The Immigration Conversation | Presented by Fragomen: Recent Episodes
Fragomen
This is the Immigration Conversation presented by Fragomen. A series of talks and discussions by leading immigration lawyers and professionals from around the world, who will bring you the most up-to-date business immigration news, issues of concern, and strategies in the world of global immigration and mobility.
In this episode, Partner Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada) and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) are joined by special guest, Partner and Sub-Saharan Africa Lead Lunga Mani(Johannesburg, South Africa), toexplore Africa’s road to the 2026 World Cup, diving into:
- The CAF qualifying format and what South Africa’s return to the World Cup means for the continent.
- How federations and clubs are navigating player and staff movement across Africa.
- The rise of e-visas, regional travel reforms and the African Union’s Free Movement of Persons Protocol.
- What clubs and teams can learn when touring or expanding operations in African markets.
From visa-free corridors in East Africa to policy innovations powering regional mobility, this episode focuses on the intersection of football and migration across a rapidly changing continent.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation podcast, Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss the security clearance process that forms part of the work permit process in Bangladesh. Corrine and Joycelyn explain what the security clearance process involves, why it matters, and what companies need to do to prepare for it.
In this episode, Fragomen FC hosts Partner Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada), Senior Manager Sergio Flores (Mexico City, Mexico) and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) recap major transfers and tournaments played this summer, including:
- CONCACAF Gold Cup
- UEFA European Women's Championship
- FIFA Club World Cup
This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of global football and immigration policy.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation podcast, Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi are joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Program Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), to explore Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). The EMPP merges Canada’s humanitarian and economic priorities, enabling employers to hire skilled refugees from around the world.
Together, Fragomen and TBB have created an innovative, award-winning business-driven solution enabling skilled refugees to legally migrate for work, benefitting both displaced professionals and economies struggling with skills and labor shortages.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation podcast, Partner Marius Tollenaere sits down with Michali Henig, Head of Global Mobility and Travel at HelloFresh, for a special interview exploring her dynamic and passionate career journey in global mobility.
Michali shares valuable, experienced insights into her approach to attracting international talent to Germany, touching on key topics such as:
- Navigating Germany’s unique challenges (such as the housing market)
- Structuring competitive offer packages
- Managing immigration and relocation processes
- Supporting integration and long-term success
Her perspective offers a thoughtful look at the evolving landscape of global mobility and talent strategy.
In this episode, Fragomen FC hosts Partner Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada), Senior Manager Sergio Flores (Mexico City, Mexico) and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) are joined by Manager Alexander Hood (London, United Kingdom)—an ardent Aston Villa fan, for a deep dive into:
- How post-Brexit immigration rules are reshaping EPL transfers;
- Why Club World Cup appearances now matter for UK visas;
- The growing importance of homegrown talent ahead of the 2026 World Cup;
- Player care and the UK’s edge in global talent retention; and
- The rapid rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of global football and immigration policy.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice Partner Adekunle (Kunle) Obebe and Executive Associate Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms. Together, they outline key changes such as digitisation, challenges such as infrastructure and implementation, and business and traveller impact.
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen. David Kipp forscht zu den Themen Migrationskooperation, Fachkräfteanwerbung und EU-Migrationspolitk. In diesem Gespräch widmen wir uns dem Thema Arbeitsmigration aus Indien. David Kipp hat hierzu umfassend veröffentlicht und die Details dieses Migrationskorridors untersucht. Hierzu hat er sich sowohl die Politiken der Regierungen beider Länder, als auch die Rolle privater Intermediäre näher angesehen.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Partner Marius Tollenaere is joined by David Kipp of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). David Kipp researches migration cooperation, skilled labour recruitment and EU migration policy. In this conversation, Marius and David focus on labour migration from India to Germany. David Kipp has published extensively on this topic and examined the details of this migration corridor. He has taken a closer look at the policies of the governments of both countries as well as the role of private intermediaries.
FragomenFC is back with another episode! Our hosts Rick Lamanna (Toronto), Sergio Flores (Mexico City) and Jake Minster (Boston) provide a European season wrap-up and a look ahead to the Club World Cup this summer. Also, they share recent policy updates and hint at what’s to come in future episodes.
In Part 2 of this special episode of #FragomenFC: Passport to North America 2026, co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada), Senior Manager Sergio Flores (Mexico City, Mexico) and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup (Amsterdam, Netherlands)—an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former Dutch U21 star who made the bold switch to represent Morocco’s National Team at the senior level.
From crossing rival lines at PSV to Ajax, to mentoring global youth talent at Ajax's academy, Ismaïl shares his personal journey across borders, clubs and national teams.
Topics include:
- Nationality choices in international football
- Work permits, transfers and dual citizenship
- Coaching the next generation of global stars and the youth system
- The impact of immigration rules on the football
Don’t miss this episode on immigration, national identity, loyalty and legacy in football!
In this special episode of #FragomenFC: Passport to North America 2026, co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada), Senior Manager Sergio Flores (Mexico City, Mexico) and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup (Amsterdam, Netherlands)—and an avid football fan. Tuğba brings along a very special guest: her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport, representing both club and country across Europe.
