Today's youth are more mobile than previous generations. The job market has no borders for them, and more young people are dreaming of a perfect life abroad. However, in a global economic crisis, are these major destinations still accessible?
Countries that inspire young aspiring expats
Contrary to the stereotype of lounging by the pool, young people are grounded in reality. Many saw their plans to move abroad canceled due to the Covid pandemic. They are aware that the current situation doesn't necessarily favor them. Despite labor shortages in numerous sectors, many countries are tightening immigration controls. Nonetheless, buoyed by others' successes, young people still hope for a better future abroad, ideally in the United States, Canada, or Australia.
These three countries are the dream destinations for many young people worldwide. They are students looking for universities or internships abroad, young professionals seeking international careers, or job seekers applying globally. They all hope their dreams will come true. Not only do these countries attract the youth, but they also appeal to many other potential expats. These three countries regularly stand out as top destinations for expats due to their steady growth (with Canada showing slight signs of slowing down), significant labor shortages in several sectors, and low unemployment rates.
Other attractive countries for the youth
Beyond the top three expat destinations, young people also dream of living in Germany, Japan, or South Korea. Germany is becoming increasingly popular among students, positioning itself as a welcoming land for international students. Its immigration reforms aim to reduce bureaucracy and simplify procedures, making it more affordable than Canada, the US, and Australia. However, Germany still struggles to retain foreign talent.
Japan and South Korea face similar challenges for different reasons. Japanese and Korean pop cultures have a global appeal, attracting more young people to these countries. However, fewer seek long-term immigration due to challenges in securing stable employment and concerns about demanding work cultures.
While Japan, South Korea, and Germany are gaining popularity, they don't compare to the enduring appeal of the United States, Canada, and Australia. These countries maintain a positive image as historical immigration lands, with the "American dream" still alive among young foreigners. However, immigration to these countries is challenging, with recent reforms tightening entry conditions (Australia) or introducing caps (Canada).
Different destinations for different nationalities
The top destinations like the US, Canada, and Australia, along with rising stars like Japan, South Korea, and Germany, appeal to many young people globally. Additionally, certain nationalities have specific preferred destinations.
British and American Youth
Young Britons still dream of the good life in France. Many haven't accepted Brexit's impact on expatriation. France ranks in their top 10 destinations, alongside Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Italy. American youth, on the other hand, consider the UK, Singapore, and Switzerland, with Ireland and Italy also making the top 10. Both groups favor English-speaking countries.
Italians
Italy continues to lose its young talent, especially graduates, to other European countries like France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, the UK, and Belgium. This "brain drain" has worried the government for years but remains unresolved. Young Italians feel undervalued by their government and see moving abroad as the best way to secure their future.
Japanese
Young Japanese also dream of living elsewhere, rejecting their parents' harsh work conditions. The long hours and stagnant salaries stifle their aspirations. Young Japanese professionals look to South Korea (despite its own work culture issues), Taiwan, or Australia.
Moroccans
Better career prospects abroad drive young Moroccans to consider living abroad, especially in Spain, Canada, or the UAE. This brain drain has troubled the government for years, yet the trend persists.
Chinese
In China, the trend is known as "running from China." Accelerated by the strict "zero Covid" policy, this movement reflects a generation in distress. Leaving is seen as the only way to live freely, with youth unemployment over 21% as of June 2023. Young Chinese, too, dream of moving to Canada, the US, and Australia—the top three destinations for young people globally.
Canadians
Young Canadians eye the US, Australia, and the UK, with New Zealand and Ireland also popular. Most of them prefer to live in English-speaking countries.
Are major expat destinations still accessible to young people?
As long as immigration programs exist, major expat destinations remain accessible—provided one has patience and the right qualifications. More than ever, these countries seek skilled foreigners. Canada, the US, and Australia prioritize young professionals and students in their economic immigration policies. Faced with a growing housing crisis, these nations prefer highly qualified professionals, potentially dampening the hopes of many young people who don't meet these criteria.
For greater chances of finding new opportunities, it's advisable to study in today's most sought-after fields. Language proficiency and having the relevant degrees will also be in your favor. The competition is tough, and waiting times can be quite discouraging. While countries that are gaining popularity hope to attract young expats, whether they can retain them remains to be seen.
