Midlands Global Mobility Forum: Autumn 2025 Key Takeaways

The first session, led by Megan Hand and Gill Wood of Grant Thornton, provided a timely overview of the latest developments in tax and social security for internationally mobile employees.

Key highlights included:

• HMRC’s New Guidance on National Insurance Apportionment:
  The session unpacked HMRC’s updated approach to National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for internationally mobile employees, clarifying when apportionment applies and what this means for businesses. Employers are recommended to review historic NIC calculations, quantify any potential exposure, and make corrections for the previous six years if needed. The importance of robust payroll processes and technical readiness was emphasised, ensuring compliance with the new guidance and minimising risk.
• Cross-Border Data Sharing and A1 Focus:
  Attendees heard about the increasing effectiveness of the Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI) and the upcoming European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS), which will streamline access to A1 certificates via an app, giving individuals digital access to their portable documents and enable real time verification systems across borders.
• Payrolling of Benefits:
  The implications of payrolling benefits for internationally mobile employees were discussed in line with HMRC’s latest updates regarding the mandatory payrolling of benefits from April 2027. The session underscored the need for clear internal processes and controls to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Dr Mac Misiura, Senior Machine Learning Engineer at RedHat, delivered an accessible and engaging walkthrough of generative AI (GenAI) for enterprise use. The presentation demystified key concepts—AI, ML, DL, and GenAI—and showcased live examples across text, images, audio, video, and 3D modalities.

Key takeaways:

• Foundation Models and Enterprise Adoption:
  Dr Mac Misiura highlighted recent breakthroughs in AI, including the shift to foundation models, and explored what these advances mean for real-world adoption. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how GenAI can drive innovation and efficiency in global mobility and beyond.

Sandra Toppin, K2 X Border’s Immigration Leader, provided a comprehensive update on the UK immigration landscape, focusing on the practical implications for employers and applicants.

Key updates included:

• Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Increase:
  From 16 December 2025, the ISC will rise by 32%. Sponsors are encouraged to review recruitment and budgeting plans for 2025–2026 to mitigate increased costs.
• English Language Requirement:
  From 8 January 2026, the minimum English proficiency for Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual, and Scale-up routes will increase from B1 to B2 (CEFR), equivalent to A level. Existing visa holders extending in the same category will remain at B1.
• Graduate Visa Changes:
  From 1 January 2027, the Graduate Visa duration will reduce from two years to 18 months for most applicants, with PhD graduates retaining a three-year visa.
• eVisa Transition Expansion:
  Following the removal of 90-day entry clearance vignettes for most work and study routes, the next phase will extend to non-work/study routes and dependents, expediting visa processing and reducing administrative burden.
• Sponsorship Licence Housekeeping:
  The session reinforced the importance of robust compliance, recordkeeping, and timely reporting. With a notable increase in revoked licences, sponsors were reminded of their obligations and the potential penalties for non-compliance, including civil penalties, licence downgrades, and reputational risk.