Nearly 80% of business executives who responded to a newly released study stated that foreign workers have helped fill staffing needs and added that their practice of hiring foreign workers has remained steady, even during the recession.
The study, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, has shown that immigration has a positive impact on both business and a country’s economy. It has also revealed that foreign workers give businesses competitive advantages by enhancing the skills of the workforce and providing businesses with global market insights.
“The results clearly indicate a belief that foreign workers are seen as a critical component of a workforce that includes predominantly domestic workers, complemented by foreign workers,” stated the report.
Respondents stated, however, that they face tough challenges when hiring foreign workers, especially when it comes to linguistic and cultural barriers, as well as visa processing times dragging along for too long. Over a quarter of business people who responded said that regulations make it difficult to hire enough foreign workers, a situation that the report is urging policymakers to address.
"The challenge for policy makers will be to address these business needs by developing flexible immigration policies that minimise barriers to mobility," added the report.
