Welcome to our first collection of updates and insights for 2025!
As we approach the end of another busy quarter for our industry, we conclude by sharing information on a number of key changes within the immigration sphere, and on situations to keep your eye on over the next few months.
Immigration
Changes to the EU Blue Card process in Sweden:
- Required salary threshold decreased: The threshold has been decreased from 1.5 to 1.25 times the average gross annual salary in Sweden. This means that to qualify for the permit, you now only need to be earning 49, 875 kronor annually.
- Permit no longer tied to a position or an employer: This allows for more flexibility when transitioning between different roles and employers, although the Migration Agency does need to be informed of all transitions.
- Employment contract duration requirement reduced: The duration requirement has been reduced from 1 year to 6 months.
- Applying for a Blue Card from within Sweden now possible: This is an option for those who already have some form of work permit and is sometimes an option for their dependants.
- Simplified procedure for Blue Card holders in another EU country: Anyone who has held a valid Blue Card in another EU country for at least 12 months can now apply for a Blue Card from within Sweden.
- Blue Card holders in other EU countries can now enter Sweden and work there for 90 days within a 180-day period: This change will help the Blue Card, already known for its benefits and flexibility, to become the most beneficial permit type for non-EU nationals working within the EU.
- Blue Card validity may be increased from 2 to 4 years: Should this happen, when their permit approached expiry, individuals would be able to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit, rather than having to renew their existing permit
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):
The Home Office has extended the Electronic Authorisation (ETA) Scheme to cover all non-visa nationals entering the UK for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study. As of 5th March 2025, the ETA Scheme covers nationals from EU/EEA countries and from Switzerland who, from 2nd April 2025, will need to apply for an ETA in order to travel to the UK.
Applications must be submitted via a mobile app or the Home Office’s online application form, with decisions usually being communicated within 3 working days. Applicants will receive an email confirming that their ETA has been granted: it will be linked to their passport and will be valid – generally – for 2 years. Applicants will be able to travel to the UK whilst awaiting a decision on their ETA, if they submit their application prior to their departure.
UKVI Accounts and eVisas:
The transition from Biometric Residence Permits to eVisas is proving successful, with over four million UK visa holders having successfully created a UKVI account to access their eVisa, according to Home Office statistics published this month. However, an estimated 600,000 individuals still need to create a UKVI account and are being urged to do so now via Online immigration status (eVisa) – GOV.UK.
Travel
Costa Rica:
As of 11th March 2025, the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica requires all travellers, whether Costa Rican nationals or foreign nationals, to present proof of vaccination against yellow fever if they are traveling to or from the following countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and any country on the African continent.
Keep an eye on…
US tariffs and EU counter tariffs:
The European Commission has announced that the EU will impose counter tariffs on €26 billion ($28 billion) worth of US goods from April, in response to the blanket US tariffs imposed on steel and aluminium earlier this month. K2 is preparing for the potential impact to shipments and the potential changes to customs fees for personal belongings, to ensure that we can respond on the front foot.
The wet season in East Africa:
Be prepared for constant, heavy rainfall until June. K2 ensure that additional moisture absorption poles and silicone sachets are added to shipments coming in and out of all East African countries.
40ft containers:
There is currently a shortage of quality 40ft containers. As an interim solution, K2 are booking 40ft High Cube (HC) containers, negotiating prices down so that they are as close to the cost of a standard 40ft container as possible.
Hanoi, Vietnam:
Interest in housing in Hanoi is increasing, with one of K2’s partners reporting a 270% increase in enquiries in 2024 compared to 2023. Hanoi may be establishing itself as a more affordable alternative to Singapore.
Tokyo, Shanghai, Taiwan and Kuala Lumpur:
These cities and countries are growing in popularity, so be prepared for an uptick in enquiries or for issues with availability.
The FARE Act in NYC:
The current legislation is due to take effect in June 2025. However, it is expected that the REBNY will be filing litigation against the ruling, as it will interrupt the market and be a hinderance to free trade. Should this litigation be filed, the legislation will not take effect as scheduled.
K2 continue to closely monitor all the elements detailed above as well as in Part I, and will provide further updates via The Summit, our LinkedIn Newsletter, as and when they come through.
Our next full Global Mobility Insights publication is due to be released at the end of June.