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Brexit Impacts Job Seekers from the European Union

European Union flag and map

The United Kingdom’s (UK) upcoming Brexit impacts the labor market in many ways. As a result, job seekers from the European Union (EU) may be responding to the uncertainty and the upcoming departure from the EU by reducing their search for positions in the UK. Net long-term migration to the UK from the EU fell in July of 2018 to its lowest level in over four years.

Brexit impacts other areas as well, and may be related to persistent weakness in the British pound relative to other European currencies since 2015. Consequently, a weaker UK currency reduces migrant’s purchasing power back in their home countries.

UK Net Migration Target

The UK government had set a target in 2010 to reduce net migration, however that target has never been met. Part of the failure was due to migration into the UK from countries located outside the EU, including (in alphabetical order):

  • Australia
  • Bangladesh
  • Canada
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Pakistan
  • South Africa
  • United States

How Brexit impacts job seekers may actually help the UK government reduce net migration into the country. The reduction, however, could have negative impacts in other areas.

Impact of Net Migration Reduction on Industry

The various ways that Brexit impacts job seekers may disproportionately affect certain industries in the UK. As a result, construction and health care are most at risk as job seekers reduce their willingness to migrate to the UK. These two industries rely heavily on migrants to fill open positions. The UK’s strong economy as well as its changing demographics had been driving up demand for workers in these two industries. Additionally, changing economic conditions in migrant’s home countries such as Romania, Poland, and Ireland may allow them greater opportunities to remain in their country of origin. These changing economies may allow them to find jobs that offer sufficient pay and benefits for their needs.

What Should Employers Expect?

Employers seeking to fill positions in the UK should expect that Brexit impacts job seekers from the EU. They should also expect that they may need to review their talent recruitment program to attract job seekers from other regions as the global economy dynamically changes where migrants seek new jobs.

What Should Employers do?

Employers in the UK finding difficulties in hiring and recruiting for positions in specific industries should consider highlighting their relocation program’s benefits in their recruiting materials. Talent shortages can be mitigated with global relocation. Helpful tips for employers facing talent shortages include:

  1. Provide an Exceptional Candidate Experience
  2. Use Data to Enhance Recruiting Efforts
  3. Recruit for Cultural Fit to Your Organization
  4. Create a Superior Employer Brand
  5. Speed the Process to Keep Candidates Engaged

Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) can provide expert assistance to employers in the UK looking to enhance their company’s global candidate recruitment and relocation.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their talent recruitment programs. As a result, we can help your company understand how Brexit impacts your company’s talent recruitment processes. We can also help your company leverage its relocation program to attract and retain highly skilled and talented job seekers.

Learn how your company can benefit from highlighting your relocation program to job seekers from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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USCIS Adjusting Premium Processing Fees to Improve Adjudications and Service Processes

USCIS Adjusting Premium Processing Fees to Improve Adjudications and Service Processes

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will increase premium processing fees for some forms starting on October 1, 2018. The fees will increase by 14.92%, reflecting the percentage increase in inflation since implementation of the last fee increase in 2010. The increase is being done in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Act permits USCIS to raise such fees in order to provide services.

What is the issue?

Costs for staff, technology, and supplies have increased since 2010. Using the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers as a benchmark, the increase on average is 14.92% over this time frame. At the same time, the demand for immigration services that USCIS provides has significantly increased. Without an increase in the premium processing fees, USCIS will be increasingly unable to continue providing services.

What are the forms subject to increases in premium processing fees?

Premium processing fees are additional fees that petitioners can pay for the option of requesting a 15-day processing time for specific requests. Petitioners must also pay the basic form filing fee as well as any other required fees.

Forms subject to increases in premium processing fees include:

Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker – this form is for petitioners filing on behalf of a nonimmigrant worker to come to the United States temporarily to perform services or labor, or to receive training, as an H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1 or R-1 nonimmigrant worker. Petitioners may also use this form to request an extension of stay in or change of status to E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B1 or TN, or one of the above classifications for a foreign national.

Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers – this form is used to petition for an alien worker to become a permanent resident of the United States.

What does increasing premium processing fees mean for the USCIS?

