Welcome to Part I of our final collection of updates and insights for 2024! As we approach the end of another busy year for our industry, we conclude by sharing updates on a number of key immigration changes, and the latest news on activities within the world of international shipping.
Immigration
eVisas in the UK:
All BRP card holders are now required to create a UKVI account and complete the eVisa process. This must be done by 31st December 2024. Visa holders are able to access their UKVI account and manage their personal information. UK/Irish nationals, as well as those who already have a UKVI account, do not need to do anything.
Electronic Travel Authorisation to the UK:
On 27th November, the Home Office is extended the Electronic Authorisation (ETA) Scheme to cover not only the current nationals of Gulf countries, but also a wider range of nationals. If you are travelling to the UK on or after the 8th January 2025 and are a Nationals of the Americas, Asia and Oceania (including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea) you will need to apply for an ETA. From the 5th March, the ETA scheme will open up further to include nationals from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, who will need to apply for an ETA for travel to the UK from 2nd April.
For further information, please see the article published by K2 Corporate Mobility on LinkedIn.
LATAM:
In El Salvador, the government has introduced new policies to attract highly skilled workers and entrepreneurs – these include the Freedom Visa program. In Venezuela, the government has implemented stricter entry requirements, affecting both Venezuelan citizens and dual nationals. All Venezuelans must now present a valid passport to enter the country – a requirement which wasn’t previously enforced. Panama and Peru are also undergoing significant shifts in immigration policy. For further information, please see the article published by K2 Corporate Mobility on LinkedIn.
Shipping
Export shipments out of the USA:
We are seeing Customs Authorities at various ports in the US selecting containers on a more regular basis for x-rays or physical examinations. These ad-hoc Inspections can result in delays and on occasion containers missing their scheduled vessel. Costs including charges for the inspection itself, demurrage, and per diem costs from the shipping line, may apply. K2 are staying in close contact with our partners in order to identify any containers that are flagged for inspection as quickly as possible.
The Customs Strike in Brazil:
The Union of Federal Revenue Auditors in Santos began an indefinite strike on 26th November 2024. The strike is affecting public service and the clearance of goods – on both the import and export sides – at Customs across Brazilian ports and airports. During previous strikes, Customs employees were permitted to work a few days per week, enabling clearances to continue and preventing shipments from being completely halted at ports and airports. At present, it is unclear how the current strike will be conducted, but K2 is monitoring the situation closely and will share updates as soon as we receive them.
The Montreal and Vancouver Ports Lockout:
On 4th November, the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) initiated a port lockout, the latest escalation in the labour disputes between port employers and unionised workers. Whilst operations at both ports resumed in mid-November, as a result of government intervention, congestion remains an issue affecting both incoming and outgoing shipments. Disruptions may continue until the week of the 16th of December and given that the ports will be closed during the holidays, further disruption is possible. K2’s Supply Chain team are keeping a close eye on the situation and will share further updates via LinkedIn if and when they land.
The suspended strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA):
The ILA may resume their strike over wages and automation on 15th January 2025. Under the tentative agreement reached between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) in October 2024, dockworkers wages will increase by 62% over the next 6 years. Negotiations over outstanding issues, including automation, have been in progress since the agreement was made. As yet, there is no update to share; we will continue monitoring the situation closely as we approach the upcoming deadline.
Argentina:
Nearshoring (selecting suppliers that are closer to home) has resulted in congestion in some ports due to lack of capacity and infrastructure. Whilst some ports (e.g. Cartagena, Kingston and Freeport) are increasing their capacity, others (e.g. Panama) are reducing their operations. In order to avoid the congestion, some shipping lines have begun blank sailing (skipping a scheduled stop at a port or cancelling the voyage entirely). In addition, extreme weather across LAC (e.g. droughts and hurricanes) is making operations difficult and leading to delays. As a consequence of all of the above, freight rates are gradually increasing.
Proposed cost increases for Asia – Europe/UK trades:
Shipping lines are proposing that these come into effect on 1st of December and continue through Chinese New Year.
