Global biz leaders look for relaxed immigration norms

Global business leaders are hoping for relaxed immigration regulations to help bring in more skilled foreign workers, who want to capitalise on the opportunities provided by a rebounding economy, says a survey.

According to a survey conducted by Economist Intelligence Unit on behalf of Western Union, Asia Pacific and global business leaders believe that international workers continue to be good for business and the economy, despite reports of growing protectionist and nationalistic sentiment prompted by the global recession.

"Business executives are looking for fewer barriers to migration. Yet, despite challenges in hiring foreign workers, a limited number of businesses have publicly advocated for their government to relax immigration laws," the survey said.

Nearly six out of 10 corporate executives in India said international workers have a positive impact on the economy, while 58 per cent of them agree that international workers give their company a competitive advantage.

The online survey was conducted on 501 executives in September 2009 across sectors, including financial services, manufacturing, information technology and professional services.

Three out of four business leaders based out of Asia Pacific and about 76 per cent worldwide say that international workers have a positive impact on the economy.

Besides, 70 per cent business leaders in Asia Pacific and 71 per cent of them globally say that foreign workers provide their businesses with competitive advantages.

"While economic insecurity is putting politicians under pressure to protect jobs for locals, it is clear that business leaders still see an open economy with economic migration as essential to drive recovery," Western Union Company Managing Director (South and South East Asia) Anil Kapur said.

The report found that in Asia Pacific, only 22 per cent respondents have asked, or planned to ask, their government for more open immigration employment laws, while worldwide, only 15 per cent of executives say they have asked for such laws.

"While businesses clearly see the benefits of an open labor market, very few are actually involved in advocating publicly for it," Kapur said.

According to a report by United Nations Development Programme, the international mobile workforce represents more than 200 million people. The research findings indicate that when economic recovery gains momentum, businesses will seek more international employees.

The survey said 79 per cent business leaders in Asia Pacific and 81 per cent globally believe that international workers enhance the skills and talent of their workforce. Besides, more than one third of the respondents said they hire international workers because it makes economic sense.