Corporate Moving update – October 2025

Market conditions and regulatory developments

The movement of people and goods across borders continues to evolve under new regulations and sustainability initiatives. From October, several developments across Europe, the UK and the wider global logistics industry are shaping the environment for corporate relocations.

EU border changes

From 12 October, the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will come into force across participating countries. The digital platform replaces manual passport stamping with a biometric

data-driven process. It requires all non-EU nationals, including British citizens, to register personal data when entering the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The change affects tourists, business travellers   employees undertaking short-term assignments.

UK government pledges £448 million for green shipping

The UK Government has announced a £448 million investment in sustainable maritime initiatives, focusing on electric vessels and next-generation fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the funding as an opportunity to “supercharge growth and jobs in coastal towns and cities.”

The investment supports the UK SHORE programme, launched in March 2022, which has so far provided £240 million across 200 projects. These include electric charging infrastructure at Cammell Laird in Liverpool and multiple South Coast and London ports, alongside innovations in low-carbon hydrogen production and wingsail technology.

A further £700 million in private investment was confirmed at London International Shipping Week, including £300 million from Peel Ports to modernise facilities in Liverpool, Hunterston and Great Yarmouth and £250 million from NatPower Marine to exp  shore-side power networks. Logistics UK welcomed the commitment, citing shipping as one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise and highlighting the need for continued collaboration between government and industry.

WSC launches AI screening tool to detect shipping fire hazards

The World Shipping Council (WSC) has introduced an AI-driven screening platform to identify misdeclared or undeclared dangerous goods in shipping containers. The initiative forms part of the WSC Cargo Safety Program, with carriers representing over 70% of global container capacity already participating.

Developed using National Cargo Bureau technology, the system scans millions of bookings to flag potential fire risks through keyword searches, trade-pattern recognition and AI algorithms. Alerts are verified by carriers and, where necessary, escalated to targeted inspections.

According to Allianz’s Safety and Shipping Review 2025, ship fires are at their highest level in more than a decade, with misdeclared dangerous goods accounting for over a quarter of cargo-related incidents. WSC President and CEO Joe Kramek said the technology “strengthens the industry’s safety net by combining shared screening, common inspection standards and real-world feedback to reduce risk.”

New Zealand loosens residency restrictions amid record emigration

New Zealand has announced new residency pathways for migrant workers as part of a wider plan to address labour shortages and stimulate economic recovery. Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said the changes will help employers retain skilled and experienced workers who have “crucial skills and significant experience not available in the existing workforce.”

The two new pathways, effective from mid-2026, are designed for migrants in skilled and technical roles who meet qualification, experience and salary thresholds. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the initiative supports migrants “already contributing to New Zealand’s economy and demonstrating value in their roles.”

The policy follows a record exodus of 73,400 New Zealand citizens between July 2024 and July 2025, compared with 25,800 returning. While business groups have welcomed the move, political debate continues over its long-term impact, with concerns that New Zealand is increasingly being used as a “stepping stone” to Australia.

Change to US temporary visa interview locations

The US Department of State has introduced a new policy requiring all applicants for non-immigrant visas to attend interviews in their country of citizenship or legal residence. The rule, effective 6 September, ends the practice of booking interviews in third countries to reduce waiting times.

Applicants from nations with limited or no US consular presence — such as Iran, Cuba, or Russia—may continue to use designated alternative embassies. However, the change is expected to increase wait times in busy locations and add complexity for international assignees. The US has also proposed a US$250 application fee for most non-immigrant visas, representing a substantial increase on current rates of between US$160 and US$190.

Strategic recommendations for businesses

• Allow additional time for cross-border assignments affected by the EU’s Entry/Exit System.
• Monitor green shipping initiatives that may influence carrier selection and sustainability targets.
• Review fire-risk management and compliance processes in line with WSC safety measures.
• Track visa and immigration policy changes that could affect global workforce mobility.
• Work with relocation partners who maintain real-time visibility across global regulatory updates.

At Santa Fe Relocation, we continue to monitor global shipping markets, policy changes and industry innovations to provide our clients with accurate intelligence and practical solutions.

Henk Schutte
Head of Logistics
henk.schutte@santaferelo.com

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