online payment of visa application fees for nationals of certain jurisdictions (2025-2523)
12.08.2025Ireland announces phased salary threshold increases for employment permits (2025-2444)
12.03.2025Ireland introduces temporary travel measure for IRP renewal applicants (2025-2411)
12.01.2025Ireland announces legislative changes to the Citizenship Act and Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy (2025-2385)
10.20.2025Ireland announces changes impacting foreign nationals and their employers (2025-2113)
07.29.2025Ireland announces upcoming changes in requirements for non-EEA/Swiss/UK circus artists (2025-1612)
05.21.2025Ireland's DETE addresses technical issues impacting the newly launched Employment Permits Online system (2025-1109)
05.14.2025Ireland announces new visa requirement for nationals of Trinidad and Tobago (2025-1058)
04.28.2025Ireland provides additional details regarding the new Employment Permits Online (EPOS) system (2025-0954)
04.09.2025Ireland to launch enhanced Employment Permits Online (EPOS) system on 28 April 2025 (2025-0853)
04.03.2025Ireland to launch enhanced Employment Permits Online (EPOS) system (2025-0812)
03.10.2025Ireland announces new visa requirement for nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru (2025-0642)
02.27.2025Ireland introduces new employment permit for seasonally recurring work (2025-0569)
01.17.2025Ireland extends temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees until March 2026 (2025-0264)
01.13.2025Ireland's first-time immigration registration to be completed in Dublin (2025-0216)
Italy
12.16.2025Italy announces faster application processing and simplified requirements for EU Blue Cards and certain work permits (2025-2522)
Kosovo
02.10.2025Kosovo removes visa requirements for eligible nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2025-0441)
Lithuania
07.18.2025Lithuania announces changes to list of countries where applications may be submitted using external service providers (2025-1529)
Netherlands
12.19.2025Netherlands announces new salary requirements for highly skilled workers effective 1 January 2026 (2025-2570)
12.01.2025Netherlands announces new salary-related requirement for companies sponsoring highly skilled foreign nationals and EU Blue Card holders (2025-2386)
11.20.2025Netherlands introduces stricter border controls for third-country nationals (2025-2336)
07.16.2025Netherlands to propose measures to strengthen the knowledge migrant scheme (2025-1500)
04.16.2025Netherlands clarifies immigration salary threshold for highly skilled foreign nationals in relation to the 30% ruling (2025-0904)
North Macedonia
09.30.2025North Macedonia simplifies temporary residence permit requirements (2025-1970)
Norway
06.24.2025Norway announces increased salary thresholds for several types of residence permits (2025-1340)
Poland
10.09.2025Poland updates the stay and benefit rules for Ukrainian nationals (2025-2044)
09.12.2025Poland's President vetoes amendment to the Ukrainian Special Act (2025-1845)
04.11.2025Poland to introduce new Act on Employment of Foreign Nationals (2025-0870)
Portugal
10.27.2025Portugal implements new border control measures and rules on family reunification and CPLP permits (2025-2163)
07.21.2025Portugal extends the validity of certain residence permits until 15 October 2025 (2025-1547)
07.21.2025Portugal announces new action plan to address immigration challenges and reform citizenship laws (2025-1546)
02.27.2025Portugal implements amendments to Immigration Law effective 14 February 2025 (2025-0572)
Romania
03.24.2025Romania simplifies citizenship regulations (2025-0740)
Slovakia
06.10.2025Slovakia to introduce several changes to enhance immigration processes for third-country nationals (2025-1232)
05.08.2025Slovakia experiencing delays in appointment slots for foreign employees and other third-country nationals (2025-1017)
Slovenia
11.21.2025Slovenia announces new temporary residence permit for digital nomads (2025-2341)
05.30.2025Slovenia amends regulations impacting third-country nationals and employers (2025-1165)
Spain
05.29.2025Spain provides clarifications regarding reforms to regulations allowing third-country nationals to regularize their immigration status in Spain (2025-1157)
01.23.2025Spanish parliament approves suspension of the Golden Visa program for investors (2025-0302)
Sweden
04.01.2025Swedish parliament votes to suspend Track Change Permit and amend deportation rules effective 1 April 2025 (2025-0798)
03.10.2025Swedish Migration Agency to identify professions that will be exempt from upcoming salary requirement increases (2025-0638)
Switzerland
12.08.2025Switzerland publishes updated vacancy reporting requirement for employers (2025-2443)
11.25.2025Switzerland to retain work permit quotas for EEA, UK and third-country nationals in 2026 (2025-2364)
06.30.2025Switzerland announces proposal to introduce restrictions on Protection Status S for Ukrainian nationals (2025-1484)
05.27.2025Switzerland successfully negotiates a safeguard clause as part of the Bilateral III negotiations with the EU (2025-1134)
03.25.2025Switzerland rejects proposal to ease residence authorization for qualifying dependents, launches new consultation to identify potential changes for eligible foreigners (2025-0751)
03.06.2025Switzerland announces new online platform for short-term work notifications (2025-0617)
United Kingdom
11.21.2025UK announces Earned Settlement model and opens proposals for public consultation (2025-2347)
10.15.2025UK's Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules for October 2025 discussed (2025-2089)
09.18.2025UK's HMRC publishes guidance regarding treatment on cash bonuses for internationally mobile employees and permanent transfers (2025-1883)
07.03.2025UK government published a Statement of Changes to Immigration Rules (2025-1478)
06.30.2025UK announces changes to the EU Settlement Scheme eligibility criteria (2025-1483)
05.28.2025UK confirms eVisa grace period to end on 1 June 2025 (2025-1139)
05.12.2025UK plans to introduce key immigration changes as part of their Plan for Change (2025-1042)
04.28.2025UK implements key changes to salary deductions and calculations for sponsored workers (2025-0953)
03.24.2025UK to increase fees for several immigration applications (2025-0743)
03.19.2025UK's increase in compliance actions against sponsors discussed (2025-0710)
03.17.2025UK to expand ETA to EU and EEA nationals effective April 2025 (2025-0698)
03.17.2025UK publishes Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (2025-0697)
02.28.2025UK extends eVisa grace period until 1 June 2025 (2025-0581)
02.14.2025UK publishes guidance on changes to the employer guidance on right to work checks (2025-0473)
01.17.2025UK government proposes fee increases for certain immigration services, introduces ETA exemption for qualifying individuals (2025-0265)
01.07.2025UK prohibits sponsors from recouping additional sponsorship-related costs from Skilled Workers (2025-0147)