USCIS will be able to hire additional staff, as well as make significant investments in technology. As a result, this will allow the agency to provide adjudications and premium processing services quickly and more efficiently than is currently possible.

What should employers expect?

Employers should expect that premium processing fees for Form I-129 and I-140 will increase by 14.92%. Currently, the fee is $1,225. Starting on October 1, the fee will increase to $1,410.

What should employers do?

Employers should review their hiring plans and determine any current budgetary impact related to increases in premium processing fees for Form I-129 and Form I-140. Employers should also review future budgets to ensure they reflect the increased fees.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their country-specific employment, visa, and residency requirements. We can help your company understand how to respond effectively to the USCIS’s increase in premium processing fees. Learn how your company can mitigate the impact of increases in premium processing fees from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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India’s Economic Growth Continues and Becomes Sixth-Largest in World, Surpassing France

Mumbai skyline view from Marine Drive in Mumbai, India

According to the World Bank’s data for 2017, India’s economic growth has now pushed the country forward to become the world’s sixth-largest economy. With a 2017 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $2.597 trillion, India’s economy surpasses France’s 2017 GDP of $2.582 trillion. India’s economic growth is further enabled by its surplus of highly skilled professional workers. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, India is on track to also surpass Britain in 2018, becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy.

Where is the growth in India?

India’s economic growth is accelerating across several sectors of its economy. The growth of India’s population adds further accelerant to its rapidly expanding economic growth. Sectors experiencing the greatest growth rates include:

  • Agriculture
  • Banking and Insurance
  • Business Investment
  • Construction
  • InfoTech Industry
  • Manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Real Estate
  • Retail/Consumer Spending

What does this mean?

As Global Mobility Solutions has previously noted, Korn Ferry’s study “Global Talent Crunch” highlights the skilled talent shortage that is impacting countries and specific industries around the world. This same study, however, notes that India is the only country in the analysis that will maintain a surplus of skilled talent through 2030. India’s economic growth is accompanied by a surplus of skilled talent that will provide the nation with a highly vibrant economy and bright prospects for continued success. The government of India will have more resources to invest in infrastructure improvements. Therefore, the population of India will benefit from plentiful job opportunities throughout the nation, across several industries.

What should employers expect?

Employers should expect India’s economic growth will continue to increase. If they are currently selling to India-based customers, this business should be on track for future expansion. Additionally, India offers good prospects for business investment and joint ventures. Employers should examine their business objectives to see how their company can benefit from India’s continued economic success. Since India also has a significant surplus of highly skilled workers, employers should expect that the country will be a good source for talented workers.

What should employers do?

Employers should review their business objectives and hiring plans related to their projects in India, or that result from sales trade with customers based in India. They should also examine the India government’s policies related to work permits and visas, so they can understand and respond to future growth and investment activities in this country. Employers should review their relocation policy to ensure it is designed to attract transferees and new hires from India’s skilled labor force. They should also examine the work permit and visa guidelines in the countries in which they have business locations that would benefit from relocating India-based transferees and new hires.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment and visa requirements. As a result, we can help your company understand how to gain the most benefit from India’s economic growth and favorable business prospects. Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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United Kingdom Creates New Settled Status for European Union Nationals and Family Members

Vector Image of The British Flag

The United Kingdom is creating a new Settled Status for European Union nationals and their family members residing in the UK. This new designation arose from an agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The new Settled Status replaces the current permanent residence status that is granted under EU Law.

Negotiations pertaining to the UK’s exit from the EU, also known as BREXIT, continue on specific matters pertaining to the exit process.

What are the important timeline dates?

The Month of March 2019: The application process will be fully open

March 29, 2019: The United Kingdom exits the European Union

The Timeframe from March 30, 2019 through December 31, 2020: Implementation Period for BREXIT

December 31, 2020: Five Year Residency deadline for EU citizens and immediate family members residing in the UK

June 30, 2021: The deadline for applying for the new Settled Status

Who is eligible to apply for the new Settled Status?

