Sponsorship hikes, population caps, and travel controls shift the global mobility landscape
Increase in UK immigration skills charge (ISC):
For medium and large sponsors, the charge has risen from £1,000 to £1,320 per worker for the first 12 months. For small or charitable sponsors, it has increased from £364 to £480.
The ISC does not apply where sponsorship is for the following occupation codes:
- Chemical scientists (2111)
- Biological scientists (2112)
- Biochemists and biomedical scientists (2113)
- Physical scientists (2114)
- Social and humanities scientists (2115)
- Natural and social science professionals not elsewhere classified (2119)
- Research and development managers (2161)
- Other researchers, unspecified discipline (2162)
- Higher education teaching professionals (2311)
Switzerland’s population cap referendum:
Switzerland will hold a national referendum in June on a proposal from the Swiss People’s Party to cap the country’s population at 10 million. The initiative would require the government to act once the population exceeds 9.5 million, restricting the entry of newcomers, including asylum seekers and the families of foreign residents. Switzerland’s population currently stands at 9.1 million, with 27–30% of residents born abroad, many working in essential sectors such as healthcare, construction and hospitality. Opponents warn the cap could threaten EU agreements, reduce access to needed labour and strain the economy.
For employers and global mobility, stricter population limits could narrow talent pipelines, reduce flexibility in hiring internationally, and create added challenges in relocating or retaining foreign workers.
UK ETA enforcement is now fully in effect:
Full enforcement of the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme came into effect on 25 February 2026. From this date, eligible nationals cannot travel to the UK without an approved ETA, as carriers are required to deny boarding to anyone who lacks the necessary digital travel permission.
A significant change affects dual British/Irish nationals. They can no longer travel on a non‑UK or non‑Irish passport, as proof of UK or Irish citizenship is now required to demonstrate ETA exemption. Travellers with expired UK or Irish passports must renew them before flying, as expired documents are no longer accepted to prove exemption.
The ETA system forms part of the UK’s wider digital‑immigration transformation, providing more accurate travel data and strengthening border security. Businesses and global mobility teams must now ensure travelling staff hold the correct status and travel using the same passport linked to their ETA to avoid boarding refusals and travel disruption.