SKILLED WORKERS

India to benefit from relaxed UK visa rules under new trade deal
A new trade agreement between India and the UK will simplify visa rules for Indian professionals in technology and other sectors. The deal includes an annual quota of 1,800 visas for Indian musicians, chefs, and yoga instructors. Indian companies operating in the UK will benefit from easier mobility for service sector workers.

Development through the lens of artificial intelligence
Developing nations face a dual challenge: fostering AI innovation for growth while mitigating job displacement. Overcoming the digital divide requires international collaboration to build robust digital infrastructure and equip the workforce with essential skills. Investing in reskilling initiatives and ensuring public access to AI, particularly in rural areas, are crucial for emerging economies to thrive in an AI-driven world.

From God's own country, a carpet for screen demigods
Neytt by Extraweave, from Cherthala, Kerala, crafted the Met Gala carpet for the third time. The company revives traditional weaving. Sivan Santhosh and Nimisha Srinivas established Neytt in 2019. It is now a ₹120-crore business. The company's roots trace back to 1917. Neytt employs 900 people, mostly women. The Met Gala carpet boosted the company's recognition.

From financial relief to greater job access, India–UK free trade pact holds major gains for NRIs in UK
India and the UK completed their Free Trade Agreement. This agreement brings good news for Non-Resident Indians working in the UK. Indian professionals will get exemption from social security payments for three years. The FTA makes it easier for Indian professionals to work in the UK. Indian firms will have better access to the UK market.

Union cabinet approves Rs 60,000 crore ITI upgradation scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led cabinet, on Wednesday, also gave its go ahead to the setting up of five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling as a centrally sponsored scheme to be funded by Centre, states and the private sector. The scheme will focus on upgradation of 1,000 government ITIs in hub and spoke arrangement with industry aligned revamped trades and is expected to impart skills training to two million youth over the next five years.

India taking steps to meet demands of global workplace: Union minister Jaishankar
India plans to amend the 1983 Emigration Act to promote legal global mobility and curb illegal migration, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Launching the GATI Foundation, he emphasised safeguarding Indian talent abroad, adapting to global workforce demands, and building international mobility partnerships.
India taking steps to meet demands of global workplace: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced India's plans to amend the Emigration Act of 1983 to align with the demands of the global workplace and promote legal mobility. The government aims to discourage illegal mobility while optimizing benefits for Indian citizens working abroad.
Key initiative launched to facilitate mobility of Indians abroad
The Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) Foundation has launched to facilitate the mobility of the Indian workforce abroad, addressing a projected global shortage of skilled workers. GATI aims to create ethical pathways for international talent mobility through collaboration between governments, businesses, and nonprofits.
UK set to restrict visas for nationalities most likely to claim asylum
Facing pressure from the hard-right populists, the Labour government in Britain is planning to restrict visa applications from nationalities considered most likely to overstay and claim asylum. The government official confirmed that applications for work and study visas from Pakistanis, Nigerians, and Sri Lankans are among those set to be curbed.
Viral video: Foreigner speaks Korean thinking Indian shop worker won't understand, what happens next shocks her
A viral video captures a foreign woman speaking Korean in an Indian store, assuming the shop worker wouldn't understand. To her surprise, the Indian worker responds fluently in Korean, leading to a humorous and unexpected interaction. The incident highlights the multilingual capabilities of Indians and their adaptability in global settings, showcasing India's growing global presence.
Australia to continue skilled migration focus, tighten international student visa laws
Australia's Labour government is set to continue its current immigration policies, emphasizing skilled migration while aiming to reduce overall net migration. Visa restrictions have already led to a decline in approvals, particularly for Indian nationals. Upcoming changes include increased salary thresholds for skilled visas and potential hikes in student visa fees, requiring adjustments for both employers and workers.
Australia’s new migration strategies may tighten pathways for international students and skilled visa workers
Australia plans to reduce its net migration under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This decision will affect various visa categories, especially the ‘Skills in Demand’ program. While a cap on international students is unlikely, fee hikes are expected. The number of Indian students enrolled in Australia was 1.39 lakh in 2024. Temporary visa grants to Indian nationals have decreased across categories.
From protest to prosperity: Vizhinjam port offers new hope for local youth
Vizhinjam witnesses a shift as its International Seaport commences operations. Once a site of protests, it now offers jobs, especially to local youth. The Kerala government prioritized local hiring, supported by skill development programs. Women are now crane operators, a first for Indian ports. Expansion plans promise increased capacity and further development. Vizhinjam is poised to transform Kerala's economy.
Canada invites 1,000 candidates in first express entry draw focused on education
Canada conducted its first Express Entry draw targeting education professionals on May 1, 2025, inviting 1,000 candidates to apply for permanent residency. This initiative addresses critical teacher shortages across provinces by prioritizing experienced educators. The move signals a shift towards category-based selections to meet specific labor market needs, ensuring classrooms remain well-staffed.
Eight in 10 Indian workers may seek new jobs next year: Aon survey
Aon's survey reveals that eight in ten employees plan to change companies soon. Work-life balance and medical coverage are top priorities. Many are willing to trade existing benefits for better options. Younger workers are increasingly focused on retirement planning.
Canada to continue immigration caps, focusing on global talent
Canada, under incoming PM Mark Carney, is expected to maintain sustainable immigration levels, adhering to the 2025-2027 plan. The focus will be on transitioning temporary residents to permanent status and attracting global talent through a revitalized Global Skills Strategy Program. Efforts will be made to recognize foreign credentials and boost Francophone immigration, potentially benefiting Indian students and skilled workers.
Indian business leaders harness AI for sustainability, but talent shortage is holding them back: Autodesk report
Indian business leaders are embracing AI for environmentally responsible outcomes, surpassing global averages. They express optimism about AI's transformative potential, prioritizing AI skills in hiring. While acknowledging potential industry disruption and skills gaps, Indian companies are investing in digital skills training and viewing sustainability as a core business strategy, driving long-term growth.
100 days in: How Trump reshaped US’ immigration policy?
In his second term's initial 100 days, President Trump intensified immigration policies by restricting migration and bolstering enforcement. The administration aimed to deport one million undocumented immigrants annually, expanding ICE's authority and encouraging local police involvement. Simultaneously, H-1B visa restrictions were tightened, a "Gold Card" investor visa was introduced, and student visa oversight increased, alongside heightened border security measures.
Canada’s Liberal Party plans stable immigration reforms amid federal election win
Following the 2025 federal election victory, the Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, plans significant changes to Canada's immigration policies. The focus will be on stabilizing permanent resident admissions below 1% of the population after 2027 and reducing temporary residents to under 5% by the end of 2027.
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