Latest immigration, job and visa updates across Europe

The study found that local residents are more receptive to migrant workers who are permanent residents and participate in community life than to cross-border workers. Social integration and a sense of fairness play a greater role than competition for jobs.

A new study has found that migrant workers who live permanently in a country and participate in community life are perceived much more positively than those who just come to work. The decisive factor is social integration, not competition for jobs.

In 2026, the UK will see major changes to employment law under the Employment Rights Act 2025, which will strengthen worker protections and expand their rights. The reforms could impact global competition for talent and migration decisions for professionals from Asia and Africa.

The 2026 U.S. employment law changes raise hiring and worker protection standards, increasing the attractiveness of the U.S. labor market for migrants. For recruitment agencies in Asia and Europe, this creates both compliance challenges and new growth opportunities.

Portugal is implementing new integration programs, digital services, and changes to migration legislation to facilitate migrants’ access to the labor market and legal residence, strengthening its role as one of the EU’s key migration hubs.

The January 2026 Visa Bulletin shows a modest advance in priority dates for EB-2 and EB-3 immigration categories and allows for adjustment of status applications to be filed on a “Dates for Filing” schedule. This improves the prospects for obtaining a Green Card for foreign professionals and employers who plan long-term employment in the United States.