Global Mobility News from VisaHQ

Spain’s cabinet has authorised a Royal-Decree that will allow undocumented migrants who have lived in the country for at least five months before 31 December 2025 to obtain a one-year residence permit, with full work rights and simplified family inclusion. Applications should open in April and close on 30 June 2026, potentially benefiting about 500,000 people. Employers stand to gain rapid access to new talent but must prepare for heavy demand and strict compliance checks.

Local business press warns that the Interior Ministry’s online portal for 2026 seasonal-worker quotas will open in mid-February and could sell out in minutes. Companies are advised to complete documentation now and start forecasting 2027 needs in July, as each employer is capped at three applications a year. Missing the click-day could leave service-sector employers short-staffed during Italy’s peak tourist season.

A 31 January feature details how Britain’s Electronic Travel Authorisation becomes compulsory on 25 February 2026, ending passport-only entry for Europeans. Travellers will need to apply online, pay £20 and secure approval before boarding, with Eurostar, airlines and ferries policing compliance. Businesses must update travel workflows to avoid costly last-minute denials.

IRCC’s 31 January 2026 guidance confirms which health-care and agri-food occupations receive accelerated processing for employer-specific work permits. Employers who align job offers to the listed NOC codes can expect decisions in roughly 10 days, easing hiring bottlenecks.