Jaishankar Warns US and Europe on Immigration Restrictions Impact

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar voiced concerns on Wednesday regarding the potential negative impact of stringent immigration policies in Western nations, particularly the United States and various European countries. He cautioned that such measures could result in these countries becoming 'net losers' in the long run.

Speaking during an interactive session focused on mobility, Jaishankar's comments arrive in the context of heightened scrutiny over proposed changes to the H-1B visa programme in the United States. This move follows the stricter immigration regulations implemented during the previous Trump administration, which have raised concerns among stakeholders in the tech and skilled labour sectors.

Jaishankar asserted that the ongoing challenges faced by these nations are not directly attributable to the influx of foreign talent. He stated, "The actual crisis has nothing to do with the mobility of the incoming workforce." Instead, he attributed the difficulties to policy choices made by Western governments over the past two decades.

The minister elaborated, saying, "If there are concerns, let us say, in the United States or in Europe, it is because they very consciously and deliberately, over the last two decades, allowed their businesses to relocate. It was their choice and strategy. They have to find ways of fixing it, and many of them are."

Jaishankar underscored the importance of recognising the mutual benefits derived from allowing skilled professionals to move freely across borders. He noted that excessive restrictions would ultimately be counterproductive, stating, "They would be net losers if they actually erected too many roadblocks to the flow of talent."

Looking towards the future, the External Affairs Minister highlighted the growing demand for specialised skills as economies transition towards advanced manufacturing processes. He remarked, "As we move into an era of advanced manufacturing, we will need more talent, not less, and talent cannot be developed organically at a high rate. There is a certain structural impediment out there. In their own societies, you can see the tension."

Jaishankar concluded with the notion that Western nations may eventually reach a pragmatic understanding regarding immigration policies, suggesting that, "They will probably reach some modest vivendi there."

This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions about labour shortages and the necessity for skilled workers in various industries, which many experts believe are critical for maintaining economic growth in an increasingly globalised world.