India stands out in various international visa programs, ranking highly in several key categories. It is the top contributor of US H-1B visas, second for UK Skilled Worker visas, and also second for EU Blue Cards, as per a report by Deel, a workforce management services firm. The report indicates that India’s dominance in skilled visa pipelines positions it well to capitalize on changing migration trends, with companies increasingly valuing talent over cost savings.
The report reveals that Indian nationals are prominent in securing UAE Golden Visas and standard employment visas, with Indians constituting 38% of the UAE’s total population. Furthermore, visa holders from India generally earn more than local workers in similar roles, emphasizing the global demand for skilled professionals based on expertise rather than lower wages.
Across different countries, visa holders from India command higher median salaries compared to local workers. For instance, H-1B visa holders in the US earn a median of $140,000, exceeding the $130,000 earned by citizens in similar positions. Similarly, UK Skilled Worker visa holders earn £96,000, higher than the £87,000 earned by nationals in equivalent roles.
The data also highlights the increasing demand for Indian talent globally, particularly in technology-related fields such as engineering, software development, AI, and digital services. Notably, Australia has seen a significant surge in hiring Indian talent, with a 724% increase year-over-year, followed by the UK at 142% and the US at 139%.
India remains a preferred destination for professionals worldwide, with the UAE being the top choice, followed by Singapore, the UK, the US, and Canada. The report underscores the attractiveness of Germany’s Opportunity Card program for skilled non-EU workers, with almost a third of permits issued to Indians, reflecting a broader trend of talent diversification across various markets.
According to Lauren Thomas, an Economist at Deel, the movement of talent is expanding beyond traditional hubs to encompass a wider range of countries. The report also suggests that India could witness a reverse brain drain as more globally trained professionals explore opportunities within the country amid its growing prospects.