  • All European Union nationals and their qualifying family members (spouses, unmarried and civil partners, children) living in the UK on a continuous basis for five years up to December 31, 2020.
    • NOTE: A fee comparable to the current cost of a UK passport (£80) will apply.
  • All European Union nationals who arrive in the UK prior to the December 31, 2020 deadline, have not met the five year residency rule, but who do want to remain in the UK.
    • NOTE: Must apply for temporary “pre-Settled Status” permission to reside in the UK until they meet the requirements for the new Settled Status.
    • NOTE: A fee comparable to the current cost of a UK passport (£80) will apply.
  • Immediate family members of European Union nationals who arrive in the UK prior to the December 31, 2020 deadline, have not met the five year residency rule, but who do want to remain in the UK—ONLY if the family relationship existed BEFORE December 31, 2020.
    • NOTE: Must apply for temporary “pre-Settled Status” permission to reside in the UK until they meet the requirements for the new Settled Status.
    • NOTE: A fee comparable to the current cost of a UK passport (£80) will apply.
  • Current EU citizens residing in the UK who hold permanent residence status or plan to do so before December 31, 2020 must exchange this document for the new Settled Status in order to continue residing in the UK after the deadline.
    • NOTE: There should be no fee to exchange this document if the EU citizen currently holds permanent residence status.

What is the process to apply for the new Settled Status?

The United Kingdom Home Office will be introducing a new online application process. This new process will eliminate the current requirement to complete an application form and provide several supporting documents. The Home Office notes that the new process will link to relevant government departments. Also, the new process will synchronize records to automatically confirm data such as the applicant’s work history.

Applicants for the new Settled Status, or those applying for temporary permission to reside in the UK until they meet the residency requirements for Settled Status, must prove their identity and nationality. Acceptable documents include a current passport, Identification Card, and a recent photograph. Applicants must also declare any criminal convictions on their records.

When will the new Settled Status application system be in use?

The United Kingdom Home Office is targeting the application system to be fully open by March 2019.

What should employers do?

Companies that have current EU national employees residing in the United Kingdom should review their eligibility under the new Settled Status requirements and plan accordingly. EU national employees and their family members should learn about and understand the UK’s new residency and application requirements if they wish to remain in the United Kingdom.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their country-specific employment, visa, and residency requirements. We can help your company understand how to respond effectively to the United Kingdom’s new Settled Status. Learn how to navigate the changing residency landscape during BREXIT from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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United Kingdom Changes Immigration Rules for Tier 2 Sponsored Visas

Vector Image of The British Flag

The United Kingdom Home Office is changing the Immigration Rules for Tier 2 Sponsored Visas effective July 6, 2018. The change is in response to growing concern within the business community over the negative impact the current immigration rules are having on hiring efforts for technical occupations.

What is the change to the Immigration Rules for Tier 2 Sponsored Visas?

Starting on July 6, doctors and nurses who apply under the Tier 2 (General) Sponsored Visa rules will be exempt from having to also apply for a Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship (RCoS). This removes these workers from the cap on skilled worker visas.

What is the reason for this change?

Currently, over 8,000 RCoS requests have been refused since December 2017 due to the available quota reaching its limit. Since December 2017 those with salaries below £50,000 have been unsuccessful in obtaining an RCoS. Applicants must receive an RCoS before they can submit a visa application. Thousands of doctors have been denied Tier 2 Visas due to the immigration quotas. The National Health Service has been pressing the Home Office to exempt skilled employees from Tier 2 visa requirements as the immigration quotes restrict their ability to hire medical staff. Starting on July 6, there will be no requirement for prior approvals, and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can be assignable to an individual following the completion of a Resident Labor Market Test (RLMT).

What is the impact of this change?

This change will allow the National Health Service to recruit talent from outside of the United Kingdom and European Union. This change in turn also increases the availability of up to 1,600 RCoS that health workers no longer require. Employers can use these RCoS for highly qualified professionals in other areas such as Information Technology, Engineering, and Teaching.

What should employers expect with this change?

Removing health workers from the monthly allocation should open up opportunities for recruitment in other business sectors under the RCoS. The business community is hoping that the minimum salary threshold will soon be reduced from the current £50,000 threshold, to further increase the availability of labor for businesses in the United Kingdom.

What should employers do?

