Labor Mobility #65
Estonia Benefits from Labor Migration.
EER | March 23, 2021
Once an emigrant state, Estonia has turned the tide. According to a new study, it has become an immigration country that attracts external job seekers. Economic migrants contribute to the state’s budget extensively. This especially holds for skilled labor migrants. Yet, integration and language remain a challenge. This is why the size of the work-related immigration quota should be flexible and depend on the country's economic situation and capacity for integration.
It Will Take Time for the Vaccines to Restore Travel.
Tim Loh, Todd Gillespie | Bloomberg Businessweek | March 25, 2021
Vaccination passports might restore freedom of movement. However, it is too early to jump to conclusions, say several prominent scientists. They argue that the efficacy and duration of competing shots are a source of concern. Accordingly, vaccination status is yet to be assessed as the metric to allow travel. Israel, however, gives a glimpse of hope: the transmission has been greatly reduced among those who received a shot in the country.
More Ukrainians Want to Work Abroad.
Volodymyr Paziy | Obozrevatel | March 24, 2021
A growing number of Ukrainian nationals are willing to move abroad for work -- a desire augmented by the recurrent lockdowns in the country. In February 2021, more than 70 thousand queries on the employment site Jooble related to finding jobs abroad. Among the main reasons why people want to leave Ukraine are higher salaries, perks such as free food and transport, and official employment. The main destinations include Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Italy.
South Korea Eases Its Grip on Employment Regulations.
Shin Ji-hye | The Korea Herald | March 28, 2021
The coronavirus has forced South Korea to introduce movement restrictions. However, labor shortages in key industries have forced Seoul to review its decision. The authorities are now looking to revise the act on employment of foreign workers. Its focus is to increase the number of industries that can hire foreign talent and extend the period of employment for workers affected by the pandemic.
America's Immigration Impasse Is Self-inflicted.
Suzanne Gamboa | NBC News | March 26, 2021
With immigration bills failing to win support in Congress, the debate on how to overcome legislative gridlock continues. In a country where the birthrate is not high enough, immigration is necessary, argues former Commerce Secretary and top immigration adviser to President George W. Bush. The pandemic has reinforced the importance of migrants, including undocumented ones. Immigration patterns change. So should laws.
