Ireland Expands Diplomatic-Passport Visa Waiver and Tightens Transit Rules
Brussels Airport tells airlines to scrap half of 12 May departures as nationwide strike looms
Hong Kong Narrows Extension-of-Stay Filing Window for Work and Graduate Visas
Latest News
Poll Shows Majority of Swiss Now Support 10-Million Population Cap Initiative
A 29 April poll finds 52 % support for the SVP’s proposal to freeze Switzerland’s population below ten million and exit EU free-movement rules. Business groups warn the measure would deepen labour shortages, threaten trade relations and complicate corporate mobility planning, while advocates say it is essential to protect infrastructure and quality of life.
Brazil and Argentina to launch one-stop cargo and migration checks at Foz do Iguaçu border
Brazil’s customs authority will merge Argentine and Brazilian cargo, agriculture and migration checks at Foz do Iguaçu into a single one-stop border facility by December 2026. The move is expected to slash clearance times and logistics costs for companies moving goods and staff between the two countries, and could be extended to Paraguay.
Germany Publishes GEAS Adaptation Law, Overhauling National Asylum System
Germany’s GEAS Adaptation Law was published on 29 April and takes effect on 12 June 2026, aligning national asylum rules with the EU’s overhauled system. The statute introduces accelerated border procedures, faster work authorisations for recognised refugees and stricter benefit rules, while obliging employers to report refugee hires. Companies should prepare for new compliance steps and monitor forthcoming implementing ordinances.
New Salary-Benchmark Rules Hit Employer-Sponsored Visas
Effective 25 March, sponsors must use external labour-market data rather than internal benchmarks when calculating the Annual Market Salary Rate for TSS and ENS nominations. The tougher evidentiary standard could lift salary offers and complicate FY 2026-27 mobility budgets.
Poland Goes Fully Digital: MOS 2.0 Portal Becomes Mandatory for All Residence-Permit Applications
Poland’s Office for Foreigners has made its MOS 2.0 portal the exclusive channel for all residence-permit filings. From 27 April, paper submissions are no longer accepted, forcing employers and foreign nationals to move to fully electronic, verified applications. The reform promises faster decisions and nationwide consistency, but companies must update compliance processes immediately.
Alaska Airlines launches first-ever Seattle–Rome nonstop, opening new US–Italy business corridor
Alaska Airlines inaugurated daily SEA–FCO service on 29 April 2026, giving the Pacific Northwest its first nonstop link to Italy. The flight shortens door-to-door travel times for business travelers, adds 15 tonnes of daily belly-hold cargo capacity and strengthens trade ties between two innovation hubs. Mobility teams should note EES biometric procedures on arrival in Rome.
Dubai launches Aviation Consumer Welfare Directive, giving passengers new rights and an online complaint portal
Dubai’s Civil Aviation Authority has published a binding Aviation Consumer Welfare Directive. Effective immediately, it obliges airlines and travel agents to meet minimum service and refund standards, creates an online passenger-complaints platform and empowers the DCAA to levy fines or suspend permits. The rule gives multinational employers clearer recourse when relocating or transiting staff through Dubai. ([gulfbusiness.com](https://gulfbusiness.com/en/2026/aviation/dubai-civil-aviation-authority-rolls-out-passenger-rights-directive))
Nine European countries soften travel advisories for Cyprus after diplomatic outreach
Bulgaria, France, Denmark, Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland and Sweden have all relaxed their official travel warnings for Cyprus, dropping language that previously portrayed the island as a regional security hotspot. The changes follow a diplomatic campaign by Nicosia and are expected to reduce insurance surcharges, streamline corporate risk approvals and boost tourism revenue.
Hong Kong clarifies extension-of-stay filing window for Employment and IANG visa holders
Hong Kong has extended the renewal filing window for its General Employment Policy and IANG visas to three months before expiry and reiterated that holders must leave the city if their stay limit lapses before approval. The change gives employers more time to prepare but heightens the need for proactive compliance tracking.
Spanish airports fast-track vulnerable travellers to ease EU Entry/Exit System queues
Aena has ordered border officers to fast-track families, disabled passengers and other vulnerable travellers when biometric queues exceed 25 minutes, responding to severe congestion caused by the EU’s new Entry/Exit System. The policy, issued on 29 April, aims to prevent missed connections and reputational damage to Spain’s tourism sector ahead of the summer peak. Corporate travel managers should still allow longer connection buffers and remind staff to carry full supporting documents.