Asian Immigration to the European Union, United States and Canada: An Initial Comparison

Abstract

Immigration from Asia has been an important element of the migratory picture in both Europe and North America for years. In particular, some of the most skilled migrants originate from Asia, but also some of the most deprived and vulnerable. Immigration policies of the developed countries have been trying to woo the highly skilled migrants for some time, which becomes increasingly difficult in the light of growing intra-Asian opportunities and notable returns to China and India in particular. The article provides an initial snapshot of evidence on the diversity of migrant population in the EU and North America from the main Asian sending countries in terms of demographics, skill level, purpose of entry and labour market outcomes. This data is analyzed against the key characteristics of the national and regional policy frameworks to draw some initial policy considerations.