Together, we explore Ozzy’s professional journey, tracing his path from youth academies to international competition, and discussing how immigration impacted every step of his career—from transfers and visas to work permits and national team eligibility. Tuğba offers valuable insights into Dutch immigration law as it relates to professional footballers, drawing on her legal background and personal connection to the game. Both guests share reflections on navigating the intersection of global mobility and elite sport in countries like the Netherlands, Turkey and beyond.
This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Stay tuned for Episode 8 (Part 2)!
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Senior Associate Stephanie Weaver and Associate Julia Manacher unpack the intersection of immigration law and reality television. They delve into the realities of marriage-based immigration scenarios depicted in popular TV shows, focusing on pathways such as the K-1 visa (fiancé visa) and the Green Card.
Disclaimer: The television shows and individuals mentioned in this episode are not clients of Fragomen. This episode is intended for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
With the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League concluding with Mexico's triumphant win of their first CNL trophy, Fragomen’s podcast series, #FragomenFC: Passport to North America 2026, is back with a tournament review! Join co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada), Senior Manager Sergio Flores (Mexico City, Mexico), and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) as they provide an in-depth, country-by-country analysis of the highs and lows experienced by their respective national teams throughout the competition.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Manager Jarred Milner, Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi and Immigration Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss the impact of recent salary threshold changes on the UK immigration landscape. They also reflect on the lead up to and implementation of these changes within the past year and how these changes contrast with the EU's approach.
Fragomen’s podcast series, #FragomenFC: Passport to North America 2026,returns with a 2024 recap! Co-hosts Director Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada), Manager Sergio Flores (Mexico City, Mexico) and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) go “around the horn” highlighting the biggest hits from the soccer world this year and offering a look ahead to stories to watch for in 2025.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Senior Manager Lindiwe Mapota interviews Director Johannes Kgotso Tiba on recent changes to the South African immigration system following the long-anticipated publication of the Points-Based Immigration System (PBIS). Together, they discuss the PBIS's impact on businesses and explore key elements such as transparency and attributes.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Partner Timo Heck is joined by Exactio Managing Partner Per Melberg and Director Giuseppe Sarno to share insights on C permits (permanent residency), taxation and immigration requirements in Switzerland.
Exactio is a consulting company providing Swiss and international payroll, social security, individual tax and global mobility services to local and multinational organisations, as well as individuals.
Fragomen’s podcast series, #FragomenFC: Passport to North America 2026,returns with the episode, "Paris Playbook: Immigration Wins and Lessons from the 2024 Olympics." With much to cover from the summer, including EURO 2024, CONMEBOL's Copa America, and of course, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, our hosts Director Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada), Manager Sergio Flores (Mexico City, Mexico) and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) are joined by Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière (Paris, France).
Watch as they discuss how France established efficient entry and exit mechanisms before and during the Games, and how Fragomen assisted clients requiring entry to France for the massive event. They also share tips for North America as it gears up to host the World Cup in just under 600 days.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Partner Jack Kim and Senior Manager Rafael Alfonso Fabregas discuss hot topics surrounding immigration in Canada and what remains on the Minister's "to-do list" in 2024, including inland refugee claims, international students, temporary foreign workers and more.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode hosted by Immigration Supervisor Lauren Spencer, we connect with members of Fragomen's Green Team across various offices, including Practice Leader Jane Goddard, Desktop Support Specialist Ross Gibson and Office Services Manager Ema Gombos to explore how even a small group of employees can drive big changes within their workplace's sustainability practices.
Fragomen in the UK, for example, has successfully reduced emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 to zero, using 100% renewably sourced energy in our London and Sheffield offices. Scope 1 and 2 are categories of greenhouse gas emissions that a company generates based on where they originate, either from direct or indirect sources. This milestone marks progress in our ongoing journey to a more sustainable future, and it is a reflection of the impact a Green Team can make.
Partners Julia Onslow-Cole, Bo Cooper and Edward Raleigh from our Government Strategies & Compliance group discuss geopolitical impacts on business amidst a major global election year. From unexpected election results like a coalition government forming in India and South Africa to the changes in the Democratic candidate in the US presidential election, the global immigration landscape is shifting quickly.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, we share a replay of a live event hosted by UK Government Affairs Strategy Lead Shuyeb Muquit. Details on this event and replay can be found below:
***In anticipation of the UK’s general election, Fragomen is hosting a three-part event series, each focusing on a pivotal juncture - the “before,” “during” and “after” - as it relates to UK immigration policy.
This replay is the second event in the series, "Election Day Exploration," which took place on 25 June 2024. Shuyeb was joined once again by the following guest speakers to discuss how their initial ‘Prelude to the Polls’ assessments have developed in the period since the election was confirmed:
- Sunder Katwala, Director, British Future - Madeleine Sumption, Director, Migration Observatory - University of Oxford - Jonathan Thomas, Senior Fellow, Social Market Foundation The first event's replay can be accessed here**.*
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Director Olga Nechita and Private Client Supervisor Sophie Jo Wasson discuss how many European countries allow citizenship by ancestry. They outline how each country has its own rules, application process and required documentation — and how Fragomen helps private clients leverage this immigration pathway.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Partners Aaron Blumberg and Sarah Peterson (Healthcare Practice Leader) are joined by Mayo Clinic Immigration Counsel Christopher Wendt and Co-Founder and President of Physicians for American Healthcare Access Dr. Ram Alur to discuss how immigration can help address the physician shortage across the US through the recruitment and retention of foreign national physicians.
