Mr. Jain recently authored an article in the Economic Times India, where he discusses the latest immigration targets and the current challenges the country is facing due to housing shortages and public concerns about immigration.
In his article, Mr. Jain explains that although the overall targets for 2024 and 2025 remain consistent, the flat target for 2026, at 500,000, suggests a need for comprehensive assessment. He emphasizes that the targets encompass only permanent residents, leaving a significant number of temporary residents unaccounted for, exacerbating the ongoing housing crisis.
In light of public discontent over the housing shortage, the Immigration Minister recognizes the need to address labour shortages by targeting occupations such as construction workers and healthcare providers. However, public support for immigration has decreased, partly due to newcomers being blamed for the housing crisis.
Mr. Jain highlights various reforms, including targeted draws for specific occupations, efforts to bring in more French-speaking immigrants, and the plan to make a pilot program for rural immigration permanent.
He concludes by emphasizing the importance of transparency in disclosing the cost of living and housing scarcity and encouraging prospective immigrants to seek guidance from trustworthy institutions and legal professionals.