The world is in a race for high-skilled workers, and countries are tweaking immigration policies to attract the best and brightest to their shores. 2023 saw many countries, previously migrant-shy, ease restrictions to fill in critical labour shortages.

Insead’s 2023 Global Talent Competitiveness Index ranked Switzerland as the top nation based on its ability to attract and retain talent, marking a decade of domination in the competition to get the creamy layer of human capital. Singapore and the United States rounded out the top three slots in the list dominated by European nations.

Canada, Germany and France made big strides through the year to better their ranks.

Canada

As developed countries grapple with falling birth rates and aging labor forces, Canada has stood out by betting on immigration as a key strategy to prevent economic decline. Nearly one in four people in Canada are now immigrants, the largest proportion among the Group of Seven nations, according to a Bloomberg report.

This year, Canada took specific policy calls to invite more tech talent to the country, pitting itself directly against the United States. Referred to as the Tech Talent Strategy, Canada’s PR pathway for techies include a new innovation stream under International Mobility Program, visas for more digital nomads and improving existing programs such as the Global Skills Strategy and the Start-up Visa.

Canada upgraded its startup visa (SUV) program giving applicants work permits for up to three years instead of just one year. They are now also eligible for an ‘open’ work permit instead of one that limited them to working for their own startup.

Canada also went so far as to offer work permits for H-1B visa holders living in the US – maxing the 10,000 application limit in just 24 hours. The country’s easy immigration stood in stark contrast to America’s dysfunctional immigration system, where millions of workers face insurmountable hurdles to gaining permanent residence.

Once the world’s most coveted destination for STEM talent, the US has steadily been losing thousands of foreign workers each year to the likes of Canada, Australia and others.

Germany

In a significant move to address the growing demand for skilled labor, Germany relaxed entry requirements for non-European Union (EU) nationals, specifically those possessing essential skills sought in the job market. The plan includes modernizing the visa-issuing process and relaxing other rules to make Germany a more appealing destination for skilled Indian IT workers.

The biggest announcement was the new ‘Opportunity card’ and its corresponding points system. The card will allow foreigners with university degrees to come to Germany for a period of one year to look for jobs.

Opportunity cards will be given based on fulfilling specific criteria, which will earn applicants points. These criteria may include proficiency in German and/or English, established connections to Germany, and the possibility of accompanying life partners or spouses in the German labor market.

United Kingdom

The UK has perhaps seen the most immigration uncertainity over the past year. The UK government has introduced stricter measures for obtaining work and family visas, making the process more challenging.

While the majority of those seeking employment in the UK will still be required to undergo the points-based system, starting in spring 2024, a higher salary will be a prerequisite for securing a job offer. The new threshold is set at a minimum of £38,700, representing a substantial increase of nearly 50% from the current £26,200 minimum salary requirement.

However, one of the UK’s recent gambles proved to be a disappointment. The UK Global Talent Visa that aimed to bring the “brightest and the best” into the country by making it easier for award winners in academia or research, arts and culture, and digital technology recieved only three applicants since its launch, according to data released in August.

Starting in spring 2024, the government also plans to increase the minimum income threshold required to qualify for family visas.

Initially proposed at £38,700, a substantial surge from the current £18,600, concerns about the potential separation of families prompted a revision by the government. As a result, the minimum income requirement has been adjusted to £29,000.

The government has said that this figure will undergo further increases in the future, reaching £34,500 and eventually reaching the initially proposed £38,700. Sunak has indicated that this full amount is expected to be implemented “in early 2025.”

Australia

Australia is set to introduce rigorous visa regulations targeting international students and low-skilled workers as part of a strategy to decrease its migrant intake by 50% over the next two years. The proposed reforms include higher score requirement on English proficiency tests, and increased scrutiny on second visa applications to extend stays.

On the other hand, Australia has also introduced a new “Skills in Demand” visa as part of its strategy to address skill gaps and enhance worker mobility within the labor market. This visa is designed to replace the Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) visa, offering three distinct pathways – for specialist skills, core skills and essential skills. The 4-year validity period will also provide clear pathways to permanent residence.