Global Mobility News from VisaHQ

The federal opposition says it will design a policy to “significantly” reduce skilled-migration and international-student numbers, but will not set a target until closer to the next election. Business and university leaders warn abrupt cuts could worsen skills shortages and hit export earnings, while Coalition MPs argue lower intake is essential to ease Australia’s housing crisis. Employers should prepare for potential visa-program volatility over the next three years.

DHS will send 250 federal agents to Louisiana and Mississippi next month in “Swamp Sweep,” aiming to arrest about 5,000 people. Companies operating in the Gulf Coast should refresh I-9 compliance and advise foreign workers to keep status documents on hand.

Following a Chinese government safety advisory, an estimated 491,000 China-origin tickets to Japan were cancelled in three days, airlines are issuing blanket refunds, and some state-owned firms have halted Japan travel. The sudden pull-back deals a blow to Japan’s retail and aviation sectors and complicates corporate travel planning in both directions.

Effective 22 November, Indian nationals will need a visa to enter or transit Iran after Tehran ended its visa-waiver scheme, blaming rising trafficking and kidnappings. India’s MEA has issued a travel advisory, and companies are urged to reroute staff and scrutinise labour agents.