Middle East

 
Israel
06.26.2025Israel announces automatic extension of certain B-1 visas for Foreign Experts (2025-1360)
01.15.2025Israel increases salary requirements for certain foreign workers and processing fees for B-1 Visa applications (2025-0239)
Kuwait
11.06.2025Kuwait announces new requirement for employers to submit work and holiday schedule electronically (2025-2234)
08.28.2025Kuwait launches new online platform for visit visa applications (2025-1764)
07.01.2025Kuwait announces new exit permit rule effective 1 July 2025 (2025-1479)
04.09.2025Kuwait streamlines residency transfers between the public and private sectors (2025-0843)
Qatar
08.28.2025Qatar announces new on-arrival medical examination requirement for nationals of the Philippines (2025-1767)
Saudi Arabia
07.17.2025Saudi Arabia introduces new work permit classification system for foreign skilled talent (2025-1518)
06.30.2025Saudi Arabia lifts suspension on issuance of work visa quotas and short-term visas for nationals of certain countries (2025-1482)
06.02.2025Saudi Arabia suspends issuance of work visa quotas for use by nationals of certain countries (2025-1171)
04.29.2025Saudi Arabia increases Saudization rates for roles in healthcare and tourism (2025-0961)
04.29.2025Saudi Arabia suspends short-term visas for nationals of 14 countries (2025-0960)
03.27.2025Saudi Arabia implements significant changes to business visa regulations (2025-0769)
02.26.2025Saudi Arabia expands scope of Saudi Qualification Verification Program (2025-0558)
01.02.2025Saudi Arabia temporarily extends grace period for foreign workers to regularize their stay (2025-0101)
03.24.2025UAE expands visa on arrival facility to additional categories of Indian nationals (2025-0741)

Oceania

Document ID: 2026-0018