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The shift hint at a more cautious approach to immigration by traditionally open OECD nations, potentially challenging future Indian migration trends
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However, with India’s skilled workforce in high demand, the country is likely to retain its leading position in global migration flows.
In 2022, a record-breaking 5.6 lakh Indians migrated to countries within the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), marking a remarkable 35% increase compared to the previous year, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
This surge cemented India’s position as the leading source of new migrants to these developed nations, according to the International Migration Outlook 2024.
The report highlighted that Indians accounted for 6.4% of all new immigrants to OECD countries, significantly outpacing China, which contributed 3.8% with 3.2 lakh migrants. The data underscores India’s growing prominence in global migration patterns, driven by opportunities in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Protectionist Challenges Ahead
Despite this record-breaking migration, countries are tightening immigration policies. The US, under proposed stricter regulations, may impose more scrutiny on work visas. Similarly, Canada plans to reduce immigration targets over the next three years, while the UK has raised wage thresholds and reduced its list of shortage occupations
Key Trends in Indian Migration
The UK experienced a significant jump in Indian migrants, welcoming 1.12 lakh individuals in 2022, nearly double the figure from 2021. Similarly, the US saw a 35% rise, with 1.25 lakh Indians moving there. Despite these upward trends, Canada registered a slight decline, admitting 1.18 lakh Indians—8% fewer than the previous year.
Indians primarily migrated through labor pathways, often as principal applicants or accompanied family members. This reflects the sustained demand for skilled workers in these countries, particularly in technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
Global Migration Dynamics
While India led the migration surge, other nations also resumed pre-pandemic migration trends. Over three lakh Chinese immigrants moved to OECD countries, reflecting a 13% increase. In the US, migration from China grew by 37%, rebounding after COVID-related restrictions.
Meanwhile, Türkiye, Israel, and Germany emerged as key destinations for Russian migrants, while Romanians predominantly moved to Germany, Spain, and Italy.
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