The Invisible Neo-Protectionism Walls: How Work Rights Barriers Are Stifling Talent Mobility also in the Event Industry

The global event industry often showcases diversity and international collaboration. However, beneath this façade lies a complex web of bureaucratic hurdles and protectionist policies that hinder the mobility of skilled professionals. This silent cartel of work rights restrictions not only limits individual career opportunities but also stifles the industry's potential for innovation and excellence.

🎭 The Illusion of Globalization

Events like the Olympics, World Expos, and international summits are celebrated for bringing the world together. Yet, for many seasoned professionals from regions like Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, participating in these events remains a distant dream. Stringent visa requirements, non-recognition of foreign qualifications, and inconsistent licensing frameworks create significant barriers to entry.

🛑 A De Facto Neo-Protectionism "HR" Cartel

While there's no overt conspiracy, the cumulative effect of these policies resembles a cartel. Institutional inertia and uncoordinated immigration policies favor local talent, often at the expense of equally or more qualified international professionals. Job postings frequently include disclaimers such as:

“Only candidates with existing rights to work in [x, y, z countries] will be considered.”

This systemic exclusion undermines the very essence of global events.

⚽ A Case Study: FIFA World Cup

The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 set an example. While the event happen to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reading it as highly inclusive, promoting unity and diversity, behind-the-scenes practices reveal a different story. Select international candidates who had previously worked at FWC2022 have apparently received sponsored letters to facilitate their expedited work permissions to secure a easy path to accessing the US manpower market, highlighting how diplomatic ties might make the difference. This creates a two-tiered system, where professionals without such letters are significantly in hurdle, regardless of their expertise, to get a right-to-work sponsored Visa.

🏙️ Australia's Shifting Stance

Historically, Australia has been a beacon for international event professionals, especially during events like the Sydney 2000 Olympics or any other major event over recent years. However, recent trends indicate a shift towards more restrictive policies. The increasing complexity of visa pathways and a focus on local hiring threaten to erode Australia's reputation as an inclusive hub for global talent.

🏙️ GCC: A New Haven?

In contrast, Gulf countries, particularly The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, have emerged as attractive destinations for international event professionals. Initiatives like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 have opened doors for a diverse range of experts. However, this openness is largely driven by the great soft power applied over the relevant ambitions to secure prestige and visibility. This is obviously requiring a sustainable path towards institutionalized policies ensuring long-term inclusivity but the above countries, in a way or another, are undoubtedly working towards such milestones or strengthening them.

🏙️ The UK's Contradictions

The United Kingdom presents a paradox instead. While positioning itself as a global convenor by hosting events like the Commonwealth Games or co-hosting UEFA-alike European Championship by 2028, its post-Brexit immigration policies tell a different story.

The UK's unemployment rate has risen to 4.5%, the highest since 2021 . In response, the government has tightened immigration controls, making it increasingly difficult for foreign professionals to work in the UK besides keeping close knots with the Republic of Ireland - simply because of borders control over the Northern part.

There's a growing trend of leveraging historical ties and soft power to facilitate employment opportunities for its nationals but this is mostly unheard or unsaid thus facilitating its nationals while navigating uncertain employment times. This strategic maneuvering often results in gaining preferential treatment for its British nationals, sometimes sidelining other equally qualified professionals hunting for the next event gig.

🌐 Redefining 'International'

The term "international" is often used to describe events that feature global content and audiences. However, true internationalism should also encompass the diversity of the teams behind the scenes. Relying predominantly on local talent, while excluding international professionals due to bureaucratic barriers, undermines the authenticity and richness of global events.

🛂 A Call for Reform: Event Professional Mobility Visa

To address these challenges, the industry must advocate for the creation - potentially - of a so-called Event Professional Mobility Visa. Such a visa would:

• Recognize international credentials in event management.

• Allow certified professionals to work across borders for specific projects for a certain period of time.

• Include fast-track agreements between countries to facilitate smoother operations and ensure equal opportunities globally.

Implementing this visa would ultimately not replace local hiring but would enhance it by bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise that can make know-how transnational and more effective.

📢 Breaking Down the Barriers

The event industry's strength lies in its ability to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and foster global collaboration. To uphold these values, it's imperative to dismantle the invisible walls that hinder professional mobility. By advocating for equitable policies and embracing true internationalism, the industry can ensure that talent is recognized and utilized, regardless of nationality and not hiding behind close doors in due respect of inclusivity through volunteerism - another sector mostly undervalued and upon which many event organizer measure their success through while not equally recognizing how important the volunteering is and the people that underpins it