Canada has become the preferred choice for immigrants, per the latest survey by Gallup. This latest survey reveals that after the U.S.A, Canada is the second most preferred destination for aspiring immigrants.
Surprisingly, Gallup released the data for the first time since 2018. According to the 2021 survey, around 900 million people wished to immigrate to a different country permanently if they had a choice. This figure is so far the highest ever since Gallup began with the surveys in 2011.
Overall, the number of people who wished to settle permanently in a different country increased from 12 percent to 16 percent between 2011 and 2021.
However, countries within the European Union and East Asia reflected a decline in the number of individuals wanting to leave their home countries.
The data further reflects that the pandemic didn’t negatively influence people’s decision to immigrate to other countries. The standard levels of immigration post the pandemic recovery indicate the above fact. Moreover, in 2021 and 2022, overall international immigration surpassed one million residents in the U.S.
Canada has become the preferred choice for immigrants
The past five years witnessed a shift in the mindset of people as they began to see Canada as a potential destination for immigration. In 2021, nearly 8 percent of respondents claimed they would choose Canada over the United States. Moreover, this pattern became more visible in 2017 when Donald Trump entered. His idea of anti-immigration didn’t go down well with several people, so they decided to move out of the U.S. Consequently, around 8 percent of people wished to look elsewhere to settle, and their first choice was Canada. This meant a five percent increase since 2011. Also, individuals who chose the U.S. declined from 22 percent to 18 percent during the same period.
Although the percentage is just 8 percent, Canada has become the most likable immigration destination for newcomers. Contrarily, other places lie between 3 to 7 percent, including Spain, the U.K., Australia, Germany, France, and Japan.
Additionally, Sierra Leone comprises the maximum percentage of people who want to become immigrants. This implies that around 76 percent of respondents would instead leave the country. On the other hand, Lebanon consisted of 63 percent of such people, while Afghanistan had 53 percent of them.
Interestingly, most people who preferred to relocate to another country permanently were from Latin America and the Caribbean. As a result, it showed an increase of 19 percent between 2011 and 2021.
Also, respondents residing in Ecuador, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic would leave if they had a choice. This accounts for 45 percent of people.
However, one must understand the difference between respondents who wished to immigrate and those who migrated. This is because several people are unable to immigrate due to their circumstances. These factors could include a lack of appropriate job opportunities, financial constraints, and family situations.
Canada will likely embrace more immigrants
Canada has publicly advertised its higher immigration levels, which is a potential factor behind people choosing to immigrate here. Additionally, reduced birth rates and an aging workforce have also caused a messy situation. Hence, Canada is in ardent need to combat the severe labor shortages.
Moreover, without Canadian immigration, the country will likely fail to gather the required tax base. Therefore, it will be unable to maintain social services, such as education and healthcare.
Every year, Canada decides and declares its Immigration Levels Plan to welcome a specific number of permanent residents under specific immigration paths.
Besides this, Canada received more than 437,000 permanent residents. As a result, Canada fixed a higher target of welcoming at least 465,000 permanent residents in 2023 and around 500,000 by 2025.
Overall, Canada will require to invite more immigrants and expedite the application process.
