An Overview Envoy Global’s 2024 EMEA Immigration Trends Report
Envoy Global’s first-ever EMEA Immigration Trends Report is live!
Between May 1 and June 5, 2024, we surveyed over 1,000 HR professionals specializing in corporate immigration or global mobility in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Our respondents represent diverse sectors spanning over 42 industries, each with varying levels of seniority, foreign national population sizes and operational countries.
The report provides exclusive insights and data to help you benchmark your program and gain insights from peers across the globe.
Download the full report to learn more about what’s new for immigration in 2024.
What’s in Store for EMEA Immigration and Global Mobility?
Corporate HR teams are prioritizing proactive immigration and global mobility policy planning to navigate regulatory changes, skills shortages, government shifts and other macroeconomic trends. The report focuses on the following trends:
- The impact of macroeconomic factors on employer demand to hire talent
- Policy changes affecting immigration systems
- Structural aspects of corporate immigration programs
- Challenges and positive developments in corporate immigration
- Remote work and other employee benefits
- Budgeting changes and policy planning
Our survey focused on the following regions:
- Europe, Africa and the Middle East as a whole
- Africa
- France
- The United Kingdom
- Ireland
- The Middle East
Navigating EMEA’s Evolving Immigration Landscape
The ongoing growth of the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area demonstrates the region’s continued growth and importance for employers. Employers increasingly seek rotational programs and short-term work options to facilitate flexible employee movement across various regional locations.
Managing these initiatives requires a keen awareness of evolving requirements, compliance obligations and associated fees. Our report highlights the importance of contingency planning for employers, particularly in response to geopolitical shifts and other regional dynamics.
Ninety percent of respondents believe that the digitization of immigration systems within the EU has notably simplified and accelerated the immigration process. This transformation underscores the region’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and facilitating smoother cross-border mobility for businesses and their workforce.
Immigration Planning and Retention of Foreign Talent
Ninety-seven percent of our survey respondents maintain office locations across multiple EMEA countries, necessitating adaptability and a thorough understanding of immigration policies. Employers are increasingly turning to foreign national support to address continued skill shortages. Our report indicates that 68% of employers plan to recruit additional foreign national employees over the next five years.
In response, we found that employers are developing retention and benefits strategies tailored to meet the needs of their global workforce. Many are expanding their visa offerings to include the latest visa categories, such as Blue Cards, remote work visas and more, reflecting a proactive approach to supporting international employees.
EMEA Employer Preferences and Partnership Strategies
HR teams are increasingly seeking service providers offering comprehensive global mobility solutions. They prioritize personalized support from immigration service providers who understand and can address their team’s unique needs and challenges.
Many employers also opt to outsource business visa procedures to third-party service providers or entrust their employees to manage filings independently. Moreover, our findings underscore a strong preference for trustworthy service providers that can seamlessly provide support across many jurisdictions, like Envoy Global.
Want the full scoop on global immigration trends in 2024? Download the full 84-page report!
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Envoy is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. If you would like guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and you are a client of the U.S. Law Firm, consult your attorney. If you are not a client of the U.S. Law Firm working with Envoy, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with the U.S. Law Firm.
