CapRelo Insider: February 2025

Military Families Face Delays: DoD Demands Answers from HomeSafe Alliance
The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a formal “show-cause” notice to HomeSafe Alliance, the contractor managing its multibillion-dollar Global Household Goods Contract (GHC), as reported by Federal News Network. This action arises from hundreds of recent incidents in which military families experienced missed pickups and delayed household goods deliveries. The notice demands that HomeSafe explain these service failures and detail its plans to address them.
HomeSafe Alliance admitted the issues, citing a subcontractor’s logistics error. They assured military families they’re working to fix the problems and improve moves. Despite a rocky start, they’re taking steps to recover.
The Impact: The DoD’s concerns with HomeSafe Alliance highlight the need for reliable service in large relocation contracts. This may disrupt other moves if rates are adjusted. HomeSafe’s issues could lead to increased scrutiny of contractors, impacting future bids and partnerships in global mobility.
How Taiwan Is Helping Businesses Navigate the Shifting Global Trade Landscape
Reuters reports that Taiwan’s economy ministry has announced measures to help companies relocating to the U.S. due to new tariffs. These include providing U.S. investment info, legal support, and creating R&D partnerships. President Lai pledges to maintain stable interest and exchange rates to support businesses moving from China, helping them navigate global trade shifts.
The Impact: Mobility leaders should expect higher demand for cross-border services like legal compliance, site selection, and partnerships. President Lai’s economic policies may impact corporate relocation plans. Staying informed will help leaders guide clients and manage relocation challenges.
H-1B and L-1 Visa Holders in Jeopardy: The Potential Impact of Shorter Work Permit Renewals
According to MSN, the current administration is considering revoking a rule in place for the last three years that extended the automatic renewal period for work permits from 180 days to 540 days. This potential policy change could significantly impact H-1B and L-1 visa holders, a majority of whom have relocated to the U.S. from India, by reducing the time available for work permit renewals and increasing the risk of employment gaps.
The Impact: If revoked, the extension could make managing Indian expatriates harder. Shorter renewals may increase admin work, delay projects, and create uncertainty. Companies might rethink workforce plans, exploring new locations or visa options.
Semiconductor and EV Industries Drive Influx of International Professionals to India
Daily Excelsior reports India’s expanding economy is creating significant opportunities for global talent, particularly in the semiconductor, electric vehicle (EV), defense, and aerospace sectors, which have experienced annual growth rates of 50-60%. According to Claricent Partners’ Managing Partner, Jyoti Bowen Nath, this surge is evident at the C-suite level and in positions below top executives as organizations aim to strengthen their leadership pipelines.
India’s semiconductor market is projected to hit $8.8 billion by 2025. The EV market will grow at 28.52% annually, reaching $18.3 billion by 2029. Aerospace and defense are expected to expand to $48.4 billion by 2032.
The Impact: As companies expand, demand for relocation services to India will grow. This includes immigration, cultural integration, and legal compliance. Mobility leaders will help ensure talent aligns with business goals and industry growth.
Global Mobility Radar
CapRelo’s Mobility Radar provides valuable insights into trends worth monitoring. This month, we have detected important global mobility updates from Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and the USA.
- A new ranking of the best cities for expats has named Zurich, Switzerland, as the top destination, followed by Vienna, Austria; Geneva, Switzerland; Auckland, New Zealand; and Vancouver, Canada. The list ranks cities based on factors like safety, healthcare, and work-life balance, with Switzerland standing out for its high living standards and having two cities in the top five, making them ideal for relocation.
- In 2024, approximately 134,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocated globally, with the number expected to rise to 142,000 in 2025, marking a 178% increase since 2013. This surge is fueled by global instability, digitalization, and investment migration programs. The UAE, USA, and Italy are seeing inflows of wealthy individuals, while the UK is facing unexpected departures.
- Hybrid work models are set to dominate in 2025 as companies find a balance between in-office and remote work to boost productivity and employee satisfaction. Some companies, like Dell, are requiring a full return to the office, while others, like Citigroup, maintain flexible hybrid policies with remote work options. This trend shows increasing appreciation for workplace flexibility.