Engaging with Employers in Skills Mobility Partnerships

This OECD–Business Advisory Group report synthesises findings from two 2023 employer-focused webinars on Skills Mobility Partnerships (SMPs) and presents evidence on why employer engagement is critical for demand-driven migration systems. It explains that employers face major shortages—illustrated by the “vacancy gap” figures on page 4—and that traditional recruitment pathways do not match emerging skill needs. Pages 7–14 summarise survey results (e.g., only 1 in 10 employers can recruit internationally without difficulty; over half prioritise “getting the right skills” even if costs and waiting times increase). The report outlines employer expectations: clearer migration channels, trusted skills assessment, quality-assured training in origin countries, predictable visa processing and better recognition of qualifications. The final section proposes eight actions to strengthen employer involvement, including early engagement, sectoral needs mapping, co-funded training, and regular dialogue platforms.