Global Immigration Updates: July 2025 - Strategic Insights for Businesses

Global Immigration Updates: July 2025 - Strategic Insights for Businesses

The global landscape of immigration policies continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses. In this strategic business analysis, we delve into the latest updates from key countries, including the UK, Portugal, Canada, Australia, Poland, Spain, Vietnam, and Argentina. These changes have significant implications for workforce management, talent attraction, and compliance.

UK: New Skill and Salary Thresholds for Sponsored Work Visas

As of July 22, 2025, the UK has implemented new skill and salary thresholds for sponsored work visas. This update is a critical consideration for businesses looking to recruit international talent. The new criteria aim to ensure that only highly skilled and adequately compensated workers are brought into the country, aligning with the UK's broader economic goals. For companies, this means a more selective and potentially more costly process, but it also ensures a higher standard of talent.

Key considerations for businesses:

1. talent pool: Reassess the pool of potential candidates to ensure they meet the new criteria.
2. salary adjustments: Review and potentially increase salary offers to align with the new thresholds.
3. compliance: Ensure all documentation and processes are updated to meet the new requirements.

Portugal: Online Residence Permit Renewal Portal

Portugal has launched an online Residence Permit Renewal Portal, a move that streamlines the renewal process for individuals within the country. However, the portal is only accessible to those whose residence permits expired after June 30, 2025. For those with expired permits on or before this date, the process remains more complex, requiring an email notification from AIMA to access the portal.

Strategic insights:

• timely renewal**: Encourage employees to check their permit expiration dates and take immediate action if necessary.
• communication**: Stay informed about AIMA notifications to avoid any delays in the renewal process.

Canada: Enhanced OINP Authority

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) now has the authority to conduct in-person interviews and return applications before a nomination is issued. This new power is designed to ensure the credibility and authenticity of applications, ultimately leading to higher-quality nominations that better meet the current labor market needs.

Impact on businesses:

1. application quality: Prepare for a more rigorous application process, emphasizing the need for detailed and accurate documentation.
2. interview readiness: Train applicants and employers to effectively communicate their qualifications and fit within the Ontario labor market.

Australia: Updated FWHIT and Visa Application Fees

The Fair Work Commission has set the annual Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year at AUD 183,100. This threshold is crucial for foreign nationals over 45 applying for permanent residence under the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme). Additionally, the Australian government has increased visa application fees by 3%, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Strategic actions for employers:

1. salary compliance: Ensure that employees meet or exceed the FWHIT for at least two years prior to applying for permanent residence.
2. budgeting: Account for the increased visa application fees in your recruitment budget.

Poland: Employment Contract Submission Requirement

Employers in Poland are now required to electronically submit copies of employment contracts for all foreign national employees before the start of employment. This requirement does not apply to those eligible to work in Poland without a work permit, such as students and Ukrainian nationals.

Key points for compliance:

1. timely submission: Ensure all necessary documents are prepared and submitted before the employment begins.
2. exemptions: Verify whether your employees fall under the exemption categories to avoid unnecessary paperwork.

Spain: Clarification on Residence Authorization Periods

Spain has clarified the minimum and maximum allowed duration of work and residence authorizations. Notably, the Highly Qualified Professional (HQP), Research Residence, Intra-Company Transfer (ICT), and Digital Nomad categories have no minimum duration and a maximum of three years. The Entrepreneur category, however, remains fixed at three years, with no shorter durations permitted.

Strategic planning:

1. category selection: Choose the most appropriate residence category based on the specific needs and duration of the assignment.
2. long-term visas: Ensure that long-term national visas have a minimum validity of 90 days.

Vietnam: VNeID Registration for Residence Card Holders

Foreigners with Temporary or Permanent Residence Cards in Vietnam are now required to register for a VNeID by August 19, 2025. This digital identity will be mandatory for various administrative processes, including corporate operations. Applicants must visit the Immigration Department in the city where their card was issued, and they will need a local Vietnamese mobile phone number for verification.

Action items for businesses:

1. registration coordination: Assist employees in scheduling and preparing for the VNeID registration process.
2. documentation: Ensure all required documents, including a local Vietnamese mobile phone number, are ready.

Argentina: New Entry and Residency Requirements

Argentina has introduced new entry requirements, including a sworn declaration and proof of the stated purpose of visit. Travelers with a criminal record may face deportation, and proof of adequate medical insurance is expected to become mandatory soon. Additionally, changes to permanent residency, citizenship, and family reunification have been implemented to enhance security and economic stability.

Key considerations for businesses:

1. travel compliance: Ensure that employees traveling to Argentina are aware of the new entry requirements and have the necessary documentation.
2. residency planning: Review and adjust permanent residency and citizenship strategies in light of the new regulations.

The Bottom Line

The latest global immigration updates underscore the importance of staying informed and proactive in navigating the changing regulatory landscape. By understanding and adapting to these new policies, businesses can effectively manage their international workforce, attract top talent, and ensure compliance. These strategic insights will help organizations stay ahead in a competitive and dynamic global market.