Navigating the Future of Immigration: A Deep Dive with Julia Onslow-Cole
Atal
7 feb 2025
Introduction
At LegalBridge, we believe in fostering meaningful discussions about the future of immigration law and global mobility.
In an exclusive interview, we sat down with Julia Onslow-Cole, Head of Government Advisory at Fragomen, whose insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of global immigration proved both timely and profound.
With her extensive experience leading global immigration for PwC across 174 countries and her current role as a Partner at Fragomen, Julia brings a unique perspective that bridges corporate needs, government policies, and human aspects of global mobility.
A Journey Through Immigration Law
Julia's path to becoming a leading voice in immigration law has been shaped by both experience and evolving opportunities. She began her career as an employment lawyer at a time when immigration law was not yet a distinct specialty. As immigration cases increasingly came her way, she developed a strong interest in the field. "When I started practicing, there weren't people who practiced solely as immigration specialists," she recalls. "Immigration questions were given to employment lawyers because the field wasn’t yet clearly defined."
This early exposure evolved into a focus that ultimately defined her career. Today, Julia contributes to the field not only through legal practice but also by serving on the board of the Dubai International Chamber, chairing the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and leading Fragomen’s government advisory practice, where she integrates business insights into immigration matters.
Real-Time Navigation of Global Changes
During our conversation, Julia demonstrated the dynamic nature of immigration law by sharing recent updates on tariff developments. "We've numerous client meetings in the last couple of weeks alone, focused on what's happening in the US in relation to immigration and the global impacts," she noted. This ability to track and respond to global changes in real time reflects the adaptability required in the field today.
Julia works with teams across the firm to share knowledge on developments affecting various regions, from US executive orders to European trade policies and China's economic shifts, in order to provide the best guidance to clients. "It's changing minute by minute," Julia explained, emphasizing that immigration lawyers must not only understand legal frameworks but also stay informed about broader geopolitical trends.
The Global War for Talent
One of the most pressing challenges in today's global economy is the competition for skilled professionals. Julia emphasizes that there's a universal recognition among nations about the need to attract top talent for economic growth. However, she points out a critical disconnect between this need and current immigration frameworks.
"Many of the immigration frameworks that companies operate are very outdated," she explains. "They rely on criteria that are no longer relevant." She cites the gaming industry as a prime example: "Some of the most talented professionals in gaming are young, highly skilled, and adaptable. They may not have a formal degree in gaming or decades of experience, but their expertise is undeniable. Unfortunately, they don’t always fit within traditional immigration requirements, which haven’t kept pace with the industry’s evolution."
The Family Dimension of Global Mobility
A particular focus of Julia's work has been advocating for partners of visa holders through the Permits Foundation since 2001. "If you're trying to move someone with their family, it's very disappointing if their partner can't work," she notes. This consideration has become increasingly crucial in talent mobility decisions.
"In some countries, even volunteer or charity work isn’t permitted under a partner's visa.," Julia points out, highlighting how restrictive policies can deter top talent. Countries that offer work rights for partners often gain a competitive advantage in attracting skilled professionals.
The Permits Foundation is a not-for-profit organization which helps influence change throughout the EU, as well as UK, US, Asia and Latin America, to improve work permit regulations so that partners of highly skilled international employees can access employment while in the host country.
The COVID-19 Impact and Permanent Residency
The pandemic has fundamentally altered how professionals view international assignments. "After COVID-19 happened, people really wanted to know that they could permanently stay in another country," Julia observed. This shift has led to an increase in permanent residency pathways, even in traditionally restrictive regions.
Student Mobility and Long-Term Impact
Julia highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of immigration: the long-term economic and cultural benefits of international education. "Numerous studies have shown the positive impact of hosting foreign students – not only do they contribute academically and economically during their studies, but they also develop lasting connections with their host country," she explains. "I often meet professionals in Saudi Arabia who studied in a northern UK town decades ago and have since returned to invest in the region, strengthening economic ties and fostering international collaboration."
Looking Ahead: The Future of Immigration
The future of immigration law will require a delicate balance between various competing interests:
•Maintaining robust compliance while streamlining processes
•Attracting top talent while addressing security concerns
•Modernizing frameworks while preserving necessary controls
•Supporting family unity while managing population pressures
•Embracing technological innovation while ensuring human oversight
Join the Conversation
Our discussion with Julia Onslow-Cole underscores the importance of staying engaged in conversations about the future of immigration law. At LegalBridge, we believe these dialogues are essential for advancing the field and improving global mobility solutions.
We invite law firms, corporate leaders, and immigration professionals to join us in these discussions. Your unique perspectives and experiences can help shape the future of immigration law and policy.
If you're an immigration law firm interested in sharing your insights and being featured in our next interview, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us to be part of this important conversation about the future of global mobility.
