SKILLED MIGRATION
The foreign student cash cow is running dry as US, UK & others tighten visa rules
As major study destinations tighten visa and migration rules, universities in the UK, Canada, Australia and parts of the US are facing pressure from weaker international enrolments and lower fee income, particularly in postgraduate programmes. The impact is uneven, but institutions heavily dependent on overseas students risk deficits, restructuring and cuts as visa restrictions expose how closely their finances have become tied to international tuition.
Ireland citizenship applications surge 236% as proposed tougher rules trigger rush
Applications for Irish citizenship surged by 236 per cent in September after the government announced plans to tighten naturalisation requirements. The country received 8,765 applications during the month, compared with 2,611 in August, as migrants rushed to apply before proposed changes take effect.
India's ageing population calls for a new social contract on elderly care
Rohini Nilekani, chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, discusses how India's ageing population is straining the traditional family-led care model and calls for a new social contract involving communities, the state and the market, along with technology and public infrastructure to enable dignified ageing.
Why did you come back? The Indian dream beyond India's borders
The trend of Indian emigration continues, driven by aspirations for better opportunities abroad. Despite improvements in India, many individuals still seek to leave the country. Historical patterns of migration are linked to economic conditions and personal ambitions. The allure of the United States remains significant for many professionals. However, immigration policies may restrict future movement and opportunities for those seeking success.
Care comes at a cost: India's ageing population exposes a broken caregiving system
India's rapidly ageing population is driving demand for caregivers, but the sector faces a shortage of trained workers, low wages, poor working conditions and uneven recruitment standards. High costs burden families, while inadequate training and job security undermine care quality. Experts call for professional recognition, better pay and structured training.
Lithuania changes residence permit rules, creating fresh hurdles for Indian workers and students
In a move to tighten immigration control, Lithuania has established new residence permit rules that pose challenges for foreign nationals, especially from India. This shift affects Indian workers and students looking for work or study opportunities within the country. Particular visa types will now encounter more scrutiny, necessitating that employers assess the eligibility of candidates accurately.
U.S. and Japanese Companies Struggle with Different Parts of AI Adoption—and Offer Different Lessons for Making It Work
Companies in both the U.S. and Japan are struggling to deploy AI, but often in very different ways. In the U.S., deployment is wide but shallow, meaning companies struggle to create real value with AI. In Japan, deployment has moved slowly, but where it has happened, it’s often deep and fruitful. Understanding what’s happening in both contexts offers important lessons for companies trying to develop an AI strategy and demonstrate ROI on their AI investments.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood scraps 15-year settlement wait for migrant care workers earning £25,000
The UK government has revised its immigration settlement rules, particularly for foreign care workers. Eligible care workers can now qualify for permanent residency after five years instead of 15. In addition, changes will extend the standard settlement period for most migrants from five to ten years. Stricter eligibility conditions are also being introduced for all applicants and refugees.
US Midterm elections 2026: The Indian American vote may be small, but the political weight isn’t
As we approach the 2026 midterm elections, the influence of Indian Americans on electoral decisions could be significant. A striking 66 per cent favour Democratic candidates, while just 19 per cent support Republicans. Their economic presence is marked, contributing 6 per cent of total US income tax revenues, although they constitute only 1.5 per cent of the populace.
US Midterm Elections 2026: Could the SMARTER Act change how Indians get US Green Cards?
With the upcoming midterm elections, a new immigration proposal in Congress could reshape the future of green cards and family sponsorship, especially for Indian professionals. The SMARTER Act aims to introduce a points-based system, eliminate country-based visa limits, and restrict family immigration to closer relatives, but its success hinges on the election outcomes.
UK Budget 2026: Skilled Worker salary thresholds, Graduate visa and HPI route changes signal new immigration direction
In its 2026 Budget, the UK Government has unveiled pivotal changes to immigration policies with a focus on driving economic growth and increasing productivity. Key updates include an adjustment to salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker visa and an expansion of the High Potential Individual visa pathway. Additionally, the two-year Graduate visa for international students will continue, emphasizing the importance of skilled migration in the country’s economic strategy.
Jaishankar's Atlanta diplomacy: Quad meeting and several bilaterals on G20 sidelines
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has a busy schedule during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta. He is expected to engage in discussions with multiple foreign ministers on trade, defense, and energy. Meetings with Canada and Brazil are crucial for redefining relationships and securing resources. Jaishankar will also address India's partnerships with European and East Asian nations.
US trade deal will protect all sensitive Indian interests, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India’s trade deal with the US would protect sensitive interests, including those of farmers, and give the country a competitive advantage. He criticised opposition parties for questioning the agreement before its details were released, while defending India’s trade strategy and its decision to stay out of RCEP.
Australia's new biometric rule for Indian visa applicants: Who will have to comply? High Commission clarifies
Australian High Commission in India has exclusively mentioned that Australia’s expanded biometric requirements will cover most temporary and permanent visa applicants in India, including visitor, student, skilled-worker and permanent-migration applicants, while the requirement will be determined by individual circumstances; Indian officials travelling on official business are exempt.
US midterms 2026: Where Indian-American candidates stand on immigration
As the 2026 midterm elections draw near, Indian-American candidates are stepping into the intricate sphere of immigration discussions within the U.S. The different positions taken by these candidates shed light on pressing concerns for Indian professionals, addressing everything from stringent border policies to frustrating green card delays.
SuiteWorld 26: NetSuite unveils new AI tools to boost efficiency for small businesses
Oracle NetSuite has introduced SuiteExpress and SuiteSkills to transform business operations..
From deportations to million-dollar visas: The two sides of Donald Trump's immigration policy and who gets to live in America
Trump's administration has intensified deportations while restricting immigration paths for skilled workers. The Gold Card program offers wealthy individuals a streamlined path to US residency. Meanwhile, the H-1B visa application process has seen a significant drop in registrations. Refugee admissions have decreased dramatically compared to previous years, raising concerns for many migrants. Overall, immigration policies reflect a stark contrast between enforcement and opportunities for affluent applicants.
Want to work in Japan? Skills, language tests and job routes Indians should know about
Indians can explore job opportunities in Japan through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, nursing care and food services. Applicants generally need to pass a Japanese language test and an occupation-specific skills examination. Here is how to understand the visa routes, find legitimate employers, estimate living costs and avoid recruitment scams.
UP village to Lakmé Fashion Week: Women from Biskohar turn a weed that chokes ponds and lakes into handmade fashion creations for runway
Women in Biskohar, Uttar Pradesh, are turning invasive water hyacinth into handcrafted products, with designer Anurag Gupta showcasing their work at Lakmé Fashion Week. The initiative aims to create livelihood opportunities for marginalised women, but sustained demand, fair payment and regular orders will determine whether the craft can provide dependable income.
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