We also explore the difficulties foreign nationals face in obtaining immigration requirements to work in the US, which is further brought to light by Dr. Ram Alur's personal story and experience as an immigrant physician.
Our firm’s podcast series, #FragomenFC: Passport to North America 2026, is back with Episode 2, the first of a two-part episode: "At the Copa, the Copa America."
Podcasts hosts Director Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada), Manager Sergio Flores (Mexico City, Mexico) and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) are joined by two special guests, LATAM Regional Partner Leonor Echeverria (San Jose, Costa Rica) and CONMEBOL Legal Director Monserrat Jiménez Granda.
Watch or listen as they dive into the topic of South American fútbol, including the process leading up to this summer’s Copa America, hosted for only the second time in the United States.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, colleagues from Fragomen's Education Practice — Senior Manager Jonathan Hill, Associate Anastasija Vasiljeva and Immigration Supervisor Sanjay Parmar — discuss the UK's plans to digitise the immigration system with a move from physical visa documentation such as BRP cards to electronic visas, and how this will impact the UK education sector.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Boston Managing Partner Catherine Macris is joined by Libra Partners Partner Simon Stillwell to discuss how companies should approach the expansion of business into the US market. They dive into what it takes to be successful and how to start selling, establish a presence in the face of immigration-related considerations and grow and open an office.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, we share a replay of a live event hosted by UK Government Affairs Strategy Lead Shuyeb Muquit. Details on this event and replay can be found below:
In anticipation of the UK's general election, Fragomen is hosting a three-part event series, each focusing on a pivotal juncture - the “before,” “during” and “after” - as it relates to UK immigration policy.
This replay is the first event in the series, the "Prelude to the Polls" webcast, which took place on 28 February 2024. The webcast focused on initial assessments and the anticipated trajectory of UK immigration policy under the three main political parties.
Shuyeb was joined by:
- Sunder Katwala, Director, British Future
- Madeleine Sumption, Director, Migration Observatory - University of Oxford
- Jonathan Thomas, Senior Fellow, Social Market Foundation
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Partner Christine Sullivan and Client Engagement Assistant Manager Soraya Driessen discuss the Netherlands' current political climate surrounding immigration and the impact of the country's election outcomes, specifically on the business community.
They also discuss the Ministry of Finance's survey as an opportunity for international employers and employers to share their feedback on the Netherlands' '30 percent' ruling. Christine and Soraya plan to return for another episode on elections and migration in the Netherlands after survey results are shared. The survey is open until April 14, 2024.
En este episodio del podcast Immigration Conversation, el Director Miguel Jiménéz y el Senior Business Immigration Manager Rodrigo García, analizan los requisitos de nacionalidad y naturalización mexicana, las consideraciones legales, las modalidades y la pérdida de la nacionalidad.
*Tenga en cuenta que este episodio está en español.
En este episodio del podcast Immigration Conversation, el Director Miguel Jiménéz y el Senior Business Immigration Manager Rodrigo García comparten información importante sobre inmigración para los residentes de México. Discuten las obligaciones de los titulares de Visas de Residencia para cumplir con la ley de inmigración mexicana, consideraciones para viajar fuera del país y más.
*Tenga en cuenta que este episodio está en español.
In this Immigration Conversation podcast episode, Partner Srinivas Ramineni and Associate Jake Paul Minster provide an update on the FY2025 cap registration process for IT consulting companies. They emphasize the importance of employer preparedness, especially for those who rely heavily on H-1B visas to bring in highly skilled talent from around the world to work on specialized projects in the United States.
During this special episode of the Immigration Conversation podcast in celebration of Black History Month, Partner Audrea Golding and Associate Kelsanah Wade interview Corporate Counsel Women of Color Founder and CEO Laurie Robinson-Haden about her personal journey, professional endeavors and the ongoing quest for equity and justice.
Laurie founded CCWC in 2004 to advance women of color attorneys and foster diversity in the legal profession.
In special, short Episode 1.5, our #FragomenFC podcast hosts Director Rick Lamanna (Toronto, Canada), Manager Sergio Flores (Mexico City, Mexico) and Associate Jake Paul Minster (Boston, United States) break down the FIFA 2026 World Cup match schedule and the immigration considerations for fans and players.
Stay tuned for more episodes of our podcast “Fragomen FC: Passport to North America 2026,” to learn more about the convergence of immigration and international sports, and hear perspectives from across the globe.
Sylvain Garguilo, Practice Leader, Elsa Guillais, Director et Agnès Rodriguez Raig, Senior Manager, discutent de la nouvelle loi immigration récemment promulguée par le président Macron et de ses impacts sur les travailleurs étrangers en France et les entreprises faisant appel à de la main d’œuvre étrangère.
*Veuillez noter que cet épisode est en français.
English:
Practice Leader Sylvain Garguilo, Director Elsa Guillais and Senior Manager Agnes Rodriguez Raig discuss the French immigration law recently promulgated by President Macron, its impacts on foreign workers in France and on companies using foreign labor.
