The pandemic streamlined many technological advances, or at least accelerated their development. One area which has improved is in how countries manage immigration policies and regulate the movement of people. Nadeem Ahmed, Senior Immigration Manager at Nomadic, explains how technology is optimising onboarding new talent and helping companies to retain employees.
Digital Transformation has profoundly reshaped the landscape of global mobility, talent acquisition and retention, extending well beyond immigration applications and procedural updates. This shift has become a pivotal element for companies aiming to penetrate new markets or expand in existing ones, reflecting a dynamic evolution in business strategies worldwide. In fact, Saudi Arabia saw a remarkable 59% increase in commercial registrations in the first quarter of 2024 while the Dubai Chamber of Commerce alone registered over 19,000 new companies in same period, up 17.6% from 2023.
This surge is a catalyst for much of this transformation and the advancement in digital technologies. Initially spurred by the need for online systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, what began as temporary measures have since cemented themselves as permanent fixtures, dramatically altering how countries manage immigration policies and regulate the movement of people. These technological advancements have streamlined immigration and visa processes, enabling businesses to manage their global mobility programmes more efficiently, ensuring compliance when mobilising their talent in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Government adoption of online systems
Governments worldwide are leveraging online systems to significantly streamline administrative procedures and therefore enhance overall service efficiency. For example, the UAE has replaced physical visa endorsement in passports with electronic residency visas and Emirates IDs. This shift has had a positive impact on both companies and talent alike, removing the need for in-person interactions, improving transparency in the application process and leading to faster, more accurate processing with reduced costs and a smaller margin for errors. As a result, jurisdictions adopting these technologies become more appealing to businesses seeking to recruit highly skilled talent, allowing companies to focus more on strategic goals rather than navigating outdated systems.
Optimise new talent onboarding
At the employer level, refining onboarding processes with immigration technology tailored towards companies that manage workforces comprising foreign nationals significantly enhances cost and time efficiency. By refining onboarding procedures with technology, especially those related to immigration processes, companies can minimise administrative burdens and facilitate smoother transitions for new hires, which in turn can contribute to a boost both individual and organisational performance. Effective pre-hire evaluations and readiness assessments can prevent needless delays, thereby conserving both time and resources.
Navigate stricter compliance
A robust immigration and mobility programme enables businesses to effectively navigate complex global regulations and reduces the risk of costly penalties and legal complications. As technology reshapes immigration, heightened compliance requirements are significantly impacting employers and employees. This enhanced compliance culture demands a tightly regulated approach and increased employer accountability and a holistic approach to adherence. Keeping abreast of evolving laws and policies and proactively implementing compliance measures and safeguards protects financial interests, maintains corporate integrity and allows for business continuity. Companies should conduct regular compliance audits, health checks and stress tests to ensure they are adhering to statutory requirements, including those related to localisation.
Attract and retain talent
The shift towards remote and hybrid work models has profoundly impacted global talent attraction. Access to a highly skilled talent pool is crucial as talent shortages are expected to result in 85 million job vacancies and US$8.5 trillion in lost revenue by 2030. Countries with flexible immigration regimes, reliable technological infrastructure and efficient visa systems are becoming preferred destinations for highly skilled talent. According to Fragomen’s 2024 Worldwide Immigration Trends Report, streamlined immigration regimes in such countries are key to uninterrupted operations, even in times of crises. Long-term residency schemes like the UAE’s Golden Visa and KSA’s Premium Residency exemplify such strategies and encourage innovation and economic and technological advancement.
Leverage immigration tech
Employers are increasingly leveraging advanced technologies like Fragomen’s short-term immigration compliance solution, Nomadic, to streamline immigration processes. Companies turn to these options to ensure compliance with global travel regulations and accelerate acquisition, while minimising manual intervention and expediting the overall process. Additionally, these tools help monitor government filing fees, providing companies with a competitive edge in swiftly and economically accessing top talent.
Plan for contingencies
Employers who adopt flexible immigration strategies, such as remote, hybrid and relocation options, can reduce operational disruptions in crises. This forward-thinking strategy, directed by knowledgeable professionals, enables companies to manage intricate mobility systems more effectively, ensuring agility and up-to-date knowledge, which contributes to cost efficiency and uninterrupted business operations.
Effective global mobility programmes can serve as potent tools for employers aiming to develop and nurture their most valuable asset – their workforces. By implementing process improvements, tactical immigration approaches and advanced technology, companies can streamline their operations, enhance cost-effectiveness and attract elite talent.