Employers should review their hiring plans for foreign professionals in the United Kingdom to determine their eligibility with these changes. They should also monitor the United Kingdom Home Office’s future changes to rules. Changes that may reduce the minimum salary threshold below £50,000 would further expand the available pool of labor.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts have helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment and visa requirements. We can help your company understand how to gain the most benefit from the changes to the United Kingdom’s Tier 2 Sponsored Visas. Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Singapore Named Most Livable City in Asia

City metro area at night
Singapore skyline at night.

Singapore has been named the most livable city in Asia and the 25th most livable city globally, according to Mercer’s 20th Annual Quality of Living survey. Mercer produces its annual survey in part to help multinational companies and organizations determine how to compensate employees who take international assignments.

Diverse and Mobile Workforce

Companies recognize that increasing globalization comes with many challenges. They face a distinct challenge in attracting and retaining qualified and highly-skilled employees. Companies seek a mobile workforce that is diverse and that has several new and different ideas as to how they want to work and where they want to locate. As a result, robust relocation programs should provide a wealth of services and benefits. This in turn will help employers stay ahead of competitors in the market for talent.

Singapore Success Leads to Most Livable City Designation

When it comes to cities, those that are seen as most livable can easily attract talented candidates. Singapore has achieved success unparalleled in Asia, propelling it to first world economy status and setting it up for the future of work. The other cities in the top three in Asia are both located in Japan: Tokyo and Kobe. Hong Kong ranked 71st globally, while Shanghai ranked 103rd and Beijing 119th.

Global Relocation Programs

Singapore has an amazing achievement as the highest ranking city in Asia on the most livable index. As a result, this makes Singapore a highly desirable location for transferees and their families. As a result, global relocation programs should tailor this information to enhance employee recruiting efforts. Clients planning to hire new employees in Singapore should find it easy to present their opportunities in a most favorable light. Clients looking to transfer current employees to Singapore or the nearby region should experience greater acceptance rates for relocation opportunities.

What Should Employers do to Attract Job Seekers to the Most Livable City?

Employers should review their hiring plans for foreign professionals in Singapore and the surrounding area. They should determine whether the time is right to implement these plans. They should also use the many benefits of a Singapore location within their relocation program and talent recruitment materials to attract and retain highly-skilled professionals.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts have helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment and work pass requirements. Therefore, we can help your company understand how to gain the most benefit from Singapore’s ranking as the most livable city in Asia. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Switzerland’s Federal Council Approves List of Occupation Types

Swiss Alps mountains in winter

Global Mobility Solutions previously noted a new requirement of employers to communicate Switzerland job openings in specific occupation types with higher than average unemployment rates beginning July 2018, according to a December 8, 2017 Federal Council decision. The Federal Council’s requirement for mandatory registration will start July 1, 2018 for positions that have 8% or higher unemployment, and then increase on January 1, 2020 for positions that have 5% or higher unemployment.

What is the new requirement starting July 1?

Under the new requirement, employers must register their job openings with the local job center and then wait five business days before advertising these openings through other venues. The local job center must forward applications from local job seekers who meet the requirements of the job opening within three business days. Companies must invite local candidates that meet the requirements of the job opening to an interview. They must also report the job openings they are able to fill through this channel to the job center. The temporary withholding of job opening information helps job seekers who are registered with the local job center to get priority access to the job advertisements.

What are the occupation types affected by this new requirement?

Switzerland’s Federal Council has now approved the following list of occupation types that fall under the job registration requirements:

  • Agricultural assistants
  • Other professions in the watch industry
  • Warehousemen
  • Other professions
  • Concrete constructor, cementer (inside): Construction
  • Other professions of the construction industry
  • Plasterers, stucco workers
  • Insulators
  • Public Relations Professionals
  • Marketing Professionals
  • Runners and Couriers
  • Teleoperators/Operators and Telephone operators
  • Receptionists and Porters
  • Service staff
  • Floor, laundry and Economat staff
  • Kitchen staff
  • Domestic farm managers
  • Actors
  • Manpower with indeterminate manual employment

What should employers expect with this requirement?

Employers should expect to register their job openings with the local job center. They must follow the new requirement if the job is on the list of occupation types. They should also expect to keep records to ensure they can verify they are following all aspects of the requirement, and to report on the job openings they are able to fill through this process. Employers can use the Check Up Tool to verify if their job opening is on the list that requires registration.