*Please note this episode is in French.
Ready. Set. Goal! Welcome to Episode 1 of our new podcast, “Fragomen FC: Passport to North America 2026” (#FragomenFC). Matching the men’s 2026 World Cup host countries Canada, Mexico and the US with the locations of our podcast hosts, Director Rick Lamanna, Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster, get ready for a deep dive into the convergence of global mobility and soccer.
The hosts kick-off Episode 1 with Partner Azeem Mohiuddin and special guest, Director of Legal and Compliance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Partner at Gowling WLG, Aarij S. Wasti, who share their valuable perspectives from Qatar as football fandom pivots from the Middle East to North America.
Partner Audrea Golding and Counsel Andrea Rush to discuss how Fragomen helps individuals navigate the path to US citizenship, the various challenges that can pop up along the journey to naturalization and common misconceptions about the process.
The UK's net migration figures announced in November 2023 showed record-high numbers, with a 17.3% rise in work visas, particularly in the health and care category. In response, the government is introducing policies to bring down these figures, especially in light of the upcoming election year.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation Podcast, Partners Louise Haycock and Charlotte Wills discuss the substantial changes to the UK migration laws that were announced on 4 December 2023, including the government's five-point plan that is likely to take effect in the spring of 2024, which aims to reduce net migration. They also share insights on what businesses can do now to prepare.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation Podcast, Director Kelly Chua, Senior Manager Ana Sofia Walsh and Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis discuss the latest ETA/ETIAS developments in the UK and EU. They discuss the timeline and global rollout for this digitalization of border security, impact on travel, who is affected and the process for applying.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation Podcast, Senior Manager Shuyeb Muquit is joined by Social Market Foundation’s Senior Fellow Jonathan Thomas to discuss the Migration Advisory Committee's (MAC) review of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
The SOL guides employers on which roles could be filled by migrant workers, given that employers are having difficulty filling those roles domestically. Shuyeb and Jonathan also explore how the SOL has evolved over the years and how UK policies regarding the employment of migrants have become less restrictive.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation podcast, Senior Manager Ramona Perera and Senior Business Immigration Consultants Isabella Ang, Ethan Ma and Missy Mae Makil discuss the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Visa, the recent removal of the understudy training program requirement and how this change impacts PEZA-registered employers offering long-term work authorization.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation podcast, Counsel Andrea Rush and Associate Mayu Hirao explore the limitations of the F-1 Work Authorization, as well as common filing and processing issues that F-1 students may encounter.
An international student typically holds F-1 status and can obtain work authorization in one of three ways: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), or Post-Completion OPT, which can be extended for F-1 students with STEM degrees.
In this special episode of the Immigration Conversation Podcast, Partner Kenneth Lau, Senior Manager Ramona Perera, Assistant Business Immigration Manager David Harvey and Business Immigration Consultant Sherwin Gan discuss the release of the highly anticipated amendment to Decree 152. They also offer feedback on the amendment and share insights into how this development will impact the work permit process in Vietnam.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation podcast, Partner Marius Tollenaere is joined by Johann Daniel Harnoss, Boston Consulting Group Partner and Imagine Foundation Founder and CEO, to discuss the benefits and challenges of hiring internationally.
Imagine is a community of talent without borders that has helped approximately 1,000 people from the Middle East and Africa to legally live and work in Europe.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation Podcast, Partner Marius Tollenaere and Director Audrey Morew discuss and compare German and Nordic immigration reforms, systems, and processes. The Nordic Region consists of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, as well as the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland.
Marius and Audrey also discuss employment and skills-based immigration, and the requirements that vary from country to country such as the connection between one's education and job type.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation Podcast, Senior Manager Shuyeb Muquit is joined again by Social Market Foundation’s Senior Fellow Jonathan Thomas for a discussion on UK immigration policy, the evolution of the country's immigration system, and common themes seen throughout various reports. One report referenced includes “The Whole of the Moon,” an independent report by SMF, sponsored by Fragomen. The report analyses the UK immigration system and its policies for dealing with labour shortages.
Read the report here.
You can also listen to Shuyeb and Jonathan's previous podcast conversation here and view our Mobility Minute on the topic here.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation Podcast, Partner Kenneth Lau, Senior Manager Ramona Perera, Senior Business Immigration Consultant David Harvey, and Business Immigration Consultant II Sherwin Gan discuss in-depth the long-awaited release of a draft amendment to the Vietnam Ministry of Labour's Labour Decree 152.
The draft amendment appears to clear up some of the confusion about the Decree’s intent and provide concessions to the business community surrounding work permits. Gain key insights into what led to this moment, the current state of Vietnam's immigration and work permit system following its post-pandemic border re-opening, and the next steps in the process.
Senior Manager Shuyeb Muquit is joined by Social Market Foundation Senior Fellow Jonathan Thomas to discuss "The Whole of the Moon," an independent report by SMF, sponsored by Fragomen. The report analyses the UK immigration system and its policies for dealing with labour shortages.
Read the report here.
You can also view our Mobility Minute on the topic here.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation Podcast, Senior Managers Kelly Hardman and Margot Rikmanspoel and Senior Associate Tarik Elhadidi discuss immigration trends and considerations across the energy sector.
