India Emerges as Leading Exporter of Skilled Talent Globally

A recent report reveals India's position as the leading exporter of skilled talent globally, highlighting significant salary advantages for visa holders compared to local workers. The analysis shows a shift in hiring practices, with companies prioritizing specialized skills over cost savings. India ranks first in various visa categories, including H-1B and UK Skilled Worker visas, and has seen a surge in demand for its professionals, particularly in Australia and the UK. This trend underscores the growing importance of Indian talent in the global job market.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 12:38 IST

India's Dominance in Global Skilled Migration

According to a recent report by Deel, India has established itself as the foremost exporter of skilled professionals through various visa programs. The findings indicate that India remains a pivotal player in the global migration of skilled labor. The analysis, which encompassed over 40,000 companies hiring across more than 150 nations, reveals that the motivation behind international talent acquisition is shifting from cost savings to the urgent need for specialized skills.

Data from Deel shows that visa holders tend to earn higher salaries than their local counterparts in similar positions. For instance, in the United States, H-1B visa holders have a median income of approximately $140,000, compared to $130,000 for American citizens in equivalent roles. Similarly, in the UK, skilled worker visa holders earn around £96,000, while UK nationals earn about £87,000. In the UAE, those with Golden Visas earn 605,000 dirhams, in contrast to 459,000 dirhams for standard employment visa holders.

Rakesh Gaur, Head of Sales for India at Deel, noted, 'Our data indicates a fundamental change in global hiring practices. Companies are increasingly willing to pay a premium for highly specialized talent that local labor markets cannot provide. Consequently, solutions like Employer of Record (EOR) are becoming essential for organizations to tap into global talent pools efficiently and compliantly.'

The report highlights India's leading position in various skilled visa categories, ranking as follows: it is the top source of H-1B visas in the US, second for UK Skilled Worker visas, and second for EU Blue Cards. Additionally, India is the leading nationality for both UAE Golden Visas and standard employment visas, with Indian nationals constituting 38% of the UAE's total population.

Furthermore, Deel's analysis points to a growing global demand for Indian talent. Australia has seen the most significant increase in hiring Indian professionals, with a remarkable 724% growth year-over-year. The UK follows with a 142% increase, while the US has experienced a 139% rise in the hiring of Indian experts.