Global Mobility Times | September 2024

Welcome to the September issue of Global Mobility Times! ?? As the vacation season wraps up, more global mobility news takes center stage. Whether you’re managing cross-border operations or exploring new international opportunities, this edition is packed with essential insights for you:

• ???? European Commission reveals the launch date of the Entry/Exit system
• ???? Several governments issue travel warning for Lebanon
• ???? New social security agreement between Spain and the US

??Webinar alert: If your company is planning to implement a work-from-anywhere policy, the WorkFlex webinar on compliance for mobile work abroad will be useful. Register here for the session on September 24 at 11:00 CET (held in ???? German).

Visa

???? EUROPEAN COMMISSION ANNOUNCES ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM?

Mark your calendars for November 10, 2024, when the European Union launches its long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES)! ?? The EES will record travelers' names, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and their entry and exit details within the EU.

The goal? To modernize border management, enhance security, and prevent irregular migration. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is also on the horizon for 2025.?

?? Introduction of the EES system will affect around 700 million travelers entering the EU each year.

???? LEBANON TRAVEL WARNING?

Several governments, including those of Germany, France, the Netherlands, USA, Canada, and the UK, have issued travel warnings for Lebanon, marking it a ‘do not travel’ destination.?

?? Foreign nationals in Lebanon are advised to leave “as soon as possible,” and travelers to the country may find their travel insurance coverage invalidated.?

???? SAUDI ARABIA EXPANDS E-VISA PROGRAM?

Saudi Arabia has broadened its e-visa program to include citizens from Barbados, The Bahamas, and Grenada, bringing the total to 66 eligible countries. This visa, also available to residents and visit visa holders from the US, UK, EU, and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, facilitates travel for tourism, religious pilgrimages, and more.?

?? The citizens of these countries now have the flexibility to apply for their visas online or acquire them upon arrival at Saudi entry points.

???? PHILIPPINES EASES ENTRY MEASURES FOR INDIAN CITIZENS?

Good news for Indian travelers! ???? The Philippines now offers visa-free entry for up to 14 days for Indian citizens with valid visas or residence permits from countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, and Schengen nations. Those without these visas or permits can benefit from expedited e-visa processing.

?? Keep in mind that the tourist visa for eligible Indian travelers is non-convertible, so their visit must strictly be for tourism. Business travelers need to obtain the appropriate visas.

Social security?

???? NEW SOCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT BETWEEN SPAIN AND THE USA?

Spain's Council of Ministers has approved a new social security agreement with the United States, which will replace the 1986 agreement once ratified.

?? Key changes include more favorable Spanish pension calculations, an improved regulatory base calculation, and an extension of the posting period to 7 years. The State Pension Scheme is also now included.

???? Thanks for subscribing to Global Mobility Times! We hope this edition helps you stay well-informed. Stay curious, and we’ll see you next month!