Global Mobility Dispatches with Ray Rackham
We’ve become rather accomplished at explaining how immigration policy should better serve economic need. I’ve certainly written enough about it. But perhaps it’s time to stop admiring the problem and start organizing the solution.
And, rather wonderfully, sport might show us how.
Brazil has introduced a dedicated residence authorisation for international megaevents, ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Canada created targeted work-permit exemptions for certain personnel supporting the 2026 tournament.
Why does sport so often inspire bespoke immigration arrangements? Because it arrives organised.
International federations, national associations, organising committees and commercial partners can articulate what needs delivering, when, by whom and why existing arrangements may be inadequate. They give governments something tangible to respond to.
Organisations exist almost everywhere to bring public authorities and industry together to examine economic activity, employment and skills. The Fédération Nationale des Travaux Publics represents thousands of infrastructure businesses. In Britain, Offshore Energies UK and the Offshore Wind Industry Council are already deeply engaged in workforce planning and the energy transition.
These organisations don’t need us to explain their industries. They need immigration expertise brought into the conversations they’re already having.
Imagine working with an infrastructure federation to identify where specialist international engineers are needed across multiple contractors; and then producing an evidenced proposal identifying the economic opportunity, workforce requirements, existing immigration obstacles and a credible regulatory solution.
New Zealand’s Specific Purpose Work Visa demonstrates that immigration can accommodate defined activities without always relying on conventional employment models. Similar thinking can and does help other industries.
And that brings me to a challenge for Global Mobility.
Find one industry body and arrange a conversation. Work with employers to quantify the issue, develop a proposal with appropriate labour protections, and take it to government together. No 80-page manifesto, demanding generational legislative change. Just a coalition, consideration and a solution worth proposing.
Policymakers hear requests for concessions constantly. What might command greater attention is an organized industry demonstrating how a proportionate policy response could unlock a specific economic outcome.
Sport has demonstrated the value of connecting workforce requirements to a clear delivery objective. Our opportunity is to bring that same discipline to the industries we serve. So, rather than asking what governments should do next, perhaps we should ask a more uncomfortable question. What are we doing?
That’s #MakingMobilityMatter
