Complex and integrated approach in the practice of regulatory inspections

In 2026, employers can expect not only scheduled inspections but also procedure‑related ad‑hoc reviews, which may involve on‑site visits, interviews, or document requests.

This summary is closely connected to our previous newsletter, in which we presented the 2026 regulatory inspection plans. While the annual inspection plan primarily focuses on scheduled, thematic reviews, the aim of this summary is to explain how procedure‑related, ad‑hoc and follow‑up inspection elements appear in practice.

Preparing for inspections today requires not only interpreting legal provisions but also a comprehensive review of internal processes.

Complex regulatory inspections: what can employers expect in 2026?

The practice of regulatory inspections has changed in recent years: in line with this year’s inspection plan, employers increasingly encounter complex, multi‑area inspections, during which the competent authorities may examine not just individual questions but all circumstances of employment, with particular emphasis on the employment of foreign workers.

What does a “complex” inspection mean in practice?

During an inspection, several aspects may be examined simultaneously or in sequence, including:

• immigration compliance (residence and work permit entitlements),
• compliance with employment supervision and labour regulations,
• fulfilment of reporting and registration obligations,
• consistency of data held by different authorities.

The essence of the integrated approach is that authorities do not assess documents in isolation — they also compare actual working conditions, housing arrangements and the data provided during administrative procedures.

Complex inspections often go beyond reviewing immigration compliance. Authorities examine interrelated aspects affecting the entire employment relationship, which may include tax, HR, payroll and labour‑law compliance, especially where data available across these areas is inconsistent.

Not only scheduled inspections: ad‑hoc appearances are also possible

Based on our experience, immigration inspections do not take place solely within scheduled sector‑specific inspection campaigns. It may occur that an ongoing or previously closed procedure triggers an ad‑hoc inspection, which may involve an on‑site visit.

Inspections may involve both the employer and the employee concerned; interviews may take place on site or — at the authority’s discretion — following prior coordination. The inspection may focus on the actual place of work, as well as the declared residence or accommodation of the employee.

When can we expect an inspection or follow‑up review?

Inspections may occur not only during general authority campaigns. Reviews can also be triggered if an issue arises, particularly in the following situations:

• failure to comply with reporting obligations,
• suspected non‑compliant employment or residence practices,
• inquiries or reviews initiated by the authority.

It is also a common practical observation that employers where earlier inspections uncovered irregularities — especially where the case resulted in a fine — face a higher probability of repeat inspections. In such cases, the authority often examines whether previously identified issues have been addressed effectively and in a sustainable manner.

A follow‑up inspection may take the form of a repeated on‑site visit, but it may also occur that additional documents are requested during a later procedure related to the employer.

Where are the most common risk areas?

In our experience, most issues identified during inspections do not stem from major violations but rather from smaller, systemic inconsistencies, such as:

• discrepancies between actual working conditions and the data stated in permits and notifications,
• internal records that are not up‑to‑date or not aligned across departments,
• information gaps between HR, payroll and immigration processes.

How should employers prepare for a complex inspection?

Regulatory compliance today is no longer solely a matter of interpreting legal rules — it requires process and operational alignment. It is advisable to review the following areas in particular:

• whether actual working conditions are consistent with issued permits and submitted notifications,
• whether HR, payroll and immigration records are up‑to‑date and aligned,
• whether internal processes related to employment are properly documented,
• whether any prior inspection has taken place and if the resolution of identified issues can be demonstrated.

Preparing for complex regulatory inspections increasingly requires a preventive mindset and a comprehensive approach. Expert support can be particularly useful before both planned and ad‑hoc inspections, as well as when reviewing past inspection experiences.

It is important to highlight that expert support may be advisable not only in immigration‑related matters. If an employer wishes to review compliance in another employment‑related area — such as taxation, HR or labour law — our team is also available with the involvement of the relevant specialists.

Our experts can assist in identifying risks, reviewing internal processes, and addressing issues related to immigration and employment inspections.