Corporate Immigration 2024

A Global Overview of Immigration in 2024

Immigration remains a key topic in 2024, given the surge in migration over the last 12 months, with countries such as the US, Canada, Australia and the UK seeing greater numbers of net migration than before. 2024 will be an eventful year for policy making, as national elections are due to take place in 64 countries worldwide, as well as the European Union. It will be interesting to see the changes this will bring across the globe.

This guide sets out an immigration overview per location, highlighting key routes into the country and associated considerations, such as cost and timeframes. The guide also explores any upcoming changes in immigration policy and how this is being shaped by key drivers such as geopolitical events and economic factors.

Some key themes that will continue to shape policy and impact immigration directly are set out below. These will certainly be of interest to the business community as the world of talent and business travel is becoming increasingly complex and diverse, and how organisations respond to these challenges will determine their ability to deliver and succeed in the future.

Immigration policy

There is an ongoing shift toward the implementation of immigration policy aimed at prioritising the local workforce and reducing net migration numbers. Many policies are placing restrictions on economic migration through increased salary measures, the adjustment of skill levels, increased government fees and visa application costs, and ensuring sufficient access to financial maintenance to support any eligible accompanying family members. However, there remains a focus on ensuring the right balance between attracting top talent and specialised skills whilst safeguarding the local workforce.

Digitisation and technology

There has been an increase in more tech-driven immigration routes led by digital infrastructure to underpin most immigration systems globally. There is an overall shift toward electronic travel authorisations, eVisas, e-gates and entirely digital application and sponsorship systems designed to streamline what has traditionally been seen as protracted immigration practice, and ultimately ease the administrative burden on the applicant and/or their sponsoring employer.

Remote working

There remains a competition for global talent and specialised skills to help drive economic growth. More and more countries are implementing “Digital Nomad visa” immigration programmes, devised to attract individuals to remain in country whilst carrying out remote working activities for the benefit of an overseas-based employer. Employers are also reviewing their current international policies to consider this type of arrangement. Depending on the country. there will likely be tax considerations in this way of working.

Immigration compliance

Authorities are taking a tougher stance on compliance by scrutinising visa applications and increasing audit and inspections locally to ensure compliance with right to work requirements.

Business travel remains an area of focus, with more and more countries keen to investigate the purpose, duration and frequency of travel to permit entry. Countries are enhancing their entry and exit requirements for foreign nationals as well as their own nationals, for greater compliance and governance controls.

Crisis management

Globally, organisations continue to strategically plan and develop business continuity plans to better adapt to crises and the geopolitical environment, enabling them to react quickly to support global workforce and/or facilitate emergency evacuation/international relocation and travel. Quick and easy access to accurate global workforce data continues to play a critical role in facilitating such planning.