Global Mobility News from VisaHQ

The national rail strike that unions threatened for weeks has officially started, reducing train capacity across Belgium until 30 January. Only 75 % of IC trains and 66 % of local services are running, while Eurostar and ICE have trimmed international schedules. Many Brussels employers have switched to mandatory telework, but business travellers face longer airport transfers and possible meeting cancellations.([bruzz.be](https://www.bruzz.be/actua/mobiliteit/vijfdaagse-staking-bij-spoor-van-start-2026-01-26?utm_source=openai))

China’s Foreign Ministry and its missions in Japan have urged Chinese citizens not to visit Japan during the upcoming Spring Festival, citing security and earthquake risks. Air China, China Eastern and China Southern will waive fees for tickets issued before 26 January covering travel through late October, while almost 50 China–Japan routes will be suspended in February. The move forces businesses to rethink travel plans and duty-of-care measures for staff who routinely shuttle between the two neighbours.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner has declared that Cyprus’ divided-island reality will not block Schengen accession, provided technical audits are completed. The assurance brings the prospect of passport-free travel between Cyprus and mainland Europe a step closer, promising faster journeys for business travellers and easier deployment of EU-based staff.

Business Insider reports that Finland’s Fast Track specialist visa promises residence and work authorisation in 10–14 days, helping the country lure AI and deep-tech professionals frustrated by U.S. visa backlogs. The upgrade, backed by leading Finnish companies and universities, positions Finland as a lifestyle-driven alternative to Silicon Valley despite lower salaries.

The MTR Corporation has added 16 mainland cities—including Shanghai Hongqiao, Xiamen and Fuzhou—to the Hong Kong section of China’s high-speed rail. The expansion to 110 direct stops cuts journey times for business travellers, unlocks new multi-city tour products and further integrates Hong Kong with the Greater Bay Area economy.

All Italian embassies and visa-outsourcing centres will stop accepting applications from 11–18 February 2026 for a major software migration of the Portale Visti platform. Businesses should submit urgent files before 1 February or risk travel disruption during the blackout.

Severe weather on 26 January forced the U.S. State Department to close eleven passport agencies, halting issuance of urgent passports for one day and creating new backlogs for business travelers. Applicants must reschedule, and mobility teams are urged to add buffer time to international assignment timelines.

Belgium has published the 2026 minimum-salary requirements for Work Permit B and Single Permit filings. Brussels freezes its 2025 monthly amounts, Wallonia shifts to higher annual figures, and Flanders will update shortly after new wage-index data is released. Companies that underpay risk permit rejection and fines, so HR and payroll teams must audit salaries now.([kpmg.com](https://kpmg.com/xx/en/our-insights/gms-flash-alert/2026/flash-alert-2026-018.html))