Immigration is an essential issue across the energy arena, particularly within the offshore sector and maritime industry. Despite their rebounding following the COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of other economic and geopolitical factors continue to play a role in how employers approach the movement and attraction of talent in this niche area.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation Podcast, Senior Director Roy Ren and Director Iris Zhang join us from Fragomen’s Shanghai office to share their insights on China’s Visa on Arrival.
Also known as VoA or Port Visa, Visa on Arrival allows travelers to obtain a single entry, maximum 30-day visa upon arrival at entry ports. This episode provides an overview of the advantages of choosing a Visa on Arrival instead of a normal visa. It also expands on the requirements and steps to obtaining China’s Visa on Arrival. You will also learn how Fragomen’s China team is able to provide end-to-end assistance for obtaining a Visa on Arrival as part of Fragomen’s full spectrum China immigration services.
Please note this episode is recorded in Chinese.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation Podcast, Pro Bono Director Barbara Camacho speaks with Fragomen Fellow Lucia Damerau and Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar about the twin sisters' personal immigration journeys.
Growing up in a small town in Guatemala, Lucia and Ana Gabriela eventually arrived in New York City, finding their footing in a bustling environment and surrounded by new cultures and languages. Their drive and ambition led them to not only successfully adjusting to a new life in the United States, but also to completing law school after college.
Ultimately, both Lucia and Ana Gabriela pursued careers in immigration law because of the impact of their own experiences as immigrants.
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Responsible Business Practices Partner Lisa Koenig connects with Partners Leonor Echeverria and Siobhan Owers about Fragomen's sustainability journey.
During the conversation, they share updates on initiatives and progress within their particular offices and regions, ideas to scale sustainability programs globally, and new learnings from clients that are impacting the sustainability space.
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Azeem Mohiuddin and Associate Jake Paul Minster discuss the immigration impacts of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, along with what to expect as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
As they look back on last year’s momentous event, Azeem and Jake touch on some of the many “firsts” of the 2022 World Cup that made it so significant: it was the first tournament to be held in the Middle East, the first tournament to be held during the colder months and the first tournament that included three female officials. They review how immigration processes were affected by these firsts and the importance of planning in advance.
Then, they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup and discuss a variety of immigration concerns surrounding the multi-country nature of the upcoming tournament.
See the video version of this podcast here.
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Senior Managers Angela Baker, Kelly Hardman and Maysie Pandor and Associate Sarah Melnick discuss the H-1B cap lottery, running through March 17, 2023.
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Ellsworth and Rina Montalvo, Head of Talent Mobility, Immigration and Flexible Work Program at Twitter discuss immigration challenges impacting the LGBTQ+ community and share insights for global mobility professionals to help advise and support LGBTQ+ colleagues as part of their immigration programs.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation Fragomen Partner Aaron Blumberg, CEO of Nomadic Brendan Ryan and Lead Architect for Emerging Technologies at Unisys Global Services India Sanket Panchamia discuss block chain technology and how it will revolutionize immigration and global mobility.
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Fragomen Professionals Natalie Pike, Tarissa Silva Wareley and Dieudonne Maloba discuss the use of Visa on Arrival in Africa and explore why Visa on Arrival has become one of the more popular options when traveling to countries in Africa.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Fragomen Professionals Kenneth Lau, Angela De Guzman, Faye Amorado and Jung Un, Partner at Kim Chang Lee in Seoul, Korea discuss the rise of Korean Esports and the demand for the E-6 Culture and Entertainment Visa (E-6 Visa).
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Fragomen Professionals Jarred Milner, Tarissa Wareley and Jose Braz discuss navigating the entry requirements for Seafarers in Africa and the importance of having all appropriate processes in place prior to arriving at a port or entering a jurisdiction.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Fragomen Partner, Aaron Blumberg, Pediatric Physician, Dr. Amanda Alladin, and Vanessa Paulman, Director of Immigration Services Office at UMass Chan Medical Schoolin Worcester, MA discuss the current challenges facing foreign medical graduate's as well as the various J-1 waiver options, including the Conrad 30 now that we are in the midst of "Conrad 30 Season.”
In this “back to school” feature of The Immigration Conversation, Fragomen’s Julia Onslow- Cole from our London office spoke with special guest Horst Gallo, VP, HR Talent Management at IBM to discuss his passion for lifelong learning. Listen as Horst shares his perspectives on life, career, embracing different cultures and finding balance (with Warriors!).
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Fragomen’s Marius Tollenaere from our Frankfurt office is joined by Helen Dempster, Assistant Director, Center for Global Development (CGDEV) and Franziska Gehrmann, Advisor, on Partnership Approaches for Development-oriented Vocational Training and Labor Migration (PAM) Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to discuss the concept of global skill partnerships. This is in light of a study by CGDEV with the World Bank, published in July 2021, with a focus on skill partnerships. They will also discuss the potential application of the skill partnership model to Nigeria and Germany within the construction sector.
In the third episode of Fragomen’s oil and gas podcast series, Jarred Milner, Immigration Manager, leads a discussion on business visas and work permits and how they are used across the oil and gas industry in Africa. He is joined by Senior Manager, Caroline Kanzara and Assistant Manager, Nompumelelo Mdletshe.
