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The latest European Migration Network (EMN) – OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) inform examines new and innovative ways to attract foreign talent used by EMN Member Countries and selected non-EMN OECD countries, covering the period January 2021 and March 2024. Based on input from 21 EMN Member Countries and data provided by the OECD, on OECD countries, it reviews practical measures implemented by national authorities.

Since 2021, a total of 15 EMN Member Countries have introduced new or innovative approaches to attract foreign talent (AT, BE, DE, EE, FI, FR, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, NL, SE, SI, SK). The EMN inform focuses specifically on two groups of "foreign talent" - third-country nationals (TCN) with higher professional qualifications or skills and individuals of all skill levels working in high value-added economic sectors.

EMN Member Countries use varying approaches to define what constitutes a high value-added economic sector. However, frequently highlighted sectors include healthcare and life sciences (including social work and the pharmaceutical industry) (BE, CY, CZ, DE, FI, FR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, NL, SI, SK), information communication technology (ICT) and (high) technology (CZ, DE, EE, FI, FR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, NL, SI, SK), and manufacturing and chemical industries (BE, CY, DE, EE, FR, IE, IT, LU, NL, PL, SI, SK).

Some initiatives target specific economic sectors or countries of origin. 15 EMN Member Countries (AT, BE, DE, EE, FI, FR, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, NL, SE, SI, SK) have at least one initiative focused on specific economic sectors, nine (AT, DE, EE, FI, IT, IE, LT, SI, SK) target specific third countries of origin, and some initiatives address both. High-skilled sectors (e.g. information technology) are the primary focus, with the Philippines, India, and Brazil being the most targeted third countries of origin.

Digital platforms aimed at TCN and employers are the most frequently used method to attract foreign talent. Four EMN Member Countries use websites to post vacancies for both domestic and third-country job applicants (BE, CZ, PT, SK). Eleven have developed (AT, DE, EE, FI, FR, IE, LT, LU, LV, NL, SI), and one is currently developing (SE), online platforms specifically targeting employers (AT, FI, LT, LU, LV) wishing to hire foreign labour and prospective third-country national employees. Other initiatives include diplomatic efforts and tax incentives. For example, at least 24 OECD countries offer tax relief programmes for foreign migrants and returning nationals, including flat tax rates for highly qualified workers or specialists.

Some EMN Member Countries use skill development and assistance programmes to support foreign talent throughout the migration process. Six EMN Member Countries are implementing or planning programmes to validate and develop skills in third countries (AT, DE, IE, IT, LT, SK), while thirteen provide third-country nationals with pre- and post-arrival assistance, such as relocation information and cultural orientation (AT, CZ, DE, EE, FI, FR, IE, IT, LT, LU, NL, SE, SK).

Regular monitoring of initiatives to assess effectiveness against national objectives is carried out by ten EMN Member Countries (AT, DE, EE, FI, IE, IT, LT, NL, SE, SK).

Link:
EMN Inform (EN)