Current news of the labor market in the world

Spain’s plan to regularise 500,000 migrants in 2026 reshapes migration dynamics between the EU and the United States. For recruitment agencies in Asia and Europe, it creates new opportunities while intensifying global talent competition.

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.

The European Commission has published recommendations on the transition of Ukrainian refugees from temporary protection to long-term residence statuses through work, study and family reunification. The initiative aims to improve integration and ensure a stable legal status after the end of temporary protection.

Poland has extended rules restricting applications for international protection at its land border with Belarus for another 60 days, citing security risks, a decision that has drawn criticism for possible violations of European and international refugee protection standards.