Global trends

Modernization, digitization

The last quarter of 2024 saw efforts at modernizing and digitizing immigration processes across several jurisdictions including Chile, Ecuador, Poland, Qatar, and UAE. This ranges from online submission of applications to electronic document attestation. New visa application categories have been introduced in Kenya and Turkey, whereas changes have been announced in Mexico, Poland, and South Africa.

Businesses have generally welcomed digitization of processes, despite some issues arising that have caused delays in the short term.

Increasing scrutiny, enforcement

In line with the developments over the previous quarter, Q4 2024 saw further restrictive measures take effect. This includes increased site inspections in the US, increased penalties for non-compliance in Germany and eligibility restrictions in Hungary. Governments across the Middle East are also continuing to prioritize workforce localization.

There is also increased border enforcement in several regions, including in Brazil and in Europe’s Schengen travel area. The UK has also continued its roll out of its ETA pre-travel authorization system, while the EU’s ETIAS has been delayed. These developments are expected to impact business travel worldwide.

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