The latest joint 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. The EMN inform focuses specifically on two groups of “foreign talent” – third-country nationals 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), information communication technology (ICT) and (high) technology, and manufacturing and chemical industries.
EMN Member Countries use various funding strategies to attract foreign talent, including EU funds, national resources, and a combination of both. Nine of the 15 countries with new or innovative approaches reported relying on EU funds, initiatives and programmes, such as Talent Partnerships. Talent Partnerships provide a policy framework and funding to enhance international mobility by aligning EU labour market needs with skills from partner countries. Italy was the only country to report initiatives solely relying on EU funding. Others use a combination of EU and national resources. Six EMN Member Countries fund their projects through national resources.
Some EMN Member Countries have not introduced new initiatives but continue to rely on established measures to attract foreign talent which may not be specifically targeted. Each EMN Member Country defined ‘new and innovative’ based on their own criteria.
Some initiatives target specific economic sectors or countries of origin. 15 EMN Member Countries have at least one initiative focused on specific economic sectors, nine 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 third-country nationals 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. Eleven have developed, and one is currently developing, online platforms specifically targeting employers 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.
Annex 1: Overview of initiatives
Above is an overview of initiatives designed to attract foreign talent to Ireland. You can learn more about these initiatives and those of EMN Member Countries, and OECD countries in the inform linked below.
New and innovative ways to attract foreign talents in the EU: EMN – OECD joint Inform
