Global Mobility News from VisaHQ

Warsaw has renewed for another 60 days the regulation that prevents most third-country nationals from lodging asylum applications at the Polish-Belarusian border. The measure, first introduced in March 2025, is justified by the government as a response to “instrumentalised” migration pressure. Employers must avoid routing staff through Belarus if there is any risk of protection claims, and should instead use legal Schengen entry points or obtain visas in advance.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce at Davos that companies making large “trailblazer” investments in Britain will have the Immigration Skills Charge and visa application fees for sponsored staff reimbursed. The policy aims to remove cost barriers to relocating top global talent and will be paired with a fast-track sponsor-licence service. Mobility teams should see lower project costs, but core visa rules remain unchanged.

The 2026 Henley Passport Index, published 20 January, ranks India 80th—up five places—but shows Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 countries, down from 57 after Iran and Bolivia tightened entry rules.

Police have launched a fresh campaign against fraudulent work-visa schemes that lure job-seekers with false promises of sponsorship. New licensing audits and tough penalties aim to shut down shell companies, safeguarding employers and expatriates in the UAE.

A combined 147 cancellations and delays hit São Paulo–Congonhas and Rio Galeão on 20 January, mainly affecting LATAM and GOL. Weather triggered the disruption, but near-saturated slot use at Congonhas and construction-related gate shortages at Galeão magnified the impact, forcing businesses to reschedule meetings and cargo movements. Travel managers are urging extra buffers and earlier flights while lobbying intensifies for structural slot reforms.