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Published in North East News on 13 November 2023
In recent years, rich countries have witnessed an unprecedented surge in permanent immigration, with the number of newcomers surpassing six million in the past year alone. This influx of skilled individuals has been driven by a combination of factors, including ageing populations, labour market shortages, and the allure of better economic opportunities.
Addressing Labour Market Shortages
One of the most pressing concerns facing rich countries is the shortage of young workers resulting from ageing populations. This demographic shift has created a vacuum in various sectors, particularly in healthcare and technology, where the demand for skilled professionals far exceeds the domestic supply.
Immigration offers a viable solution to this challenge. Skilled immigrants bring with them a wealth of expertise and experience, effectively filling critical gaps in the labour market. Their presence not only alleviates existing shortages but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of these industries.
Economic Uplift and Entrepreneurship
The decision to migrate often stems from the desire for improved economic prospects. For many individuals from lower-income countries, moving to a rich nation represents a chance to significantly boost their earnings. According to the World Bank, migrants typically earn three to six times more in their adopted countries than they did in their homelands.
This economic improvement can be attributed to several factors, including better institutions, stronger rule of law, efficient capital markets, and the prevalence of modern companies. These favourable conditions provide fertile ground for entrepreneurship, with immigrants exhibiting a higher propensity for starting their own businesses than native-born individuals.
Enhancing Productivity and Global Collaboration
Skilled immigrants play a crucial role in enhancing the productivity of local populations. Their diverse talents and expertise, often drawn from different parts of the world, prove invaluable for the success of commercial and scientific projects.
By drawing from a global talent pool, rich countries foster an environment conducive to innovation and groundbreaking advancements. Immigrants bring fresh perspectives, valuable knowledge of overseas markets, and essential connections, facilitating the rapid flow of information and fostering cross-cultural collaborations.
Concerns about a “brain drain”
The fear of a “brain drain” in developing countries, where the best talent emigrates to richer nations, is a legitimate concern. However, this argument oversimplifies the complex dynamics of global migration. Migrants often send money back to their home countries, contributing to their economies. Moreover, many migrants maintain strong connections with their countries of origin, sharing industry insights and ideas. The success stories of individuals like Mukesh Ambani and Jack Ma exemplify how emigrants can return to their home countries, bringing valuable knowledge and contributing to economic development.
The prospect of earning higher incomes overseas serves as a powerful incentive for individuals in poor countries to pursue education and acquire marketable skills. While some may eventually emigrate, many decide to stay in their home countries due to personal reasons or changing circumstances. Studies suggest that high-skill emigration does not necessarily deplete a country’s humancapital stock and can, in fact, contribute to its enrichment if well-managed.
Navigating the Immigration Process
While the benefits of immigration are undeniable, navigating the process can be daunting. The complexities of immigration procedures and the unpredictability of job prospects can discourage individuals from pursuing international opportunities.
The United Kingdom, traditionally conservative on immigration, is undergoing a shift and becoming more open to Indians. While other liberal nations like Australia and Canada are tightening their borders, the UK has openly welcomed Indians. With the UK’s largest ethnic minority group comprising 1.4 million Indians, the impact of the British Indian community is substantial. The UK and India have established a 2030 vision to re-energize trade, investment, and technological collaboration. This initiative aims to improve the lives and livelihoods of people in both countries. For Indians considering opportunities in the UK, the Global Talent Visa is a key pathway.
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is designed for nationally or internationally recognized leaders or promising talents in various fields, including science, medicine, engineering, humanities, digital technology, arts, culture, and research. This visa provides complete independence and increased flexibility in terms of job, location, compensation, leave, and involvement with organizations.
The application process involves two stages: the Application for Endorsement and the Application for Visa. The former requires international talents to submit evidence of their past achievements, aligning with government guidelines. On successful endorsement, individuals can proceed to the visa application stage, subject to standard immigration checks.
The UK Global Talent Visa offers unmatched opportunities for highly skilled individuals, providing flexibility to work for any employer, be self-employed, or engage in voluntary work or study. Its fast-track entry ensures swift access within weeks of endorsement, exempting applicants from the typical job offer requirement. This visa stands out for its pathway to permanent residency and allows the inclusion of family members, fostering familial support. Specifically appealing to Indians, it aligns with the strong ties between India and the UK, offering a platform for collaboration with leading companies and meeting the increasing demand for Indian talent in STEM and digital technology fields.
Gayatri is an author, speaker, business innovator and global tech talent specialist. She is the Business Partner at Themis Technologies, a London-based consulting firm where she advises Innovative Startups and Technology Experts all around the world. Her expertise lies in guiding them towards unprecedented career and business expansion opportunities in the dynamic tech landscape of the United Kingdom. Gayatri is a regular media contributor on the UK technology career with recent appearances, including Dataquest, People Management, and People Matters.