Topics covered include:
- Key differences between a business visa and a work permit
- Assessing whether it’s a business visa or a work permit
- Key considerations for compliance
This episode of The Immigration Conversation looks at Canada, in particular at Brampton, Ontario. Senior Manager Cosmina Morariu is joined by Senior Advisor of Investment Attraction for the city of Brampton, Jayesh Menon for part 2 of a discussion about Brampton as an ideal investment location for individuals and businesses using the newly established business incubator with a focus on India.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Fragomen’s Axel Boysen and Kari Foss discuss companies and their mobile employee populations now having the task of adapting to new requirements due to COVID-19. As countries ease travel bans, HR and global mobility teams are encouraged to review their programs to fully understand how a successful remobilization will be measured.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Fragomen professionals Kenneth Lau, Adrian Goh, Jonathan Ying and Jeremy Chua discuss the challenges faced by Japan in relation to COVID-19 related restrictions that have exponentially increased while Japan has been in the international spotlight as the host of this year’s Olympic games. As this year’s Olympic games approach, we discuss how Japan has had to adapt during the pandemic in terms of the government’s current immigration policies.
Celebrando o Dia Mundial do Refugiado, a sócia da Fragomen Brasil, Diana Quintas, conversou com Bárbara Gil, da ong Visão Mundial, e irmã Valdiza Carvalho, da Pastoral do Migrante, sobre os desafios que a pandemia trouxe para a questão dos refugiados. No podcast, é possível entender melhor o quadro atual e saber como as empresas e cidadãos podem ajudar a esses migrantes, obrigados a sair de seu país de origem e que precisam de oportunidades para uma vida melhor.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Fragomen’s Aaron Blumberg discusses the upcoming changes to Name, Image, and Likeness regulations both in the state of Florida and in the NCAA, that present significant challenges for international student athletes whose immigration status limits their ability to financially benefit from these changes. The podcast also features guest speakers Kristen Hagen, Associate Director at Center for Global Engagement FSU, Christina Khan, Director at UCF Global and Kat Jones, Assistant Director of Athletic Compliance at UCF.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Fragomen's Lisa Koenig, Elizabeth Reichard and Cecilia Lopez Santiesteban discuss the evolution of the Fragomen rotational fellowship, which was established to enhance the pro bono legal services provided to immigrants by the City Bar Justice Center, the pro bono affiliate of the New York City Bar Association.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Fragomen's Rachel Beardsley, Kelly Hardman and Daniel Humphreys discuss immigration aspects of the offshore wind sector in the US and other jurisdictions around the world.
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, we focus on German immigration reform. It has been one year since the introduction of the Skilled Immigration Act and Fragomen’s Axel Boysen, Nima Sarvari and Marius Tollenaere discuss how it has impacted the labour market. They also look at the effect of COVID-19 on immigration and some other immigration developments within Germany and the EU.
This episode of The Immigration Conversation looks at Canada, in particular at Brampton, Ontario. Senior Manager Cosmina Morariu is joined by Clare Barnett, Director of Economic Development and Regional Councillor (Brampton) and Martin Medeiros, Chair of the Economic Development Committee (Brampton) for a discussion about Brampton as an ideal investment location for individuals and businesses.
This episode of The Immigration Conversation features Partner Lisa Koenig in conversation with Wendy Feliz, Director at the Center for Inclusion and Belonging at the American Immigration Council. Lisa and Wendy discuss the culture of immigration and look at the center's current campaigns to shape immigration reform in the US.
Fragomen’s Jack Kim and Cosmina Morariu give detailed insight and thought leadership as they discuss Canada’s ambitious immigration targets, its permanent residence program and the Express Entry system in this episode of the Immigration Conversation.
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Fragomen's Lunga Mani, Johannes Tiba and Bulelwa Mfingwana discuss the proposed changes to the South African Critical Skills List and how it will impact employers and industries, including IT, engineering and financial services.
During February, we celebrate black history in the United States and Canada. In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, we reflect on the importance of celebrating black history and, in particular, the black immigrant experience. Fragomen’s Doyinsola Aribo, Michelle Munoz-Machen and Kelsanah Wade give their insights into the black migrant experience in the U.S., discuss what drew them to immigration law and highlight the importance of seeking and offering help along the way.
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Fragomen Senior Manager in London, Naomi Goldshtein, is joined by Manager Shanaz Haque and guest Sarah Cooper, Careers Advisor at University of Bristol to discuss post graduate work rights in the UK and the hurdles international students face when navigating UK immigration routes.
En este episodio de "The Immigration Conversation", Miguel Jiménez, Ana Elena Carro y Diego Salgado revisan temas importantes para los extranjeros y empresas en México desde la óptica del "compliance migratorio". Entre otros temas, se trata el Acuerdo de Suspensión de Términos y Plazos de Gobernación, requisitos y recomendaciones para la actualización anual de las constancias de los empleadores y la posible reforma a la Ley de Migración Mexicana que se discute en el congreso.
We are only days away from the end of the Brexit transition period. What is this going to mean for companies who are working in the European Union, and more specifically, for UK nationals that travel to the EU to work? Fragomen’s Christine Sullivan and Andreia Ghimis discuss what employers need to have done to be ready for 2021, in this episode of the Immigration Conversation.
