Global Mobility News from VisaHQ

Cyprus closed 2025 with 169,844 valid residence permits—18 % of its population—and an 86 % drop in irregular arrivals versus 2022. Faster asylum processing, voluntary-return incentives and tighter Green-Line patrols drove the change, giving employers quicker access to work-permit talent and strengthening Nicosia’s case for Schengen accession.

France has begun enforcing compulsory French-language and civic-knowledge exams for most non-EU nationals applying for multi-year residence permits, ten-year resident cards or citizenship. Higher language thresholds (A2, B1, B2) and an 80 percent pass mark on a new 40-question civics test now apply, creating an additional compliance step for employers and foreign assignees. Corporations must factor the exams into assignment timelines or risk delays to start dates.

Germany’s Foreign Office has scrapped the informal visa-appeal (“remonstration”) route worldwide as of 2 January 2026. The step frees up staff and speeds first-time visa processing but removes a cheap way to fix refusals, forcing applicants to re-apply or sue. Mobility teams should reinforce document vetting and budget for potential re-filings.

Australia will hold its 2025-26 permanent migration ceiling at 185,000 visas, with 70 percent reserved for skilled migrants and sharper English, salary and occupation filters. The decision gives employers planning certainty but raises compliance hurdles and costs. Mobility teams should accelerate recruitment for priority occupations and watch for a new Talent & Innovation visa later in the year.