Italy Checklist: Sponsoring Highly Skilled Migrant Visas
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Imagine your organization is setting sail on the vast ocean of international business—your crew is talented, your ship is strong, but without a sturdy framework, turbulent tides will capsize even the best voyages. That’s precisely what the core pillars of a successful global mobility program offer: a solid foundation, keeping international assignments smooth, compliant, and stress-free for both employers and employees. In our hyperconnected, global talent market, the way companies move and support their people has become a make-or-break factor for retention and competitive edge. But what actually holds up a high-impact global mobility program in today’s rapidly changing world? Let’s dig in.
Global mobility isn’t just “helping people move.” It’s a multidimensional strategy to deploy, engage, and develop talent across borders. As organizations expand internationally, they’re discovering that global mobility is no longer about box-ticking or mere logistics. Instead, it’s a vital talent management lever—one that touches on compliance, employee experience, cost control, and much more. In fact, Deloitte reports that over 70% of organizations see global mobility as increasingly important to their overall business objectives, especially as remote and flexible work trends redefine the very fabric of the modern workplace.
The world is on the move—literally. According to PwC’s 2023 Global Mobility Survey, 43% of companies expect to increase international assignments over the next two years. The rise of remote and hybrid work means businesses are juggling more complex compliance requirements and assignment types than ever before. Additionally, a recent EY survey found that 81% of HR leaders see mobility as central to their growth plans, citing skills shortages and global talent wars.
But with opportunity comes challenge. More than half of mobility professionals cite immigration complexity, compliance risks, and cost management as critical stumbling blocks. The picture is clear: streamlined, technology-supported pillars are essential for success.
Let’s break down the four foundational pillars that make or break your global mobility program:
1. Policy and Strategy Alignment
No two assignments—or assignees—are exactly the same. That’s why a flexible, consistently communicated policy framework is crucial. The key: align your mobility strategy with overall business values and workforce goals. Best-in-class programs don’t just focus on cost or compliance, but also link mobility to talent development, DEI, and global expansion ambitions. Successful organizations craft policies that are transparent, equitable, and equipped to handle exceptions—especially in today’s world of project-based or short-term assignments.
2. Compliance and Risk Management
Mistakes in immigration, tax, or social security laws can lead to costly penalties and reputational damage. A recent KPMG report showed that 52% of organizations faced compliance issues during international moves last year. The foundation here is robust and proactive: establishing end-to-end processes that tick all the regulatory boxes, even when laws change at a moment’s notice. Automation and digital tracking solutions, like those offered by xpath.global, are game-changers. They keep everyone—HR, finance, legal, and the assignee—on the same page, reducing error and exposure.
3. Employee Experience
Moving countries is one of life’s most stressful events. According to a Cartus survey, 60% of assignees cite personal and family adjustment issues as the biggest challenge to assignment success. What’s the secret weapon? High-touch, tech-enabled support. This means offering clear information, relocation assistance, cultural training, and on-the-ground resources, from pre-departure through repatriation. Digital platforms and mobility partners play an outsized role here, removing friction for both global teams and relocating talent. When employees feel supported, they’re more likely to thrive and stay loyal post-assignment.
4. Technology and Program Optimization
Data is the new oil in mobility management. Real-time analytics, workflow automation, and centralized dashboards empower HR teams to spot trends, optimize spend, and keep programs agile. It’s why a recent Mercer study found that 68% of mobility leaders are investing in new technology over the next year. Enter platforms like xpath.global: by aggregating vendors, compliance tools, and status tracking in one place, they save time, money, and headaches, all while enabling personalization at scale.
No journey is without its bumps. Mobility teams often grapple with policy complexity, siloed data, and unpredictable international regulations. But technology-driven, modular solutions are bridging the gap, allowing for both standardization and tailored support. Engaging employees early and gathering feedback, leveraging data, and choosing global partners with local expertise are keys to navigating uncertainty.
Consider this: a mid-sized software company was juggling nine different relocation vendors and tracking global assignments using spreadsheets. Compliance slip-ups led to fines and frustrated employees. After switching to xpath.global, they streamlined vendor management, automated compliance checks, and empowered their mobility team with real-time analytics. Attrition fell by 18% and assignment failures dropped to near zero. The business gained agility and cost control, while relocating employees raved about the smoother experience.
At its heart, a successful global mobility program is about connecting people, strategy, and process. As mobility evolves, the organizations that thrive will be those who invest in strong pillars: clear policies, proactive compliance, empowered assignees, and next-gen digital solutions. Are you ready to elevate your relocation game?
What is a global mobility program?
A global mobility program is a set of policies and processes that helps companies move talent across borders to support business goals, covering everything from immigration and tax to relocation and employee support.
Why is technology important in global mobility?
Technology drives efficiency, reduces compliance risks, and enhances employee experience by providing real-time insights, automating workflows, and unifying operations in a single digital hub.
How can companies improve employee experience during relocation?
By offering clear communication, cultural training, hands-on support, and digital tools throughout the move, companies make relocation less stressful and more rewarding for employees and their families.
What makes xpath.global stand out in global mobility management?
xpath.global offers an integrated platform that streamlines compliance, centralizes vendor coordination, and delivers transparent, personalized support—helping companies scale global mobility programs with confidence.
Ready to transform your mobility program? Explore xpath.global’s solutions.
Italy Checklist: Sponsoring Highly Skilled Migrant Visas
Grab a copy of a guide to international employee relocation
View E-book