What should employers do?

Global Mobility Solutions recommends that employers review their hiring plans in Switzerland to determine the impact of the new requirement on their employment and job advertising processes. Employers should also examine their record-keeping processes to ensure they can accurately record and report on their activities related to fulfilling the new requirements.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment and job requirements. We can help your company understand how to comply with the job registration requirements in Switzerland, as well as review record-keeping processes to ensure reporting capabilities are sufficient. Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Taiwan Launches Employment Gold Card

Taiwan flag in Liberty Square, in front of Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall,Taipei

Taiwan has introduced a new Employment Gold Card visa category. This visa category provides many benefits for those eligible. The new visa category was created in response to Taiwan’s legislature passing the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals to attract and keep international professionals in the country. Taiwan has been experiencing a skilled worker shortage and recognizes the global economy’s intensely competitive environment. To remediate Taiwan’s technical talent shortage, the Act was drafted and put into effect in February 2018. Several other laws were created or amended to reduce restrictions and develop a friendly environment for foreign professionals.

What are the key features of the Act?

The Act relaxes work, visa, and residency requirements for foreign professionals. It also relaxes residency rules for parents, spouses, and children. The Act creates additional benefits for retirement and pension coverage, national health insurance coverage, and three years of tax exemption for half salary income in excess of US$102,187.

How long is the Employment Gold Card valid?

The Employment Gold Card is effective for 1 – 3 years in accordance with the validity of a work permit issued by the Taiwan Ministry of Labor.

Who is eligible to apply for the Employment Gold Card?

Foreign nationals in the following fields are eligible to apply:

  • Architectural Design
  • Arts
  • Culture
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Law
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports

What should employers expect with this new Taiwan Employment Gold Card?

Employers who have plans to hire highly-skilled foreign professionals for positions in Taiwan should expect an easier entry process. The Employment Gold Card visa category includes an online application portal for quick and easy processing. Additionally, the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ online job matching platform, Contact Taiwan, combines resources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, and other agencies to form a single online portal for international talent recruitment.

What should employers do?

Employers should review their hiring plans for foreign professionals in Taiwan to determine eligibility for the Employment Gold Card. They should also use the many benefits of the Employment Gold Card within their relocation program and talent recruitment materials to attract and retain highly-skilled professionals.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts have helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment and work pass requirements. We can help your company understand how to gain the most benefit from the new Taiwan Employment Gold Card visa category. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Singapore Fair Consideration Framework and S Pass Eligibility

Singapore Skyline reflection

The Singapore Ministry of Manpower is currently in the process of expanding the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) to cover more employers and jobs, effective July 1, 2018. Advertising requirements will increase to at least fourteen days for companies with 10 or more employees and for jobs that pay a fixed monthly salary of less than S$15,000 SGD. This is a change from the current advertising requirement for firms with at least 25 employees and for jobs that pay a fixed monthly salary of less than S$12,000 SGD.

Additionally, starting in January 1, 2019, S Pass eligibility will change. Currently the minimum qualifying salary for S Pass is S$2,200 SGD. The new minimum salary for S Pass will increase to S$2,400 SGD in a two-step incremental process:

  • January 1, 2019 S Pass minimum salary increases by S$1,000 SGD to S$2,300 SGD
  • January 1, 2020 S Pass minimum salary increases by S$1,000 SGD to S$2,400 SGD

What is the Singapore Fair Consideration Framework?

The FCF is part of the Government’s effort to strengthen the Singaporean core in the workforce. It sets clear expectations for companies to consider Singaporeans for job opportunities, through the use of Jobs Bank advertising of open positions.

The FCF applies to all companies in Singapore. These companies must also comply with the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices and have fair employment practices that are open, merit-based and non-discriminatory.

Who does this new Singapore Fair Consideration Framework affect?

Employers based in Singapore with at least 10 or more employees whose fixed salaries are less than S$15,000 SGD.

What should employers expect with this new Singapore Fair Consideration Framework?

There will be less jobs exempt from the job bank advertising requirement. Applications will require a longer time for submission.

