10 MORE Countries Easing Work Permit Policies for Highly Skilled Professionals

Last week I shared information about 10 countries actively seeking highly skilled foreigners to live and work in their territories. This week I'm sharing 10 more. If you didn't read the first one be sure to check it out here to learn more about Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Jamaica, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, and United Kingdom.

The demand for highly skilled professionals has led many countries to reassess and reform their work permit policies. By creating more accessible pathways for talent from abroad, nations worldwide are aiming to bolster their industries, foster innovation, and remain competitive. Here, we explore the 10 additional countries beyond those listed last week, that have loosened their work permit policies to welcome highly skilled individuals. Click on the link (name) for each country to explore their work permit options. 

note: High Skilled or Highly Skilled, refers to jobs that require a tertiary level of thinking. Originally visas for these jobs required a degree. However, in the wake of online learning and the ease of gaining knowledge independent of a degree this requirement is being phased out in some countries.

Without further ado, here are the next 10.

Barbados

In 2020, Barbados introduced its Welcome Stamp, allowing remote workers to live in the country for 12 months. Individuals must earn an annual income of over US$50,000 to qualify for this 1 year pass. This move allowed Barbados to potentially recruit well qualified candidates once they have already experienced living there.

Brazil

At the beginning of October, Brazil launched two new immigration pathways for citizens of Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), allowing them to reside and work in Brazil for a duration of up to two years. The first pathway involves the issuance of a consular-issued Temporary Visa, which is available to foreign nationals engaged in specific professions or activities in Brazil. The second option is a Residence Authorization accessible to any CPLP citizen already in Brazil.

Denmark

Denmark has expanded its Positive Lists for Skilled Workers and People with a Higher Education. In addition several changes to its immigration policies to facilitate the recruitment of third-country nationals are being implemented. The pay threshold for work and residence permits is being lowered to DKK 375,000, making more jobs accessible to foreign nationals, compared to the previous threshold of DKK 465,000. Danish companies can also benefit from fast-track certification with more flexible terms, now available to those with as few as 10 employees instead of the previous requirement of 20. Furthermore, Denmark is expanding its start-up scheme to include entrepreneurs who already own a business in Denmark or those looking to open a branch in the country, going beyond the previous scope limited to establishing new businesses. The Danish government approved a three-year visa for international students who wish to work following their graduation to fill roles.

Hong Kong

In the annual policy address on October 25, 2023, Hong Kong's Chief Executive announced measures to attract foreign investment and skilled workers, including the establishment of a support office for incoming talents, expanding the list of eligible universities for the Top Talent Pass Scheme, and relaxing visa policies for Vietnamese, Laotian, and Nepalese talents. Additionally, non-local students graduating from certain vocational programs can stay for a year to seek relevant employment. Last week they opened the Hong Kong Talent Engage office one year after the launch of its online platform to help to facilitate the recruitment of foreign workers.

Japan

Japan has been reluctant to broadcast opening its doors to foreign workers because of concerns of a shift in culture as well as the strength of some of the existing programs. However, this year it has realized it might be a losing battle because of the magnitude of the labour shortage. Earlier this year the Japanese government approved the inclusion of nine additional industries in the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) (SSW-2) visa program, set to be effective soon. Applicants from industries such as aviation, agriculture, electronics, and food service will become eligible for the SSW-2 status, allowing them to work in Japan indefinitely, sponsor dependents, and eventually apply for permanent residence.

Luxemburg

Starting from September 1, 2023, Luxembourg has streamlined the process for hiring third-country nationals. For jobs in high-demand fields, ADEM (the employment agency) no longer needs to conduct a market test, expediting the issuance of hiring certificates within 5 working days. For other occupations, ADEM has a 7-day period to verify jobseeker availability, with certificates issued within 5 days if no qualified candidates are found. Access to the labor market is also simplified, as residence permit holders categorized as 'family members of a third-country national' no longer require a work permit for self-employment or employment and receive a permit that authorizes work in Luxembourg. Additionally, residence permits issued for job-seeking or business purposes now have a longer validity period, extending from 9 to 12 months for those obtained from September 1, 2023, onwards.

Portugal

The Portuguese government has introduced several legislative changes to streamline the visa process for foreign citizens coming to Portugal for work, study, or residence, including especially those from Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) and digital nomads. Notable changes include the creation of a job search visa, the removal of entry quotas for work-related residence visas, the availability of temporary stay or residence visas for accompanying family members, easier application procedures for CPLP citizens, and simplified processes for foreign students and digital nomads seeking residence in Portugal.

Rwanda

Rwanda's president announced last week that the government will be lifting its visa restrictions and fees for all African nationals. This comes as a part of the African Union's push to allow Africans to travel, work and live across the continent without restriction. Consider starting here when making your way back to the continent.

Spain

This year Spain has made changes to its Highly-Qualified Work Permit category, which now includes two subcategories. The first is the EU Highly-Qualified Professionals Permit (EU Blue Card), available to EU Blue Card holders from other EU countries working in Spain for over 90 days. This permit is issued for three years, extendable for an additional two years. Qualifications include meeting salary thresholds and holding a 3-year Bachelor's degree or 5 years of relevant sector experience (3 years for information and communication technology). The second subcategory is the National Highly-Qualified Professionals Permit, for all foreign nationals locally employed in Spain, meeting salary requirements and having a Técnico Superior level of education or 3 years of sector experience. Renewals are possible, but work can only commence after approval. Notably, EU Blue Card holders from other EU countries can work in Spain for up to 90 days without obtaining a Spanish EU Blue Card, but obtaining a blue card in another EU country will invalidate the Spanish one.

In 2022 the country did a complete turn around implemented several changes, that I for sure was jumping for joy as memories of my journey to moving to Spain a decade and a half ago, proved difficult even with the onset of several job offers. The Spanish government has introduced significant changes to its immigration policies to simplify the process for foreigners wishing to live, work, or study in Spain. The reforms have made it easier for foreign workers to obtain work permits by expanding the list of professions, shortening deadlines for hiring from abroad, and reducing renewal requirements for work and residence authorizations. Self-employed workers (freelancers, digital nomads, etc.) also benefit from simplified procedures and reduced financial requirements. For students, there are fewer restrictions on working while studying, and it's now easier to transition to full-time work after completing studies.

 United states

Beyond significantly and unofficially extending the H1-B Cap based on demand over the past few years, they USA has published a new proposed rule that signal their intention to ramp up on retaining and attracting top talent from across the world. Learn more about this proposal here by Sophie Alcorn and how you can contribute to the conversation on the decision before it is finalized in a few month. A few major changes to note is that you will not be tied to your degree but rather your skills when qualifying for the H1-B, a reduction in the gap for international students between OPT and H1B confirmation, and new qualifications that open up the availability of the H1-B to all who apply. Be sure to watch the 20 minute video by Sophie where she summarizes the new proposed 200 page rule for you to learn more about all the exciting changes being made.

Conclusion

And now there are 20. Which countries surprised you? The shift towards more flexible and accommodating work permit policies across these 20 countries illustrates the value of attracting global talent. As international competition for skilled professionals continues to heat up, we can expect more nations to follow suit, creating more opportunities for individuals and fostering a more interconnected global workforce. These policy changes are not only shaping the labor market but also fostering a more inclusive and diverse working environment worldwide.

Stay tuned for more countries next week.

If you want to move abroad, set up your professional profile on Pocmi.com to be seen by employers from these countries who are actively searching for foreign talent or returning citizens. Give them the chance to invite you to come and work for them.

Have questions? Book some time with me here: topmate.io/melissa_powell .