In recent years, the word “immigration” has become highly polarizing, sparking heated debates and political divisions. It has also become a key electoral tool for nationalist and far-right parties, who capitalize on immigration-related fears to gain support.
While most restrictive measures primarily target illegal immigration, an increasing number of countries are now implementing policies that limit professional immigration—often contradicting the growing need for expertise and innovation within businesses, which frequently rely on international talent.
This tightening of immigration policies raises a crucial question: Is global professional immigration under threat?
A Global Trend Towards Stricter Policies
The push for tighter corporate immigration regulations is not limited to one region—it is a global phenomenon.
One of the most striking examples is the wave of Executive Orders issued by Donald Trump since the beginning of his 2d mandate in January 25 have dramatically impacted not only undocumented immigrants but also foreign professionals. Visa categories such as H-1B, E-2, and L-1—widely used by U.S. companies to attract international talent— will face increasing scrutiny and restrictions.
Canada, traditionally seen as an open country for skilled workers, has also introduced significant limitations on hiring foreign employees, implementing drastic measures in just a few weeks—raising the minimum salary thresholds and even placing certain immigration procedures on hold.
Europe is witnessing a similar shift. France, Germany, and Italy are enforcing stricter immigration policies, particularly by assessing the applicant’s willingness to integrate—language proficiency being a key factor.
The United Kingdom, following Brexit, has overhauled its immigration system, moving towards a more selective points-based approach aimed at regaining control over migration flows. Raising the so-called “governmental fees” drastically is also a measure to reduce corporate immigration.
This growing nationalist and protectionist approach to immigration is reshaping the global talent landscape, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to hire the talent they need.
The Economic Fallout
These tighter restrictions have a direct impact on companies’ ability to recruit foreign talent. They also create unintended consequences, such as brain drain, as skilled professionals seek opportunities in countries that offer a smoother path to work and residency.
Moreover, these policies fail to address pressing demographic challenges—such as aging populations and labor shortages in key industries.
Take France, for example: the government is currently revising its labor market regulations to help companies fill over 200,000 unfilled jobs, particularly in sectors like construction, hospitality, and elderly care.
As a result, companies struggle with reduced competitiveness and innovation capacity, increased offshoring of operations to more immigration-friendly countries and a greater risk of non-compliance with immigration laws, as businesses seek alternative ways to meet their workforce needs.
This last issue is particularly concerning. Faced with months-long delays in obtaining work permits, some businesses resort to sending employees on business visas, despite this being illegal in virtually every country. The alternative—waiting four to six months for a proper work permit—often pushes companies to take legal, reputational and financial risks.
This creates a vicious cycle: governments tighten immigration laws in response to corporate non-compliance, reinforcing the very barriers that businesses sought to bypass. By trying to work around the problem, companies have, in fact, exacerbated it.
What lies ahead?
What if, instead of fighting against immigration, businesses redirected their focus toward countries that embrace global talent and respected their immigration laws?
Did you know that the BRIC countries of the 2010s (Brazil, Russia, India, China) have now expanded into BRICS, a coalition that includes South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia?
As some countries tighten their borders, others welcome skilled migrants with open arms. This growing divide between open and protectionist nations could reshape the global professional mobility landscape in the coming years.
Immigration is and will always be a deeply political issue, but as global mobility professionals, it is our responsibility to stay vigilant and adapt to these shifting trends as the future of professional immigration is being rewritten.
