December 14, 2021
International student numbers reach record highs in Canada, the UK and the US; New EU proposals could improve status of millions of gig economy workers
Today’s global news summary brings news from Canada, Europe and China, and discusses issues as diverse as attracting foreign students, gig work, and plummeting birth-rates.
- Canada, UK and the US: International student numbers reach record highs
- Europe: New EU proposals could improve status of millions of gig economy workers
- China: Birthrates are plummeting to a record low
Migration and ethnicity | Education and human capital
According to new research by the Mitchell Institute at Victoria University, a record number of international students are choosing to attend universities in Canada, the UK and the US, despite the pandemic. The Conversation also reports that countries such as Australia and New Zealand are still seeing a big drop in new international students. The findings from the report showed that “the first waves of the pandemic caused a large fall in new international students. But countries that have opened to international students have rebounded strongly.” Whilst the number of new students from China is still low compared to what they were pre-Covid-19, India and Nigeria are seeing new record levels of students choosing to study abroad. The study reveals the renewed emphasis and importance of attracting international students.
In his article Arnaud Chevalier highlights that international student mobility can be good for migrating students, their home country, the host country, and those remaining at home. “International student migration can foster economic growth in both home and host countries,” he writes in his article.
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New EU proposals could improve status of millions of gig economy workers
Labor markets and institutions
A new draft legislation from the EU for gig economy companies, such as Uber and Deliveroo, could ensure that their workers receive minimum wage, sick pay and holidays, amongst other employment rights. The initiative is also part of a plan to curb fake self-employment. “Publishing long-awaited draft legislation […], the European Commission said the burden of proof on employment status would shift to companies, rather than the individuals that work for them. Until now, gig economy workers have had to go to court to prove they are employees, or risk being denied basic rights,” The Guardian reports.
Paul Oyer has recognized that the gig economy serves as an alternative safety net for some workers in times of economic downturn. However, in his article he also notes: “policymakers should carefully construct laws and regulations that allow firms and workers to engage in employment relations that maximize efficiency.”
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China: Birthrates are plummeting to a record low
Demography, family, and gender
The Guardian has reported that “an editorial in a Chinese state-run news website has suggested Communist party members are obliged to have three children for the good of the country, as Beijing seeks to address plummeting birth-rates.” The editorial was first published last month but as a result of the wave of reaction, the original article has been removed from the website. The piece stated that every member of the ruling party “should shoulder the responsibility and obligation of” China’s population growth as well as consider the country’s three-child policy.”
IZA World of Labor author Wei Huang has looked into how the one child policy in China has impacted social and economic outcomes. Read his full article here.
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