The latest joint European Migration Network (EMN) and OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) inform examines innovative strategies used by EMN Member Countries and selected non-EMN OECD countries to attract foreign talents. The inform covers the period from January 2021 to March 2024. It reviews strategies developed to appeal to high-demand candidates, practical measures implemented by national authorities, and funding and initiatives introduced to support these efforts, based on data provided by 21 EMN Member Countries and the OECD.
Since 2021, 15 EMN Member Countries have adopted new approaches to attract foreign talent. This inform examines two groups -non-EU citizens with higher professional qualifications or skills, and individuals of all skill levels working in high value-added sectors. EMN Member Countries have varying criteria for high value-added sectors, but commonly referenced ones include healthcare, life sciences, ICT, (high) technology, manufacturing, and chemical industries.
Some initiatives focus on certain economic sectors or countries of origin. 15 EMN Member Countries have at least one initiative targeting specific sectors, nine countries target particular countries of origin, and some initiatives cover both. High-skilled sectors like information technology are the main focus, with the Philippines, India, and Brazil being key target countries.
Digital platforms are commonly used to attract foreign talent. Four EMN Member Countries use websites to post vacancies for both domestic applicants and applicants from countries outside the EU. Eleven have developed online platforms for employers to hire foreign labor, with one country still developing theirs. Other methods include diplomatic efforts and tax incentives, with at least 24 OECD countries offering tax relief programs for highly qualified workers or specialists.
Several EMN Member Countries use skill development and assistance programs to support foreign talent immigration. Six countries focus on skill validation and development in countries of origin, while thirteen offer pre- and post-arrival assistance like relocation and cultural orientation. One non-EMN country plans to introduce a Chief International Talent Officer in 2024 to better align immigration policies with labor strategy.
EMN Member Countries use various funding strategies, including EU funds, national resources, or both. Nine of the 15 countries with new strategies utilize EU funds like Talent Partnerships, which align EU labor needs with skills from partner countries.
Initiatives are driven by national authorities, private stakeholders, and NGOs, with ministries often involved. Regular monitoring of initiatives to assess effectiveness against national objectives is carried out by ten EMN Member Countries.
The full inform, “New and innovative ways to attract foreign talent in the EU,” is available on the EMN website in the Publications section.