Global Mobility Times | July 2024

Welcome to the July edition of Global Mobility Times! 🌎 In this issue, stay updated on the latest in global mobility and workforce management:

• eVisa rollout in the United Kingdom

• Ireland signs EU/EEA framework agreement for teleworkers

• Luxembourg increases posted worker inspections

🎉 Before we dive into the news, here's an exciting opportunity for you! Participate in our Global Mobility trend survey here, and win a EUR 200 travel voucher for your next vacation or workation abroad. 🛫 Plus, gain access to the trend report and an exclusive webinar where we'll discuss the insights.

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Visa

🇬🇧 eVISA ROLLOUT BEGINS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

The UK government has started rolling out eVISAs, a digital proof of immigration status. Individuals with physical immigration documents are invited to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa.

➡️ By 2025, immigration documents in the UK will be replaced by eVISAs. Creating a UKVI account to access the eVisa is free for those with physical or paper documents. The new system will not change, impact, or remove the holders’ current immigration status or their rights in the UK.

🇿🇦 SOUTH AFRICA IMPLEMENTS DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

South Africa has introduced regulations for a digital nomad visa. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum annual income of ~$53,000. Additionally, there are new tax-related requirements:

• Digital nomad visa holders working in South Africa for more than six months within a 36-month period must register with the South African Revenue Service.

• Short-term stays of less than six months will not be subject to income tax.

➡️ Further details, including the validity period of the digital nomad visa, will be clarified when the official gazette is published in the coming months. Global Mobility Times will let you know!

🇹🇭 THAILAND EXTENDS VISA WAIVER ENTRIES

Thailand's new government has announced that visa waiver entries for tourists will be extended from 30 to 60 days. Additionally, new visa options for longer stays will be introduced. These measures aim to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth.

This change affects citizens of 93 countries:

• 57 countries whose citizens could already stay for 30 days without a visa,

• 13 countries recently granted visa-free access,

• 6 additional countries whose citizens can now stay for 60 days without a visa.

➡️ Find out which countries will benefit from the change here.

Social Security

🇮🇪 IRELAND SIGNS EU/EEA FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT FOR TELEWORKERS

🤔 What’s the EU/EEA framework agreement? Learn here.

As of June 1, 2024, the EU/EEA Framework Agreement is applicable to Ireland. This means teleworkers can work from home up to 50% of the time without triggering employer social security obligations in the country of residence. It applies to both cross-border teleworking cases where the employer is situated in Ireland and cases where the employee lives in Ireland.

➡️ Remember – to benefit from these provisions, the other EU/EEA Member State involved must have also signed the agreement. Find out the 22 states that have signed the agreement already here.

Posted Workers

🇱🇺 LUXEMBOURG INCREASES POSTED WORKER INSPECTIONS

🤔 What’s a posted worker? Learn here.

In 2023, fines totalling 8.9 million euros were imposed on companies for non-compliant posting of workers, as announced by the Luxembourg Labour Authority (Inspection du Travail et des Mines, ITM).

Compared to the previous year, the activities of the labour authority significantly increased, from just over 10,000 checks in 2022 to more than 17,300 checks in 2023. This year, posting offences alone account for two-thirds of the fines issued by the ITM.

➡️ Overall, authorities have become more active in compliance checks related to posted workers. Employers must implement compliance measures to protect themselves and their employees. WorkFlex can help!

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