Despite the global health crisis, economies are recovering gradually. While some countries are still facing difficulties, others are having their economies back to the pre-Covid-19 state. For these countries, there is currently a call for hiring foreign talent. But have people's ambitions changed in the pandemic era? What are the means for governments to attract and retain talent?
Higher wages
This is perhaps the first thing countries are considering. As the economic crisis hits all sectors, purchasing power and wage demands are at the heart of debates. The leading global powers have understood the demand and are increasing wages to attract expatriates. It's worth noting that many sectors are currently facing a labour shortage. In Quebec, for example, salaries are expected to rise by about 2.9% in 2022. For the Order of Human Resources Advisors, this is an unprecedented rise due to the correlation between the labour shortage and an economy that turned out to be resistant to the global health crisis. Finance, IT, new technologies and communications are the sectors with the most significant wage rises (around 3.3%). Besides, the greatest demand for foreign talent comes from these sectors. Countries around the world have engaged in a battle for the leaders of tomorrow. Salary increases (2 to 2.7%) have also been recorded in other sectors such as healthcare, administration, arts, etc. In the rest of Canada, there have been slightly lower pay increases.
The United States is also considering wages increases, especially in sectors that have been strongly affected by the economic crisis (catering, tourism, maintenance, trade, etc.). The minimum wage of $ 15 an hour is no longer a utopia. Companies claim they have no choice if they want to attract foreign workers. The reopening of borders and considerable labour shortages are definitely playing a major role in decision-making. Australia is offering 鈧� 1,000 for foreigners keen on working in regions and sectors facing a labour shortage.
Focus on interpersonal skills
Money matters are not the only reason for moving abroad, and many countries have realised it. Today, there is a greater emphasis on international mobility and internal mobility. While people are keen on moving abroad, they are also looking to gain skills and influence. Expatriates believe that everyone should have access to key roles, whether in large companies or start-ups and be valued. Expat workers need support for better integration into the company and training in their new culture. This usually means greater flexibility, independence, understanding and team spirit. Beyond skills and know-how, interpersonal skills are also valued. For instance, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Australia, France, Germany, Portugal, and Israel are looking for foreign talents and, above all, for personalities. Innovation, new technologies, communication, arts and research are fields that pay particular attention to these criteria.
Easier access
Thailand has moved a step further with new visas. In September, the government announced a series of measures to attract wealthy foreign investors and foreigners with high potential by offering a 10-year visa with the possibility of working (under conditions) without an employment contract and with simplified procedures. The "Thailand Elite" is a new tourist visa designed for expatriates, investors, digital nomads, frequent travellers. As the name of the visa suggests, foreigners holding a Thailand Elite visa are privileged members of the Thailand Elite program, which is valid for 5, 10, or 20 years. This visa has many benefits, including VIP service at the airport, concierge, medical services, discounts in luxury establishments, etc. Registration is done online for fees of just over 鈧� 15,000 (depending on the package chosen). With the Thailand Elite, the government wants to attract more and more foreign investors and talents and retain newcomers. Therefore, this new ultra-flexible program should be accompanied by exchanges to meet the expectations of foreigners.
Expat expectations
What are expatriates currently looking for? Safety and comfort have always been a part of the expat dream. But the Covid-19 has showered the ambitions of many of them. However, according to experts, there is a paradox in the numbers of those who no longer want to move abroad and those who seek asylum, and for the same reasons. While the pandemic symbolises risks for some, others consider it the right time to move overseas. Generations Y and Z are the most likely to maintain their international relocation plans. But money is no longer the priority, even if it remains crucial. For them, it is more about a change of lifestyle after too many lockdowns and restrictions. Most of them seek freedom, the fulfilment of their dreams, to give meaning to their existence. Work must make sense. International companies have also understood this and are implementing new recruitment methods that are more centred on interpersonal skills, allowing all potentials and personalities to express themselves.
Unsurprisingly, Canada remains among the top 10 expat destinations. The country stands out for multiculturalism, openness to immigrants and social integration. Expats love Canada for its living environment, abundant nature, wide spaces (Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world), etc. According to CNBC, more than 70% of expats in Canada are happy with their work/life balance, and nearly 80% of them are happy with life in general. Things are quite similar in Australia, where 80% of expatriates are happy. The border reopening is a new lease of life for them. For the past year and a half, many have suffered from the brutal separation from their families. Australia is entering a new phase, which expats and expatriate applicants hope will flourish. Taiwan, Malaysia and Costa Rica are other popular expat destinations thanks to their living environment and culture. Recent surveys suggest that expats are happy living in Taiwan (85% in Malaysia, 88% in Costa Rica). These figures, however, hide a more mixed reality. Who are the expatriates we talking about? In Thailand, expats are trying to highlight their existence in front of a government that is being more lenient towards wealthy foreigners. Individuals who work as hard as the locals and contribute to society wish to be protected by the government. Expatriates also feel neglected in Singapore, where priority is being given to locals.
The Covid-19 pandemic has turned international mobility into some sort of dilemma. By restricting access to their territory or neglecting the rights of expatriates, countries risk losing their popularity. Observers point out the UK as an example, where visas are only being granted under constraints -- temporary visas are making it impossible to settle in the UK long term. Others are being more optimistic, expecting the global labour market to reshuffle in the years to come. But expats don't think in macroeconomic terms. For them, moving abroad is a new form of self-fulfilment. So while high wages are crucial, other factors such as discovering a new culture, rediscovering oneself, enjoying a better living environment, meeting new people, and creating new bonds are equally valued.
