What looks straightforward on paper is bringing a few practical challenges on the ground
Mexico faces ongoing immigration backlogs
Foreign nationals and employers in Mexico are facing significant delays with the National Immigration Institute due to limited appointment availability and slower application processing. Tasks such as post‑arrival registrations, residence renewals, permanent residence filings and status changes are taking far longer—often up to the full 20‑day statutory period. These setbacks are also delaying Resident Identity Cards, affecting payroll enrolment and assignment start dates, with some travellers facing exit‑permit issues. Mexican consulates are experiencing similar slowdowns, particularly ahead of the FIFA World Cup. For global mobility teams, this means planning earlier, building in buffer time, and preparing disrupted deployment timelines.
Internal Schengen border checks extended across Europe
Several Schengen countries have extended internal border checks into 2026. Austria, Denmark, Italy and Slovenia have measures in place until May to July, while France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden have extensions running to September to November. Travellers may face ID checks and slower crossings, and visa‑exempt visitors must track their 90‑day limit. These controls, permitted only as temporary security measures, have existed in various forms since 2015. Recent updates to the Schengen Border Code give Member States clearer rules, stronger powers during health emergencies, and greater authority over border‑crossing points and surveillance.
Poland makes residence permits fully online
Since 27 April 2026, all residence permit applications in Poland must be submitted online. Applicants need their own account and an electronic signature, and employer documents must be digitally signed too. You can’t apply and add missing employer paperwork later, so everything has to be ready upfront. For global mobility teams, this means tighter coordination with assignees, ensuring documents are complete early, and securing employer e-signatures in advance to avoid delays or rejected applications.
Romania Introduces New Work Permit System
Romania is bringing in a new online process for work permits and visas, expected around August 2026. There will be two main routes, one for highly skilled workers and another for general roles, with quotas and extra conditions.
On paper, it should make things easier. In reality, it may take a bit of time to get there. The system is still being set up, so processes could feel unclear and timelines slower at first. There are also tighter rules, especially around postings and what employers need to do.
For now, it really comes down to being a bit more prepared than usual, making sure documents are ready early, and allowing some extra time while everything settles into place.