Italy's Immigration Policy Shift
On November 23, 2024, the Italian government announced plans to recruit 10,000 nurses from India to address a significant labor shortage in the healthcare sector. This initiative is part of a broader effort to hire a total of 452,000 foreign workers by 2025. Despite the government's previous anti-immigrant rhetoric, the need for foreign labor has prompted a policy shift.
Netherlands' Stance on Skilled Migrants
The Dutch government, led by the far-right Freedom Party, is reconsidering its immigration policies in light of labor demands. Companies like ASML, a major semiconductor manufacturer, emphasize the importance of attracting talent from abroad, advocating for less restrictive migration policies.
Germany's Opportunity Card Initiative
Germany is set to issue 200,000 visas for qualified workers this year, a 10% increase from the previous year. The new 'Opportunity Card' allows workers from outside the EU to enter Germany and seek employment, reflecting the country's ongoing labor shortages in key sectors.
U.S. Treasury Investigates JPMorgan
In a separate development, the U.S. Treasury is investigating JPMorgan's connections with Ocean Leonid Investments, linked to Hussein Shamkhani, a figure associated with Iran's security establishment. The inquiry focuses on compliance with banking regulations and the bank's dealings with the investment fund, which has reportedly gained influence in the global energy market.