Global Immigration Trends and Highlights

Trends and highlights from October to December 2025

Executive summary

“Immigration policies across the Americas saw significant shifts in late 2025, balancing stricter entry requirements with measures to enhance mobility. The US began collecting biometric data from foreign nationals entering and leaving the country, ended automatic EAD extensions for certain renewal categories, and introduced a $1,000 immigration parole fee. Meanwhile, Brazil broadened business visitor eligibility, Barbados advanced regional mobility through a new free movement agreement with several CARICOM nations, and Guatemala launched a digital nomad residence permit.”

George Reis
EY Americas Immigration Leader

At a glance

Amid transformative geopolitical shifts, nations in late 2025 tightened immigration controls and deployed advanced digital technologies to enhance security. The US imposed full entry bans on nationals of 19 countries and partial restrictions on 20 others due to overstays, security and information-sharing concerns. Denmark, the Netherlands and Portugal implemented the EU Entry/Exit System, which uses biometrics and enhanced identity checks to detect overstays and security threats. In Finland, foreigners with prior criminal records now face stricter citizenship barriers, including possible revocation. The UK proposed stricter criminality thresholds for individuals applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. 

Governments worldwide are also embracing technology and innovation to streamline processes, improve transparency and enhance the applicant experience. Thailand and Malaysia introduced digital platforms to streamline work permit applications, reduce paperwork and improve efficiency. Gabon’s new e-Visa system simplifies short-term visa applications and accelerates processing times. Ireland’s AVATS platform facilitates visa fee payments by moving the process online. India and the Republic of Korea adopted e-Arrival Cards, replacing paper forms to simplify admission and improve travelers’ experience. 

Visa policies remain a barometer of diplomatic relations among countries, balancing efforts to attract talent with reciprocal measures to manage migration. The Chinese mainland extended visa-free entry for nationals of 45 jurisdictions, Brazil expanded the scope of permissible activities for business visitors and Barbados launched a free movement agreement with select CARICOM members. Meanwhile, Chad suspended visa issuance for US nationals in response to US travel restrictions on Chadian nationals. Malawi imposed reciprocity-based fees and ended visa-free entry for non-reciprocating countries. 

Digital nomad and remote work categories continue to offer global organizations a strategic edge to retain top talent and build resilience amid cross-border challenges. Guatemala and Slovenia’s new digital nomad residence permits highlight the growing importance of flexible work models amid travel delays and business disruptions resulting from tightening immigration rules, such as the recent US decision to delay H-1B and H-4 visa interviews until 2026 to strengthen online applicant vetting. 

For more insights and analysis, read the latest edition of the Global Immigration Index: Remote Work and Digital Nomads for information about jurisdictions offering visas and permits for remote workers; check out the December 2025 Geostrategic Analysis for updates on global trade shifts, labor market dynamics, and AI governance trends; and explore the EY-Parthenon 2026 Geostrategic Outlook to learn about the top 10 geopolitical developments in 2026.