This podcast was recorded just as the travel situation from the UK escalated. Andreia and Christine discuss strategies for companies to navigate the double complexity of a no-deal Brexit and COVID-19 travel restrictions. The situation is evolving. Please check our COVID-19 microsite for the latest updates.
En este episodio de Immigration Conversation, Adriana Amaris, Andrea Ochoa y Mary Callo de Fragomen conversan sobre el impacto migratorio en la Región Andina, incluyendo ideas y una descripción general del panorama migratorio en la región, destacando las tendencias resultantes de la pandemia.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Fragomen’s George Koureas, Louise Haycock and Christine Sullivan review what a post Brexit immigration landscape will look like within the UK and EU – including the impact on freedom of movement, broader mobility considerations, and specific areas of risk every employer of UK and EU nationals should have on his/her radar. We also outline the steps that can be taken now to mitigate the impact of the UK exiting the EU at the end of this year.
The glass has been shattered and you need to be agile in the new global mobility era. Partner Julia Onslow-Cole and industry veteran Brian Friedman take a look at how the pandemic has changed, and continues to change, the immigration and relocation landscape. They discuss the future of business travel, the working from anywhere phenomenon and outsourcing to become more strategic as a global mobility professional, along with much more around the future of the relocation industry as a whole, in this episode of the Immigration Conversation.
In the first of a podcast series, Partner Louise Haycock and Senior Manager Charlotte Wills provide important insight into what businesses should be doing to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period and the new immigration regime, which begins on 1 January 2021.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Special Counsel Cherie Wright, from our Sydney office and Practice Leader Sally Lisle, from our Auckland office, discuss student and post-study visa options for Australia and New Zealand, including key critical documentary and timing issues that can affect the success of a visa application.
As part of our APAC Insight Series, Partner Dalia Wong and Senior Business Immigration Manager Anna Evangelista provide an overview of the immigration landscape in Singapore, highlighting the expected increased scrutiny resulting from the latest salary updates and expansion of the Fair Consideration Framework.
In this episode of the Immigration Conversation, Cosmina Morariu from our Toronto, Canada office and Naomi Goldshtein, who is based in our London, UK office, discuss the options for international students in both Canada and the UK, including routes to permanent residence, costs and the impact of COVID-19.
In the latest podcast in our Asia Pacific Insight Series, Ramona Perera, Kyle Fucoy and Missy Mae Makil discuss The ABCs of Community Quarantines in the Philippines. We provide the latest news with respect to the immigration landscape in the Philippines, specifically focusing on foreign nationals who hold valid visas, those with expired or expiring visas and those who wish to exit the Philippines.
In the third part of this podcast series – Entrepreneur Process for Foreign Investors, Canada – Senior Manager Cosmina Morariu and Alison Anderson, Founder and CEO of SuccessionMatching, will focus on foreign investors wishing to buy locally established businesses in British Columbia as a vehicle to apply for Canadian permanent residence, outlining the process, time, and cost involved, as well as settlement in B.C.
アジア・パシフィック・インサイト・シリーズの一環として、フラゴメン・アジア・パシフィック・コーディネーション・センターのマネージャー、アルフレッド・チョンと、日本現地アドバイザーであるILSの丸山光衣が、雇用機関と実務の観点から、新型コロナウイルス感染症の影響による日本の入国管理法の問題と課題についてお届け致します。
As part of our APAC Insight Series, Alfred Chong, Manager of Fragomen’s Asia Pacific Coordination Center and Mitsui Maruyama, the firm’s local advisor ILS in Japan, provide detailed insight on the issues and challenges of Japan immigration in the wake of COVID-19, from the perspective of employers or Japan practitioners. [Recorded in Japanese]
In this third episode in our Ireland podcast series, we look at citizenship and residency solutions. Fragomen's Bill Foster, Angel Bello Cortes, Stephen McCrea and Kristina de St Maurice discuss the options for individuals who may be entitled to Irish citizenship.
In the second episode of our oil and gas podcast series, Fragomen's Shoaib Khaleeli and Shayan Sultan discuss immigration and workforce deployment in the oil and gas industry in the Middle East.
In this edition of the podcast series, Senior Manager Cosmina Morariu and Alison Anderson, Founder and CEO of SuccessionMatching, will review the entrepreneur process for foreign investors wishing to buy locally established businesses, as a vehicle to apply for Canadian permanent residence. The discussion will be focused on the province of Ontario, and outlines the process, time and cost involved, as well as settlement in Ontario.
O Brasil acaba de editar novas regras para visto de profissionais estrangeiros em embarcações e instalações offshore. É a primeira mudança após três anos da nova Lei de Migração. Nossos gerentes no Rio de Janeiro, Diogo Kloper e Raphael Goulart, detalham as mudanças em relação à elegibilidade dos profissionais, proporcionalidade, documentação, dentre outras.
O câmbio atual favorece os negócios internacionais no Brasil. O setor imobiliário é um dos beneficiados. O diretor da Fragomen no Brasil Gustavo Kanashiro conversou com especialistas sobre as oportunidades para os estrangeiros que querem morar ou investir no país. Ouça o podcast em português.
