The Newland Chase 2025 Global Mobility & Immigration Survey reveals a profession at a crossroads. For this study, Newland Chase tapped the expertise of 100 HR and mobility leaders to understand how organizations are managing immigration and relocations in an era defined by hybrid work, geopolitical volatility, and rapid regulatory change. Their collective responses paint a picture of a function that is more strategic than ever, yet grappling with new demands and heightened complexity.
Key findings at a glance
1. “Processing delays are the biggest pain point.”
Respondents singled out processing delays and capacity constraints as the most pressing challenge for their organizations. Backlogs at government agencies and overwhelmed providers are forcing teams to build more lead time into their assignment planning.
2. “The regulatory landscape is volatile.”
Geo‑political volatility and evolving travel restrictions were cited by nearly a quarter of participants. New rules for UK skilled‑worker visas, expanding data‑privacy and AI regulations and forthcoming sustainability reporting requirements are adding layers of complexity. While “digital nomad” visas remain a niche concern, they underscore the tax and compliance risks created by remote work.
3. “Remote work compliance has surged to the top.”
With hybrid work now mainstream, ensuring compliance for remote and “work‑from‑anywhere” staff ranks as the third‑most cited challenge. Many organizations must manage immigration and tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously.
4. “Europe and Asia are the top mobility corridors.”
When asked which regions employees are relocated from, respondents named the European Union and APAC ahead of North America and the UK. For destinations, the EU and North America edged out APAC and the UK. Despite Brexit, the UK remains a key hub for both inbound and outbound mobility.
5. “Building global leaders is a top strategic objective.”
More than 30 respondents said their top priority is to build a diverse, globally experienced leadership pipeline. Strengthening cross‑border knowledge transfer, accelerating entry into new markets and increasing organizational resilience also feature prominently.
6. “Growth and budget pressures drive immigration planning.”
Company growth and hiring plans (47 mentions) were the most common internal factor influencing immigration strategy, closely followed by budgetary pressures as organizations seek to control costs amid economic uncertainty. Employee experience and retention, and corporate restructuring or M&A activity were also notable drivers.
7. “Mobility teams are asked to do more with less.”
Respondents report new leadership expectations to plan relocations earlier, expand short‑term and long‑term assignment programs, and revise policies for remote work and digital nomads. There is a push to improve data quality, enhance service levels, and adopt technology to manage business‑visitor compliance and pre‑travel assessments.
Why global mobility matters
Global mobility has become a linchpin for organizations seeking to navigate talent shortages, expand into new markets and build resilient workforces. Yet the rules of the game are changing. Government processing delays and regulatory shifts can derail timelines. Hybrid work blurs the boundaries between assignments, business travel, and remote work, creating compliance risks. Budget constraints demand smarter, data‑driven mobility programs.
At Newland Chase, we help clients turn these challenges into opportunities. Our expert teams guide employers through complex visa processes, keep them ahead of changing regulations, and design mobility policies that support both the business and the employee experience. Whether you need to centralize your program, manage remote work compliance, or build a diverse leadership pipeline, we can help you chart the path forward.
Get the full report
These findings are just a snapshot. The full 2025 Global Mobility & Immigration Survey dives deeper into regional relocation patterns, challenge rankings, emerging priorities and actionable recommendations to future‑proof your mobility program. Download the complete report to benchmark your organization and discover strategies used by leading mobility teams.
Ready to learn more? Download the full report and contact Newland Chase to discuss how we can help you build a resilient, future‑ready mobility strategy.
