Global Mobility News from VisaHQ

Austria removed 14,156 people in 2025—an all-time high—while first-time asylum claims dropped by 36 %. The Interior Ministry says the figures prove its ‘strict but fair’ approach is working; NGOs say the policy squeezes legitimate refugees. Corporate-mobility managers should expect tighter document checks, possible skill-shortages in low-wage sectors, and longer airport screening times.

Prague Airport has launched “AVA”, a multilingual chatbot that delivers live flight updates, queue times and travel tips via WhatsApp, with Messenger integration due in early February. The tool reduces way-finding time, supports FastTrack sales and will eventually warn passengers about upcoming biometric border checks, making the hub more attractive for tight-turnaround business trips.

A draft bill released on 23 January 2026 would dismantle most preferential rules that have applied to Ukrainian refugees since 2022. From March 2026, access to family benefits, free housing and some healthcare would be restricted, though unrestricted labour-market access would remain. Employers must review the residence status and benefit entitlements of Ukrainian staff well ahead of the new deadline.

From 25 February 2026 all British dual citizens must travel on a UK passport or a new digital Certificate of Entitlement. The change, part of the UK’s move to fully digital borders, affects more than a million people and has triggered a last-minute surge of applications. Mobility teams should audit dual-national employees now to avoid denied boarding after enforcement begins.

London Heathrow has become the world’s largest airport to abolish the post-9/11 100-ml cabin-liquids cap after finishing a £1 billion CT-scanner installation. Passengers can now leave electronics and containers of up to two litres in their hand baggage, potentially cutting queues and 16 million plastic bags a year. The rule change applies only to departures from Heathrow, so travellers must still check restrictions at other airports.

Effective 21 January, the U.S. State Department has halted immigrant-visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, citing public-charge concerns. Non-immigrant visas remain available, but green-card cases for affected nationals are effectively suspended. Companies should explore adjustment-of-status or third-country strategies for key talent and update compliance language in employment documents.