Current news of the labor market in the world

The European Commission has published a Quality Jobs Roadmap and launched a consultation on the future Quality Jobs Act, which will strengthen requirements for working conditions, safety and algorithmic management. The new standards could change recruitment strategies and affect migration flows between the EU and the US.

December 2025 Visa Bulletin confirms long-term backlogs for India and China in EB-2 and EB-3 categories, forcing candidates and employers to shift more actively to H-1B/L-1 and alternative routes. For recruiters from Asia, Africa and Europe, this opens a window of opportunity - the demand for strategic visa planning, priority-date tracking and “ready-to-file” packages is increasing.

New OECD data shows a sharp drop in labor migration to rich countries, by more than 20% by 2024, shifting global labor flows. As opportunities shrink in Europe and elsewhere, the United States is becoming a more attractive and stable destination for skilled workers from Asia, Africa, and Europe.

November 2025 brought significant changes to visa regulations in the US, Europe, China and the UK – from new biometric requirements to interview restrictions and increased H-1B fees. These updates apply to tourists, workers, employers and recruitment agencies worldwide.

The report shows that highly skilled African migrants in Europe often work below their educational level due to discrimination, non-recognition of qualifications and systemic barriers, resulting in a loss of valuable human potential for both migrants and European economies.

Simmons & Simmons reports on important changes in employment law in Europe and Asia, including new case law, remote work regulations, contract requirements and class action lawsuits. These changes are impacting international talent mobility and creating opportunities for recruitment agencies in the US and Canada.