Partner
Mark Buchanan
Country / Territory
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Languages
- English
Contact information
With more than 30 years of dedicated immigration consultancy experience, Mark is a seasoned professional specializing in navigating the intricacies of the APAC region, where emerging markets present both challenges and opportunities. He currently serves as Fragomen’s Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific and is based in Singapore. With a focus on assisting companies in formulating effective strategies tailored to specific countries within the region, Mark excels in finding solutions for clients grappling with complex challenges.
Mark’s experience particularly shines in jurisdictions like Singapore, where recent changes, such as the implementation of more protectionist policies like the points-based system, require a nuanced approach. He supports clients to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks while providing tailored options to meet their needs. Mark’s assistance extends to facilitating the entry of senior and top-talent executives into the region, offering specialized pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
A cornerstone of Mark’s approach is his commitment to forging strong partnerships with clients. By understanding their unique challenges and goals, he collaborates closely to identify effective solutions. Mark emphasizes the importance of knowledge sharing to empower clients in making informed decisions, particularly amidst the pressures they face. Through clear and concise communication, he ensures that all essential aspects are covered, fostering transparency and trust.
Education
- Nottingham Trent University, Bachelor of Law, honours, 1990
- University of Caen, Normandy, France, Certificat d’Études Juridiques Françaises et Normandes (Diploma in French and Norman Law), 1993
More from Mark
Admissions
Bar Admissions: Barrister-at-Law of England and Wales, Singapore Advocate and Solicitor
Awards
Listed in the International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers, 2009 to 2018, 2023
Professional accomplishments
Member, Law Society of Singapore
Member, Singapore Academy of Law
Member, Inner Temple (London)
Member, General Counsel of the Bar (England and Wales)
Member, American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
Experience
Formulated and implemented compliant immigration programs on behalf of clients.
Provided comprehensive immigration services using our Fragomen network of offices and qualified co-counsel in each of the host countries.
Advised multinational clients on the immigration requirements arising out of merger and acquisition transactions and corporate restructurings.
Advised on compliant solutions for urgent temporary assignments and projects.
Publications and lectures
Outstanding Contribution to Global Mobility in APAC, Forum for Expatriate Management, 2025
Speaker, “Immigration Breakfast Briefing - Navigating Expats Hiring Under Malaysia’s 1:3 Internship Policy.” Fragomen, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 26 November 2025.
Speaker, Fragomen’s Global Japan Conference 2025, Osaka, Japan, 11 November 2025.
Speaker, “Mobility & Employment: A Practical Approach to Managing Foreign Employees in Singapore and Beyond.” Fragomen and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Prolegis Alliance, Singapore, Singapore, 23 October 2025.
Speaker, “Adapting to Global Immigration Change at Speed.” GME TV | Leaders Live, Webinar, 16 October 2025.
Moderator, “Policy Agility and Aligning Global Mobility with Talent Strategy.” GME Live | APAC, Singapore, Singapore, 9 October 2025.
Speaker, “Immigration in a Rapidly Changing World: What You Need to Know and Why.” Fragomen, Singapore, Singapore, 9 September 2025.
Speaker, “A New World Order - The Changing Global Mobility Landscape’.” FEM APAC Summit, Singapore, Singapore, 4 September 2025.
Speaker, “Navigating Immigration Challenges across the Asia Pacific region amidst rise in geopolitical tensions.” 2025 Mercer Regional Mobility Forum - Resilience in Mobility: Navigating Economic Uncertainty, Singapore, 20 August 2025.
Speaker, “Navigating Asia Pacific’s Immigration Landscape Amid Geopolitical Shifts.” Fragomen, Singapore, 29 May 2025.
Speaker, “The Future of Managing Foreign Talent in the Global Semiconductor Ecosystem.” Fragomen, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 10 April 2025.
Speaker, “Policy Shifts in the U.S.: What Immigration, Tariffs and Trade Mean for Global Business (Part II).” Fragomen, Webinar, 6 February 2025.
Speaker, “China Going Abroad – Navigating Evolving Immigration Trends.” Fragomen, Webinar, 21 January 2025.
Co-author, “Complying with Singapore's Fair Consideration Framework: What multinational corporations should know when expanding into Singapore.” Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, Vol. 24, No. 10 (Nov. 2016): 23. Print and web.
Speaker, “Trends in Global Migration: Will We See Asia Surmount the USA in this Century as the Top Destination for Foreign Talent?” Panel presentation, American Bar Association Section of International Law Fall Meeting, Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2016.
Presenter, “Challenges of Visa Entry Requirements.” Lecture, Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE Global) Beijing Executive Forum, Beijing, China, June 4, 2013.
Presenter, “Coping with Evolving Immigration Policies in Challenging Markets (A Focus on Selected Countries in Southeast Asia).” Lecture, ERC Global Workforce Summit, Shanghai, China, March 19, 2013.
Presenter, “The New PRC Exit/Entry Law: Avoiding Traps for the Unwary.” Lecture, ERC Global Workforce Summit, Shanghai, China, March 20, 2013.
Presenter, “Immigration Review – Asia Pacific.” Lecture, Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM) Asia-Pacific Global Mobility Summit 2012, Hong Kong, December 3, 2012.
Author, “Singapore.” In the Global Mobility Handbook 2010 Edition, in conjunction with the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, 2010. Print.
Author, “Principles of Successful Corporate Immigration in Singapore.” In Immigration Law Client Strategies in the Asia Pacific, edited by Eddie Founier, 29-42. U.S.A.: Thomson West/Aspatore Books, 2009. Print.
Mark’s insights
November 26, 2025 | Seminar
November 11, 2025 — November 13, 2025 | Conference
October 23, 2025 | Seminar
