The Irish government is bringing in a raft of reforms that are intended to create a "Big Data" economy. Big Data ("Data Curation") is relatively new term for the rapidly evolving "cloud computing" way of converting, storing and accessing tremendous amounts of data that is readily accessible to a global consumer base. By employing workers versed in sophisticated data analysis and making substantial capital investment in developing advanced software, businesses specializing in Big Data are able to convert huge amounts of raw data into usable, real-time information.

One of the reforms being introduced to further this aim is a plan to introduce a "necessary skills" immigration policy for recruiting qualified workers inside and outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Ireland aims to become a "Big Data" centre by 2018, meaning that targeted migration of key skils groups in the near future is key. This is particularly because there is a current shortage of ICT professionals and ICT businesses in Ireland. 

It is anticipated that these schemes will be rolled out as administrative schemes rather than primary legislation, making implementation possibly more piecemeal than in one sweeping legislative piece. The items that will impact on the way that the DJEI delivers Employment Permit and Visa services will generally focus on reforms streamlining and clarifying of approach between visa and work permit and a review of the use of multi-entry visas and visa waivers for travelers from target markets and areas.

Of particular note is the introduction of changes to the Irish visa regime as it operates in India. Companies and assignees are advised to prepare for changes to the Irish immigration system primarily affecting non- EEA/Swiss national workers. As these are pilot programs, implementation and finalization of guidelines, protocols and processing times may take time integrate into Ireland's migration policy, it is recommended to review Action Plan proposals with your Irish immigration supplier.

Information supplied by Pro-Link GLOBAL

Last year Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty, LLP explored the subject of the H-1B cap and provided tips for navigating the process. This year, Gibney revisits this topic and takes a more in-depth look at options for F-1 students in the US, who will be sponsored for future H-1B employment.

April 1 2013 marks the first day that United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will accept H-1B cap petitions for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. The fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.

This is the first of a new series of short articles by Sophy King of Peregrine Immigration Management Ltd, looking at immigration trends and processes by region. This article will cover immigration in Europe.  

Immigration into Europe is extremely political. As with anywhere else in the world, the general public in Europe is concerned about high unemployment rates and about allowing foreign nationals to “take jobs away from” the local resident population. Matters are made more complex by the freedom of movement regulations within the European Union – nationals of one EU member state are automatically granted permission to work and reside in another EU state, although sometimes a registration procedure must be completed.

UK immigration rules are subject to annual change each April. Here, immigration specialist Newland Chase summarises some of the key proposed changes for 2013.

UK immigration practitioners are now becoming very familiar with the frequent changes to UK immigration rules and the now regular annual changes that occur each April. This year, a mixed bag is expected and although none of the proposed changes are too drastic, there is still a 41 page Statement of Intent to get to grips with. However, to save readers some time we have summarised those changes that will be of most interest to UK employers, HR and Global Mobility professionals for you below.