> European countries are generally more protectionist about working class jobs than professional jobs. If you have the education, skills, and experience, they assume that your presence would be good for the economy.
Yet somehow I've met barbers, janitors and vagrants who brag about tossing their passports on the way to the EU, while my Vietnamese neighbors (a practicing doctor couple in Vietnam), or American and Australian friends, found it extremely difficult to maintain their residency through legal routes, due to some non-issue. Some of them actually went to Dubai and Singapore, while the doctors ended up practicing in Switzerland instead.
People seeking asylum generally get work permits, but they are only ~15% of immigrants. Doctors and other legally protected professions are always difficult for an immigrant, as their professional organizations are suspicious of the standards of education in foreign countries.
I'm not saying that work-based immigration to the EU is easy. I'm only saying that the obstacles are not nearly as bad as in the US.
a.) You do realize that 15% is an insanely high proportion? For reference, the equivalent US number is 3.5% (excluding the current climate).
b.) Yes, it's insanely difficult, that's why the government should be making it EASIER for them to migrate, not flood with more paperwork. For instance, the UAE and Qatar have a Golden Visa programme that, upon verification of credentials by a govt-authorized background check company , grants a 10 year visa to doctors, high earners and uniquely skilled talents. Even nurses and pharmacists benefit from the programme and get the visa easily. The govt takes the effort to conduct the background check, instead of making them try to find employment first before coming to the country.
c.) My anecdotes were about clear and blatant, no regrets immigration FRAUD.
Yet somehow I've met barbers, janitors and vagrants who brag about tossing their passports on the way to the EU, while my Vietnamese neighbors (a practicing doctor couple in Vietnam), or American and Australian friends, found it extremely difficult to maintain their residency through legal routes, due to some non-issue. Some of them actually went to Dubai and Singapore, while the doctors ended up practicing in Switzerland instead.