Global Mobility News from VisaHQ

Uber has launched limousine-style, app-bookable rides that travel directly between Hong Kong and Macao and reinstated in-app taxi hailing in Macao. The service, live from 3 February 2026, offers upfront pricing, 24-hour advance booking and aims to cut out multiple transfers for the thousands who commute or visit daily. The product gives corporates a new, receipt-friendly cross-border option and aligns with Greater Bay Area integration goals.([scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3342212/uber-enters-first-asian-market-years-macau-relaunch?utm_source=openai))

Air China will run more than 70,000 flights during the 2026 Lunar New Year period—up 10 percent year-on-year—and is restoring capacity on key international routes while deploying home-grown C919 aircraft on busy domestic sectors. The extra seats should ease fare pressure for business travellers and support China’s push to showcase seamless, tech-driven passenger processing.

USCIS will open the FY 2027 H-1B electronic registration portal from 3 – 19 March 2026, charge a $215 fee per entry, and apply a new weighted lottery favoring higher wage levels. The agency also announced a 64,716-visa expansion of the H-2B programme. Employers must move quickly to align wage data, budgets and compliance processes.

As of 3 February 2026, New Brunswick will place all AIP endorsements into a monthly selection pool and will no longer accept applications for accommodation-and-food-services jobs or 13 retail-related occupations. The change tightens labour-market alignment and signals growing provincial control over immigration quotas.

Fragomen has reminded employers and travellers that from 25 February 2026 the UK’s ETA scheme will be fully enforced. Dual British-Irish citizens—and anyone else claiming an ETA exemption—must present documentary proof at departure or risk being denied boarding. Companies should audit traveller profiles and update policies immediately to avoid last-minute disruptions.

Rome has confirmed that tourism companies will be able to submit pre-compiled applications for 2026 seasonal worker quotas at 09:00 CET on 9 February. Thirteen thousand of the 88,000 slots are earmarked for employer associations, and demand is expected to far exceed supply, making rapid electronic filing essential for mobility teams.

Ireland spent €1.2 billion on IPAS accommodation in 2025—up 19 percent year-on-year even though asylum applications fell by almost a third. The figures highlight continuing pressure on housing and public finances, fuelling calls for faster processing and more state-owned centres. Companies relocating staff to Ireland should watch the political fallout, as it could influence permit policy and the cost of temporary housing.

India has liberalised its customs regime for arriving passengers. Effective 2 February 2026, the duty-free limit jumps to ₹75,000, jewellery allowances are now weight-based, and passengers can file electronic declarations before landing. The changes should cut clearance times, lower relocation costs and reduce disputes at Indian airports—welcome news for multinationals rotating staff into the country.

On 3 February 2026, IRCC invited 423 provincial nominees to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry with a CRS cut-off of 749. The draw highlights Ottawa’s reliance on provincial pre-screening and offers businesses a quicker pathway to retain critical talent already nominated by a province.