Fragomen Partners Nadine Goldfoot, Teresa Liu and David Crawford review options in the UK, Australia and Canada, as people take proactive steps to secure the best future for themselves and their families.
As is the case with many jurisdictions around the world, COVID-19 has affected the immigration and mobility landscape in Indonesia. In this latest podcast from our Asia Pacific Insight Series, Singapore-based Manager Alfred Chong, and Senior Analysts Raga Rasuanta and Satria Cahyadi, from the firm’s Asia Pacific Coordination Center, discuss some of those issues, including the pandemic’s impact on national strategic projects and visa applications, among others.
Senior Knowledge Management Director Scott Leeb leads a conversation on findings from Fragomen’s Worldwide Immigration Trends Report Q2 supplement, focusing on key drivers and themes of immigration policy, including evolving political, economic and cultural factors. Joining Scott are Murtaza Khan, Managing Partner of Fragomen Middle East and Africa; Louise Haycock, a Partner in the firm’s London office, and New York-based Partner Parisa Karaahmet.
In the first episode of Fragomen’s oil and gas podcast series, Murtaza Khan, Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa, leads a discussion on immigration and workforce deployment in the oil and gas industry in Sub-Saharan Africa. He is joined by Senior Manager Johannes Tiba, Manager Caroline Kanzara and Senior Immigration Consultant Nompumelelo Mdletshe.
This first episode focuses on the current oil and gas landscape in Nigeria, Angola and Mozambique. Topics covered include:
- COVID19: demobilisation and remobilisation – what companies need to consider
- Looking ahead: structural immigration policy shifts
- Oil and gas sector concessions
Toronto-based Senior Manager Cosmina Morariu leads a discussion on a key challenge facing Canada: the issues associated with business succession. Her guest is Alison Anderson, CEO of SuccessionMatching, an online community of business buyers, sellers and succession planning professionals.
In the second episode of how the pandemic is impacting immigration in the country, William Foster, Managing Director of the firm’s Dublin office, leads a discussion on how the landscape will change post-COVID-19. He is joined by Practice leader Ángel Bello Cortés and Managers Claire Cumiskey and Deirdre Murray.
International student-athletes are facing many issues as a result of COVID-19. These challenges and how they can be addressed are discussed by Partner Karine Wenger and Associate Monica Sherman Ghiglia.
As part of our APAC Insight Series, we take a look at the impact COVID-19 has had on Japan’s immigration system, particularly how it has affected foreign nationals who have residence status in Japan or are entering the country for tourism or work. Kenneth Lau, Partner in Fragomen’s Singapore office; Adrian Goh, Japan Assistant Manager and Team Lead; Consultant Afidah Shah, and Senior Analyst Artricia Ng discuss the dynamics.
Miguel Jimenez, Business Immigration Director in Fragomen’s Mexico City office, and Jack Kim, Senior Manager in the firm's Toronto office, discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on Mexico and Canada, the USMCA and cross-border options between the two countries, among others.
Bill Foster, Fragomen's Managing Director in Ireland, leads a discussion on immigration processes for employees and employers in the wake of the pandemic, with Practice Leader Ángel Bello Corés and Managers Colm Collins and Louise Collins.
Nova portaria libera entrada de profissionais estrangeiros no Brasil depois de três meses de restrições. Veja mais detalhes neste novo podcast, com a sócia da Fragomen no Brasil, Diana Quintas, e o gerente sênior de imigração da Fragomen Diogo Kloper.
Como resultado do isolamento social e impacto econômico decorrentes da pandemia do COVID-19, o governo brasileiro editou a Medida Provisória 936, que permite às empresas reduzir e suspender contratos de trabalho por tempo determinado. Neste podcast, a sócia da Fragomen no Brasil, Diana Quintas, e o gerente sênior de imigração Diogo Kloper discutem como fica a situação dos estrangeiros que trabalham no Brasil e as alternativas para as empresas nesses casos. (27/4/20)
A sócia da Fragomen no Brasil, Diana Quintas, e o gerente sênior, Diogo Kloper, explicam a reedição das portarias que restringem a entrada de estrangeiros no Brasil durante a pandemia da COVID-19. As fronteiras estão fechadas, mas existem exceções importantes que garantem o fluxo de profissionais e a manutenção de serviços essenciais no país. (7/5/20)
Saiba como ficou a situação dos estrangeiros no Brasil com a crise provocada pela pandemia do novo coronavírus em um bate papo com a sócia Diana Quintas. (14/4/20)
Diana Quintas, a Partner in Fragomen's Sao Paulo office and Miami-based Partner Enrique Gonzalez, on June 19 engaged in an informative discussion on how the pandemic and an anticipated presidential proclamation will affect migration between Brazil and the U.S.
In the first installment of a new series focusing on the post-COVID immigration landscape across the Asia Pacific region, Singapore Partner Kenny Lau, South Korea Manager Angela De Guzman and Senior Analyst Faye Amorado discuss the impact of the pandemic on Korean immigration.
Brazil-based Partner Diana Quintas and Becky Xia, a Partner in China, discuss several issues regarding immigration and mobility in their respective countries, and outline the factors that will play a role in a post-pandemic remobilization and recovery.