The Asia Immigration Paradox Part 2: Competing for Global Talent

As explored in Part One of this blog series, immigration policies across Asia present a paradox. On one hand, many countries are easing travel requirements to attract business visitors and tourists, yet at the same time, work permit regulations are becoming more restrictive in efforts to protect local jobs. Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines have all tightened employment-based immigration policies, adding labor market testing and stricter eligibility requirements.

Despite these protectionist measures, governments across the region also recognize the critical need for global talent, particularly in sectors facing skill shortages. As a result, new visa programs have emerged, aimed at attracting highly skilled professionals and digital nomads.

This installment explores the competing strategies countries are using to bring in top-tier talent, including specialised visas for high-income earners, skilled professionals and remote workers. While some programmes are proving successful, others face challenges due to shifting global trends and rigid eligibility requirements.

Attracting Top-Tier Foreign Talent

While many countries in Asia are tightening employment-based immigration, governments also recognise the need for highly skilled foreign professionals. However, entry requirements remain strict, with programmes designed to attract only exceptional talent.

Singapore’s Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass, a personalised work pass for top professionals, is a prime example. Despite requiring a minimum monthly salary of S$30,000, more than 3,000 ONE Passes were issued last year, demonstrating continued demand for high-caliber talent. The five-year validity and renewability of this visa make it an attractive option for top-tier professionals.

Japan, facing an aging population and labour shortages, has introduced two new visas:

• • • J-Skip Visa – An extension of the Highly Skilled Professional visa, targeting experienced professionals with postgraduate education and high salaries. Benefits include fast-tracked permanent residency and full-time work authorisation for spouses.
    • J-Find Visa – Designed for recent graduates, allowing them to stay in Japan to job-hunt, start a business, or engage in remunerative activities. This initiative aims to retain young, highly skilled talent in response to Japan’s demographic challenges.

Thailand has also launched a Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, offering up to 10 years of validity for highly skilled professionals working for established companies. It includes perks like a digital work permit, fast-track airport services and relaxed work ratio requirements. However, stringent eligibility criteria have limited its adoption—only about 6,500 applications have been filed in two and a half years, far below the initial target of one million applicants over five years.

Hong Kong has taken a more aggressive approach with its Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), introduced in 2022 to counter the decline in foreign professionals post-pandemic. The program targets high-income earners and graduates from top universities, with more than 76,000 visas issued to date. Authorities are now refining the scheme to focus on attracting “top-notch” talent.

Digital Nomad Visas: Too Little, Too Late?

The rise of remote work has prompted some Asian nations to launch digital nomad visas. Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa allows five-year multiple entry with stays of up to 360 days per visit, though holders cannot work for Thai companies.

Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have introduced similar digital nomad visas, but with shorter durations and stricter conditions. While these programmes aim to attract mobile professionals, global interest in digital nomad visas has declined.

Additionally, the increasingly relaxed business travel and tourist visa rules in many Asian countries make the cumbersome application process for digital nomad visas less appealing. As a result, many remote workers bypass these official pathways, creating compliance risks for companies and governments alike.

The Future of Immigration in Asia

The competition for talent in Asia is evolving, with governments balancing economic priorities with labor protection measures. While digital nomad visas and talent attraction programs signal a shift toward openness, rising protectionist policies create hurdles for companies looking to hire foreign professionals.

With immigration rules continuing to shift, staying informed on policy changes and compliance risks is essential for businesses and professionals navigating the region. More targeted initiatives are expected in the future, as countries refine their immigration strategies to remain globally competitive while addressing local workforce concerns.

Need to Know More?

For questions regarding Asia evolving immigration landscape, please contact APAC Regional Managing Partner Mark Buchanan at [email protected].

This blog was published on 8 April 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.