Politics Spain’s conservatives lead polls as immigration plans put employers on alert Right-wing pact could tighten migration policy, but implications for skilled recruitment and existing residents remain uncertain Settlement Support Is Japan’s language teacher shortage a threat to skills development framework? Reform places greater responsibility on businesses to support workers’ language development and longer-term integration Compensation Saudi Arabia raises minimum salaries amid Saudisation push Two rounds of changes announced, with businesses urged to review pay structures and workforce planning to protect their Nitaqat ratings Sponsorship IBM ends visa and PERM sponsorship for most consulting roles Declining participation and changes in clients’ needs behind decision, according to technology giant Community Jackson Lewis hires Ogletree immigration co-chair in New York Katherine MacIlwaine joins as a principal after more than 15 years advising on US business immigration matters, with a particular focus on financial services Compliance Unlawful hiring fees leave NZ labour-hire director facing $203,000 bill Recruitment firm charged Vietnamese workers thousands of dollars to secure jobs but failed to meet pay and holiday obligations Community Bindmans adds new co-head of business immigration Mariam Khaliq joins as a partner, bringing nearly 20 years’ experience in business and personal immigration Politics Switch to “earned settlement” a huge blow to those already in UK Home Secretary says system will make migrants “play their part”, but lawyers warn it will leave thousands in limbo and increase retention costs for employers Global Mobility Skilled Australians abroad want homecoming – but lack career pathways Former prime minister warns of a potential brain drain, as poll highlights barriers to career mobility and calls for a national strategy to attract talent home RESEARCH GML Elite The GML Elite is a list of 57 leading teams around the world that have, in the last 12 months, demonstrated significant nous in the handling of one or more elements of complex, multifaceted global mobility projects. Events Global Mobility Summit - New York Global Mobility Lawyer is delighted to announce that the inaugural Global Mobility Summit - New York will take place on 15 October 2026.The half-day event will bring together senior in-house counsel, global mobility managers, HR experts and private practice lawyers to explore the latest trends and developments in employment, immigration, social security, and tax laws that affect the movement of workers across borders. Recruitment The end of “domestic-first” hiring? Firms brace for borderless talent drive Artificial Intelligence Why mobile workers shouldn’t trust ChatGPT for travel advice Settlement Support Travel incentives, wellbeing policies crucial for relocation decisions