Global Immigration Trends Irene Boccardo

Global Immigration Trends Irene Boccardo

Recent Immigration Updates

Recent Immigration Updates Focus of Reviewed Policies Intra-Company Transfers Expedite Process Initiatives Short Term Travellers Review of Eligible Occupation Lists Stricter Controls for Posting Employees and Immigration

Intra-Company Transfers

Intra-Company Transfers EU ICT Permit - General Criteria Assignments longer than three months From outside the EU into the EU For assignees within the same company Managers, specialists and trainees only Manager/specialist roles require proof of professional qualification & experience and 3-12 months seniority in the group of companies Trainees require a degree and 3-6 months seniority in the group Salary in line with remunerations in similar positions in host country

Intra-Company Transfers EU ICT Permit Implementation - October 2017 More than two thirds of the 25 EU member states who signed onto the directive have implemented legislation to foster movement within the EU by third country nationals: 19 member states have ICT route in place: ES, BG, RO, NL, HU, IT, EE, FR, MT, LV, LU, SK,CZ, DE, AT, SI, LT, HR,CY 6 member states have yet to implement ICT directive: BE, SE, EL, PL, PT, FI 3 member states opted out: UK, IE, DK EU ICT in place EU ICT not in place yet Opted Out

Intra-Company Transfers EU Canada The Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) that eases visa requirements for: Business travelers Intra-company transferees Contracted Service Providers Independent Professionals After- Sales Services Investors

Expedite Process Initiatives

Expedite Process Initiatives Ireland Trusted Partner Initiative (2015) Main benefits of applying for a Trusted Partner Status: Faster processing times Reduces the number of required documents per Employment Permit application. Any registered employer in Ireland can apply for a Trusted Partner status. The application is submitted by preparing an online application form which requires specific information regarding the Irish based company, this includes: Name of Company Company Registration Office (CRO) registration number Employer Registration Number with Revenue Office Nature of Business Company Registered Address Number of (1) EEA and/or Swiss nationals (including Irish) and (2) number of non-eea nationals Company s representative Names and contact details of the Directors and Secretary of the company

Short Term Travellers

Short Term Travelers African Countries and Schengen Region E-Visa Services for East Africa Countries (EAC) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Ghana and Nigeria last countries to introduce e-visa services making traveling easier for Business Visitors to Africa. EU is currently studying the implementation of exceptions to the Schengen Visa Limited Duration: Touring Visa Directive.

Eligible Occupations Lists

Occupations Lists Review of Occupations Lists Australia: Since March 2017 started to limit opportunities to enter, work in, and become an Australian citizen. Ireland: Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) conducts reviews of the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List (HSEOL) and the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL) for the purposes of employment permit applications on a biannual basis. The most recent review from the public consultation process was received on 27 October, DBEI announced that no changes are being made to either the highly skilled or ineligible lists. Thus the lists effective from 3 April 2017 remain in place.

Stricter Controls on Posted Employees and Immigration

Stricter Controls on Posting Employees and Immigration European Union, Australia and US European Union: Stricter control on assignments: Posting Workers ruling must be known by any non-eu company assigning staff to the EU. Australia: Proposal to Increase of Language Proficiency for Australian Permanent Residence Applicants, extra questions to assess the applicant s commitment to Australian values, a limit on the number of times the citizenship test can be failed, and an extended permanent residency requirement. US: Implemented mandatory interviews for all Green Card applications, Buy American Hire American, and limited refugee admissions into the US to historic lows.

Brexit

Brexit UK - Today s Plan Implement a new registration system at the date of Brexit. Establish a specified date to protect rights of EU nationals/family resident in the UK before this specified date. Allow a 2-year implementation period from date of Brexit for EEA nationals and family to register status (i.e. permanent or temporary). Establish a new UK immigration system for EEA nationals arriving after the specified date.

Conclusions

Conclusions Global Immigration Trends Increased interest on ICT Transfers and Highly Skilled Employees Controls on Short Term Assignments (Posting Employees) and Post-Arrival and Pre-Departure Requirements Simplification of Processes (E-Visas / Trusted Partner Status) Stricter Policies and Closed Doors are not a general Immigration Trend