What is the Singapore S Pass?

The Singapore S Pass allows mid-level skilled staff to work in Singapore. Employees need to earn at least S$2,200 SGD a month and have the requisite qualifications and work experience.

Who does this new Singapore S Pass Eligibility affect?

Employers based in Singapore with employees holding S Passes whose fixed salary is S$2,200 SGD.

What should employers expect with this new S Pass Eligibility?

Positions will need to meet the new salary requirements on January 1 of each year to maintain eligibility.

What should employers do?

Employers should plan for the increased advertising requirements and the increasing salary requirements so their recruitment plans can be revised accordingly.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts have helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment and work pass requirements, and we can help your company understand how to comply with the new Singapore Fair Consideration Framework and S Pass requirements. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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What are the 2018 Global Relocation Trends?

Happy young couple sitting on the mattress in their new apartment in the morning and using laptop together. Cardboard boxes in the background.

What are the major 2018 global relocation trends shaping the industry? As workforce mobility and employee relocation continues to increase, several trends change how clients respond to increasing employee requirements regarding their relocation needs. Also, global changes in how employees are able to accept transferee assignments, such as limits on working visas and work permits, further impact company plans for mobility.

Our team of global relocation experts have identified five key trends that are shaping 2018 Global Relocation.

2018 Global Relocation Trends

Growth in Partner and Spouse Career Support Programs

As companies continue to expand globally, the need for a mobile workforce to accept transferee assignments has increased exponentially. Along with this mobile workforce, services designed specifically for spouses and partners have become increasingly important to employees. Spouses and partners are critical to ensuring transferee success. It is important for clients to provide support and information specifically for spouses and partners to help them with their relocation process. Specifically, pre-decision support, an online job search and assistance portal, and professional career services are important programs and services for spouses and partners. Transferees can be secure in the knowledge that their spouses and partners will receive as much assistance as they need to be successful in their new location.

Flexible and Responsive Global Relocation Programs

Global relocation programs need to provide enough flexibility to anticipate and provide for challenges and opportunities that are unique to specific locations. Many multi-national clients have designed a corporate-level relocation program, which then is further customized for each international headquarter location. Relocation programs designed at the corporate level need to provide for a multitude of options and differences across locations. Our recent Case Study on Implementation Success Factors describes in detail the importance of identifying all stakeholders and engaging them early in the process to ensure implementation success.

Immigration Challenges

Countries are increasingly placing limits on the number and types of working visas and work permits that allow transferees to enter the country legally for work assignments. Some countries such as the United Kingdom have seen the number of applications exceed the monthly quota. Other countries such as China have changed requirements and set up a Working Permits Points System that emphasizes transferees with specialized knowledge. The United States has instituted travel restrictions for specific locations, and has increased enforcement of immigration requirements. As countries around the world respond to migration challenges, the impact on global relocation programs will continue to evolve.

Technology Advances

Global relocation programs continue to respond to evolving technology changes. Increasingly, mobile technology must be responsive to provide transferees with information and solutions during their relocation process when they need it, wherever they are located. Transferees should be able to get information on the go, and upload expenses for quick reimbursement. Mobile enhanced relocation technology solutions such as MyRelocation should be available, as it is platform-responsive and able to be accessed anywhere, making it the most useful solution for a mobile workforce.

Outsourcing Relocation Programs to Industry Experts

Global relocation programs must cover a wide array of specialized issues such as tax, visa applications, and compliance reporting. Furthermore, it is to a client’s best advantage to consult with experts who have knowledge and experience in the specific aspects of these areas as they relate to global relocation programs. Companies can benefit from an outsourced solution that specializes in unique relocation needs. Working with relocation experts who have extensive experience in these and other areas can help a company avoid risks and respond more effectively to transferee’s requests for guidance and advice.

Conclusion

Thoroughly reviewing your global relocation policy and benchmarking to industry best practices keeps your company at the forefront of your industry peers, reinforces employee satisfaction, and promotes successful relocations. The global relocation experts at Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) have the knowledge and expertise to help your company remain at the forefront of 2018 global relocation trends, and offer your employees the best relocation experience.

Contact our team of experts to discuss your global relocation policy needs, or call us at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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