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The impact of recent elections on immigration and global mobility.
March 4, 2025
As the dust settles on a series of pivotal elections worldwide in 2024, immigration remains at the forefront of political discourse. In a recent discussion for CIBT’s YouTube channel, Newland Chase’s Ray Rackham and Jason Rogers, moderated by Samantha McKnight, examined the implications of recent policy shifts and what they mean for businesses navigating global mobility in 2025 and beyond.
Immigration policy: A key election driver.
Immigration was a defining issue in many of the 74 elections that took place in 2024. According to Ray, it was one of the primary topics shaping political campaigns, with many right-leaning parties leveraging immigration to galvanize voter support. Jason Rogers added that immigration remains an emotional and personal issue, making it a powerful tool for political messaging. However, history shows that once elected, many governments tend to delay meaningful policy action.
What’s next for immigration policy?
With new administrations now in place, initial policy actions on immigration are expected. However, while governments may introduce executive orders or immediate restrictions to satisfy campaign promises, the process of enacting long-term legislative change is slow. Political realities, legislative complexities, and legal challenges often delay substantial reforms.
Ray highlighted a critical factor: many incumbent governments faced significant losses in 2024, leading to political instability and coalition governments that may struggle to implement cohesive immigration policies. Additionally, challenges such as legal battles and court interventions could stall the progress of new regulations.
The business impact: Workforce planning in uncertain times.
For businesses relying on global talent, the current landscape presents both risks and opportunities. Immigration policies often conflate economic migration with broader asylum and undocumented migration debates. This means companies must remain vigilant about potential changes that could affect skilled worker programs, visa processes, and international assignments.
Despite political pressure to reduce migration numbers, governments must also address critical labor shortages. Jason pointed out that as populations age and skill gaps widen, many countries will need to continue attracting foreign talent to sustain economic growth. By 2030, the global workforce could face a shortfall of 85 million skilled workers, driving competition for talent across borders.
Strategic mobility planning for 2025 and beyond.
Given these uncertainties, companies must take a proactive approach to global mobility and compliance. Key considerations include:
- Monitoring policy changes: Understanding how new regulations affect work visa quotas, application processes, and compliance requirements.
- Adapting workforce strategies: Exploring alternative talent mobility options, such as remote work arrangements or regional hubs, to mitigate risks associated with restrictive immigration policies.
- Partnering with experts: Leveraging immigration specialists like Newland Chase to navigate shifting policies and ensure compliance.
Navigating the future of immigration.
While elections have created immediate policy shifts, immigration remains a long-term issue requiring strategic planning. Governments will need to balance political promises with economic realities, and businesses must stay ahead of regulatory changes to maintain workforce flexibility.
Newland Chase continues to support organizations through these transitions, offering expert guidance on compliance, visa strategies, and mobility planning. As the global landscape evolves, staying informed and agile will be key to success in 2025 and beyond.
