Canada named most popular place in the world to move for work

According to a new report, despite changing immigration policy rules, Canada remains one of the most popular countries for job relocation.

Jobseeker, a job hunting and recruitment platform, used national and regional data to map out the trending places where people around the world are looking to work.

The website tracked job search trends across 30 countries with strong job markets and GDP, which were picked based on U.S. News & World Report’s research.

According to Jobseeker’s analysis, Canada was the most popular destination for job seekers looking for employment in other countries.

It was highly searched by those in Denmark, Indonesia and the U.K. Other countries that showed interest in relocating to Canada for work included Costa Rica, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

Jobseeker said Canada has taken a “pro-immigration stance through the Express Entry scheme to address the ageing population and labour demands.” It added that Canada remains an ideal place to relocate due to its “comparatively strong economy, healthcare system and diverse culture.”

Despite Jobseeker’s optimistic outlook on Canad’’s job market, it has shown stagnant growth.

According to the country’s latest Labour Force Survey, Canada’s employment rate fell by 0.1 per cent to 60.6 per cent, the sixth consecutive monthly decline. The unemployment rate remained steady at 6.5 per cent.

Economists at RBC say that Canada has “steadily posted job growth, but not fast enough to keep up with growth in the labour force as the population continues to rise rapidly.”

The federal government has also changed its approach to immigration, recently making dramatic cuts to its targets over the next few years.

Other breakout job destinations

Canada wasn’t the only country considered ideal for relocating for work. Jobseeker’s analysis found that Australia was the next most frequently selected country, with those from Denmark, Indonesia and the U.K. showing interest in moving there for career opportunities.

Switzerland and Japan were also popular choices, with Switzerland being a favoured search specifically for U.S. residents.

Chart from Jobseeker

Jobseeker noted that the Swiss market is competitive but there is a skills shortage in several sectors, like construction, retail and healthcare. Switzerland also provides opportunities for high earning potential and lower taxation.

Japan was a top destination searched by those in the U.K., Canada, India and the U.S.

The report highlights Japan’s “unique culture” as a draw for workers to relocate there. The country’s Working Holiday Visa makes it more accessible for foreigners to live and work remotely for short to mid-term periods.

Jobseeker said its findings show how the nature of work has changed, with many people viewing it as an opportunity to also experience life in a new city or country.

“What’s significant about the job market — something that wasn’t perhaps a consideration to previous generations — is that the growing global mindset cultivates more opportunities to relocate and travel than ever before,” concluded the report.