Nations Blocking Talent Will Lose, Warns EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday that countries restricting the entry of skilled professionals will ultimately become “net losers.” He explained that global talent mobility is now central to economic growth, and nations that treat skilled migrants as a threat instead of an asset risk damaging their own competitiveness.
Visa Barriers Will Hurt Advanced Sectors
Referring to tightening visa rules in several Western countries, including proposals to increase fees for skilled-worker visas, Jaishankar noted that high-technology and advanced manufacturing sectors depend heavily on a mobile workforce. He asserted that domestic labour pools alone cannot meet the rising demand for specialised skills.
Structural Issues, Not Immigrants, Cause Economic Strain
Jaishankar said economic challenges in developed countries stem from long-term structural decisions, including industries shifting overseas, and not from immigrant workers. He cautioned that blaming immigrants diverts attention from deeper policy concerns that these nations must address.
Global Economies Need Open Talent Flows
He emphasised that free movement of talent benefits both sending and receiving countries, as it supports innovation, productivity, and economic resilience. According to him, imposing excessive barriers may weaken countries that are already facing shortages in critical sectors.
