Global Alerts

FGI Update: This Week’s Summary of Global Immigration News

EUROPEAN UNION: EU Moves to Tighten Migration Rules Through Faster Returns and Stronger Border Controls

The European Union (EU) is advancing measures to strengthen border controls, accelerate the return of people who do not have the legal right to remain in the bloc, and improve coordination among member states. Following the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in June 2026, EU interior ministers agreed in October to additional return measures, including a standardized European Return Order, potential detention in facilities outside the EU known as “return hubs,” and an expanded operational role for the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The measures are intended to improve enforcement and cooperation across member states, although implementation challenges and concerns about human rights protections remain.

Key Points

• Faster Return Procedures: EU member states have agreed to measures intended to simplify and accelerate the return of non-EU nationals who do not have the legal right to remain. Individuals subject to return decisions must cooperate with national authorities and may face sanctions for failing to comply, including reduced benefits, financial penalties, or criminal sanctions where permitted by national law.
• European Return Order: A standardized European Return Order will record key details of return decisions and help national authorities coordinate cases across member states. Recognition of another member state’s return decision will initially remain voluntary, with the EU planning to reassess the arrangement after three years. 
• Potential Use of Return Hubs: The new rules allow member states to establish return hubs in non-EU countries where individuals may be held while awaiting removal. Several countries are exploring potential arrangements, with initial facilities discussed for 2027, although questions remain about locations, implementation, oversight, and legal safeguards.
• Expanded Border Security Measures: The EU plans to strengthen Frontex’s operational role in border management and returns, while investing additional resources in surveillance technology and emergency response capabilities. These measures are intended to help member states respond to irregular migration and sudden increases in arrivals at the EU’s external borders.

What Employers Need to Know

• Immigration Status and Compliance: Employers operating in the EU should monitor changes to migration and return procedures that may affect employees, contractors, or other non-EU nationals whose right to remain is under review. Individuals who receive return decisions should obtain qualified legal advice promptly to understand their obligations, deadlines, and available remedies.
• Cross-Border Mobility Planning: Changes to return decisions and cooperation among member states may affect how immigration cases are handled when individuals move between EU countries. Employers should ensure that international assignments, employee travel, and relocation arrangements are supported by appropriate immigration status checks and case-specific legal guidance.
• Monitoring Regulatory Developments: The EU’s migration framework is evolving, and the implementation of new return measures may vary across member states. Employers should work with immigration counsel or mobility providers to monitor relevant national requirements and assess whether policy changes affect workforce planning or employee mobility.
• Distinguishing Migration Enforcement From Work Authorization: The measures primarily concern individuals who do not have a legal right to remain in the EU, rather than introducing a general change to employment-based immigration eligibility. Employers should continue to assess work authorization under the rules applicable in each country and avoid assuming that a change in return procedures automatically changes the requirements for obtaining or maintaining a work permit.

Looking Ahead

• Implementation of the New Return Rules: The new measures are expected to take effect following the completion of the applicable EU legislative process and implementation requirements. Their practical impact will depend on how member states apply the rules, coordinate return decisions, and establish the necessary administrative procedures.
• Development of Return Hubs: Several EU governments are exploring the establishment of return hubs outside the bloc, with potential initial operations discussed for 2027. The choice of host countries, the terms of cooperation, and the legal protections available to affected individuals will be important factors in determining how the system operates. 
• Human Rights and Legal Oversight: Human rights organizations have raised concerns about detention conditions, access to legal remedies, family life, and the safety of third countries used for return arrangements. Legal challenges and scrutiny of how safeguards are applied could influence the implementation and scope of the measures. 
• Stronger EU-Level Coordination: The EU is also pursuing greater cooperation among border agencies, national authorities, and non-EU partner countries, alongside investment in surveillance and emergency response. The effectiveness of these efforts will depend on member states’ operational capacity, cooperation with partner countries, and ability to balance enforcement with applicable legal protections.

The EU is moving toward a more coordinated and enforcement-focused migration system, combining faster return procedures, standardized documentation, potential return hubs outside the bloc, and stronger border management. Although irregular arrivals have declined in 2026, EU governments continue to focus on increasing the number of completed returns and improving cooperation among member states. For employers, the principal consideration is to monitor developments that may affect individual immigration cases and cross-border mobility while continuing to comply with applicable national work authorization requirements. The practical effects of the reforms will become clearer as member states implement the new rules and questions concerning legal safeguards and oversight are addressed.

SOUTH KOREA: Delays in Foreign Registration Processing, Affecting Travel and Settling-In Arrangements

South Korea is experiencing significant delays in foreign registration processing, particularly at the Sejongno Immigration Branch Office in Seoul. Previously, foreign registration numbers were generally issued within approximately one week, allowing assignees to obtain a Certificate of Alien Registration and, subject to applicable re-entry requirements, travel internationally before receiving their physical Residence Card (RC). Processing times have now increased to approximately one month for foreign registration numbers and two months for physical RCs, primarily due to a substantial increase in foreign student registration applications. These delays affect applicants across visa categories and may also occur at other immigration offices experiencing high application volumes.

Key Points

• Extended Processing Times: Foreign registration numbers at the Sejongno Immigration Branch Office currently take approximately one month to be issued. Physical Residence Cards may take approximately two months to arrive.
• Increased Application Volumes: According to an immigration officer, the delays are primarily attributable to a significant increase in foreign student registration applications in the Seoul area. Other immigration offices handling similarly high volumes of student applications may experience comparable delays.
• Impact Across Visa Categories: The processing delays affect foreign registration applications regardless of the applicant’s visa category. Assignees should therefore plan for longer processing times rather than relying on previous timelines.
• Travel Before Receipt of the Physical RC: Once a foreign registration number has been issued, the immigration team can assist in obtaining a Certificate of Alien Registration. This certificate may facilitate international travel before the physical RC arrives, provided all applicable re-entry requirements are met.

What Employers Need to Know

• International Travel Planning: Employers should review business travel schedules for assignees arriving in South Korea and avoid assuming that international travel will be possible within one week of submitting a registration application. Travel arrangements should account for the possibility of a one-month wait for the registration number.
• Settling-In Services: Delays in receiving the physical RC may affect bank account openings, mobile phone registration and contracts, Korean driver’s license issuance or conversion, and other administrative procedures. Because many banks and service providers require the physical card, these arrangements may need to be postponed until it is available.
• Coordination With Immigration Teams: Employers should coordinate with their immigration service providers to assess individual cases and identify alternative arrangements where possible. Early coordination is particularly important for assignees who must travel frequently or complete essential administrative procedures soon after arrival.

Looking Ahead

• Continued Monitoring of Processing Times: Immigration processing times may fluctuate as application volumes change, particularly during periods of increased international student registrations. Employers and immigration service providers should continue monitoring developments at Sejongno and other offices to adjust relocation plans as needed.
• Potential Delays at Other Offices: Although Sejongno is currently experiencing the most significant reported delays, other immigration offices may face similar pressures. Employers should confirm the expected processing timeline with the relevant office rather than assuming that another location will necessarily offer faster service.
• Advance Planning for Future Assignments: Employers may need to incorporate longer registration timelines into relocation schedules, international travel planning, and onboarding procedures. Early planning can help reduce disruptions to employees’ work, travel, and access to essential services.
• Individual Case Management: The availability of alternative arrangements will depend on each assignee’s circumstances and applicable immigration requirements. Reviewing cases individually and coordinating with immigration professionals may help identify practical solutions while processing delays continue.

The content of this article is intended only to provide a general guide to the subject matter. It should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact FGI at info@employmentimmigration.com or (+1) 248.643.4900 for guidance if you have specific questions.