The 2021 “Decoding Global Talent” report concluded that Canada has become the top destination for foreign workers wanting to move for better job opportunities and a higher quality of life. This report included a survey of around 208,807 workers across 190 countries. Compiled by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the Network and Appcast, the report revealed that Canada has managed to replace the United States as the topmost favorite destination for foreign workers who want to immigrate.
According to the report, due to an inconsistent response to the pandemic, along with the adoption of nationalistic policies and growing social unrest, the US fell to second place, tied with Australia. The report also appreciated efforts made by Canada and Australia to control the spread of the pandemic and their ability to maintain diverse cultures and social systems without a lot of unrest. However, the pandemic threw light on some strong differences in how Australia and Canada treat their temporary residents.
What Is the Difference in the Efforts Made by Canada and Australia to Secure Their Position on the Top?
While Australia restricted all nonresidents from obtaining special reliefs and income support introduced as a result of the pandemic, nearly 50,000 temporary residents leaving the country. However, Canada helped its temporary residents bridge the gap if they lost their jobs due to the pandemic or had to face a cut in work hours.
Furthermore, Australia reduced its immigration targets to 160,000, while Canada increased its immigration levels target to a whooping 400,000 annually in response to the demographic challenges of an aging population and reducing the workforce. The Canadian government has almost doubled down its efforts to retain temporary residents and invite more immigrants through economic immigration programs and family class sponsorship programs.
What Other Countries Are Ranked as a Favourite Destination for Foreign Workers?
Other countries like Spain, France and Italy, all suffered from a massive drop in their immigration levels due to the ongoing global pandemic. However, Singapore and New Zealand were surprisingly able to make their way to the top 10.
This highlights how many Asia-Pacific countries have done a great job at controlling the spread of the virus while maintaining their immigration levels. Especially New Zealand, which has been praised for its effective handling of the pandemic since it began.
This means that while Canada may be worried about international talent being diverted to its neighboring country, Asia-Pacific countries will be more likely to be attracting most of the migration.
