Countries across the globe are adopting an attitude of protectionism to safeguard its citizens, and showing less interest in giving jobs to outsiders. The US has brought more visa control, so has the UK, Australia and Singapore. This attitude is reflected in the Middle Eastern countries too. Different sectors are affected. The opportunities in the skilled worker category have come down. Since there has been an economic recession and the funding support has been cut down, companies are forced to scale down. The first employees asked to leave are from other countries.
Highly qualified professionals would still find opportunities — in IT sector, high end services like automation and analytics and Artificial Intelligence. It is those with just the basic degree, who are trying to find jobs in Gulf countries, that suffer. You may find that they prefer to accommodate people who finished the same courses in western countries, than graduates or post graduates who studied in India. So it is advisable for students to think of graduate programmes from abroad. I’d say they should do a value added programme and go.
I also want to say that potential employees should avoid going to overseas recruitment agencies that have not been recognised. Also, get agencies like NORKA, recognised by the ministry of external affairs, to verify the selection process.
(The writer is an educational and career consultant)
