Top 4 Countries in the Race for Skilled Global Talent

There is an ever-competitive race for highly-skilled international workers. Many countries are changing their immigration policies to get the brightest and the best to work overseas in that country.

Entry restrictions were relaxed by many countries in 2023. The easing of immigration policies was for getting the global talent to fill in critical labour shortages in the local market. The top countries in the race for global talent are -

• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Canada
• Germany

United Kingdom

A majority of those looking to work in the United Kingdom will have to clear the points-system to apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa. Starting Spring 2024, there is to be a higher income threshold for securing a job offer. A valid job offer given by an approved UK employer will be needed. A Certificate of Sponsorship from that UK employer will be required to be able to apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa.

The Global Talent Visa is another route to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years at a time. There is no limit on the number of extensions you can seek. Applying as a global talent requires you to be an existing leader or potential leader in the fields of -

• Digital technology,
• Academia or research, or
• Arts and culture.

Generally, an endorsement from a relevant body will be required.

Australia

190,000 Australia PR visas will be granted in 2023-24. Of these, 137,100 will be granted permanent residency through the Skills stream. Proposed reforms in the Australian immigration system include -

• A greater scrutiny on second visa applications for stay extension, and
• A higher score requirement on English proficiency.

Australia has also announced a Skills in Demand visa under its new Migration Strategy.

Canada

Focusing on getting more tech talent to the country, Canada has pitted itself directly against the United States. Dealing with a low birth rate and an aging labour force, Canada relies on immigration to fix the gap in the labour force to a great extent.

Under Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, there will be -

• A new innovation stream under the International Mobility Program,
• More visas for digital nomads, and
• An improvement in the existing programs such as the Start-up Visa (SUV)and Global Skills Strategy.

Canada upgraded the SUV pathway giving applicants work permits for up to 3 years instead of 1 year. Those with a Start Up Visa can now also get an ‘open’ work permit instead of the previous work permit that only let them work for their own startup company.

The Canadian Government also offered work permits for H-1B visa holders to work in Canada. The United States has been a top destination for STEM talent. However, the competition has stepped up with Canada and Australia succeeding in attracting more highly-skilled workers in recent years.

Germany

Looking for skilled workers from third countries, Germany has relaxed the entry requirements for non-European Union (EU) nationals. There is a high demand in Germany for highly-skilled nationals that possess essential skills in high demand in the Germany labour market. The visa-issuing process has been modernized. Other rules have also been relaxed to make Germany an attractive destination for skilled Indian nationals.

The biggest announcement from the German government has been regarding the introduction of the German Opportunity Card.

With immigration rules being relaxed, it is now getting much easier for Indian nationals to work in countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, and Germany.

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