India's Dominance in Global Visa Programs: A Comprehensive Overview
India's Leading Role in Global Visa Programs
Representational Image
New Delhi, June 11: A recent report reveals that India is a frontrunner in several significant visa programs, ranking as the top source for US H‑1B visas, second for UK Skilled Worker visas, and also second for EU Blue Cards.
India is a key player in the global skilled visa landscape, benefiting from evolving migration trends where employers are willing to pay higher salaries for rare talent instead of focusing solely on cost reduction, according to findings from workforce management firm Deel.
Indians also dominate the UAE's Golden Visa and standard employment visa categories, making up 38% of the UAE's total population.
The report, which analyzed data from over 40,000 companies across more than 150 nations, indicates that visa holders typically earn more than local employees in similar positions, highlighting that the global hiring trend is driven by skill shortages rather than wage differences.
In the US, H‑1B visa holders earn a median salary of $100,000, compared to $87,000 for local citizens in equivalent roles. In the UK, Skilled Worker visa holders earn £96,000, while UK nationals earn £87,000. In the UAE, Golden Visa holders receive 605,000 AED, compared to 459,000 AED for standard visa holders.
Australia has seen the most significant increase in hiring Indian talent on Deel’s platform, with a remarkable 724% growth year-over-year, followed by the UK at 142% and the US at 139%.
The UAE continues to be the preferred destination for Indian professionals, followed by Singapore, the UK, the US, and Canada.
The report emphasizes the rising global demand for Indian tech professionals, especially in fields like engineering, software development, AI, and digital services.
Germany's Opportunity Card initiative, aimed at attracting skilled non-EU workers without a prior job offer, has already granted nearly one-third of its permits to Indian nationals.
“Talent is diversifying its destinations rather than being concentrated in a few traditional markets,” stated Lauren Thomas, an economist at Deel.
The report suggests that India might be entering a new era where it attracts globally trained professionals back home as local job opportunities expand.