New Trends in Overseas Talent Mobility: In-Depth Analysis of Visa and Employment Policies in the Web3 Industry

"New Dilemmas of Old Problems"

At the ETHGlobal hackathon on Wednesday afternoon, I witnessed a scene both familiar and strange: 20 developers from around the world sat around a table debugging code while frequently checking visa progress bars on their phones—the global employment market is experiencing a silent tsunami.

To be honest, this scene reminded me of my early days in the Web3 industry a decade ago. Back then, we discussed how to use Ethereum wallets to access server rooms; now, the first thing people check before opening their laptops is "Has my work visa been approved?"

Survival Strategies During the Visa Winter

During the recent Web3 Asia Summit in Tokyo, I noticed an interesting trend: nearly all multinational blockchain companies now include "Valid work visa holders preferred" on their recruitment posters—something unimaginable five years ago.

Actually...this issue is far more complex than it appears. When facing the triple whammy of cryptocurrency policy volatility, global inflation pressures, and tightening immigration policies, the entire Web3 talent ecosystem is undergoing unprecedented restructuring.

USA: The Ripple Effects of Tightening Tech Immigration Policies

Lately, I've been asked most frequently about U.S. visas. At a crypto dinner in San Francisco last week, I discussed this with Chainlink developers and realized even seasoned Web3 veterans in Silicon Valley are worried.

Real Case: Coinbase's hiring manager told me their North American job openings dropped 40% year-over-year, mainly due to two factors: insufficient local tech talent pools + prolonged visa processing times.

1. American Immigration Lawyers Association data shows: 2022 H-1B visa approval rates fell from 76% to 62%, with tech roles hit hardest.
2. A recent California court ruling requires embassies to reassess all OPT applications for advanced-degree students.
3. A key reason behind the NFT studio shutdown wave is core teams facing visa renewal challenges.

By the way...I saw intriguing data in Tokyo: Japan became the third-largest destination for Web3 immigration (after Singapore), largely due to its "Digital Nomad" program granting residency without physical presence requirements.

EU Digital Nomad Policies: Opportunities and Challenges

A Web3 startup camp in Berlin on Tuesday made me reconsider the EU's appeal. While Brexit created new "UK-EU digital corridors," Germany and France maintain uncertain crypto regulations.

EU citizens enjoy unique advantages—"digital nomad" status allows working/residing in any member state. But for non-EU developers, this becomes another barrier: if you neither speak German nor understand Dutch "Startup visa" requirements...frankly, adaptation costs rise.

Pitfall Guide: These European Countries Better Suit Web3 Talent

• Ireland: Despite language barriers, its "European Gateway" status and tax policies make it a key transit hub.
• Spain: Barcelona's vibrant crypto community offers moderate living costs and streamlined tech visa channels.
• Iceland: This overlooked nation developed unique talent ecosystems through projects like Dash Foundation.

Returning from Iceland yesterday, I met a StarkNet developer securing work permits at a Reykjavik café—their Indian CEO holds Icelandic citizenship. Such transnational combinations grow increasingly common.

Asia-Pacific's New Rules

At Thursday's Token2049, I noticed Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong emerging as new Web3 talent magnets. Interestingly, competition now extends beyond traditional salary benchmarks.

MyJob Report Data shows: Q3 2023 Singapore Web3 salaries averaged $15,000 pre-tax (up 18% YoY), with Layer2 development and smart contract auditing roles seeing sharper increases.

Don't be fooled by numbers—Singapore's tech immigration policies grew more complex! The new "PSD Program" requires digital skills certification and minimum one-year relevant experience.

In Bangkok, I observed more Web3 startups hiring freelancers for project-based work permits—this flexible model reshapes regional talent flows.

Strategies: New Mindsets for Job Seekers

Hmm...this might be sensitive. But securing ideal jobs proves harder than five years ago. Career positioning adjustments may help:

• Short-term: Shift focus from "HQ positions" to regional offices/partner agencies (e.g., working Dubai projects from Singapore).
• Mid-term: Become multidisciplinary—master technical development, project management, and compliance consulting.
• Long-term: Build personal brands as international passports (showcase projects via GitHub/Medium).

This sparked lively debate at a Tokyo talk. An Indian developer remarked: "Now we're not just job seekers but 'visa investment migrants'—every project requires cost-benefit calculations."

MyJob.one's Unique Edge

A gentle reminder: MyJob.one">MyJob.one isn't just a job board—our database covers 800+ crypto projects worldwide, offering customized visa strategies based on skillsets and target countries.

Our new "Global Work Calendar" feature compares tech salaries, VAT policies, and labor regulations across nations—helping you avoid legal pitfalls.

Industry Outlook & Personal Advice

At a Shibuya café Wednesday, I noticed young developers choosing hometown startups over Western relocation—leveraging digital nomad status to bypass visa complexities while enjoying lifestyle benefits.

Key Insight: As global regulations tighten and tech bubbles accelerate, Web3 talent mobility may underperform expectations—creating opportunities for developers willing to establish regional roots.

Finally, a story: Solana's founder remarked last week in San Francisco: "We seek polymaths balancing innovation with compliance—today's rarest skill combination."

As rain patters outside, I recall my VPN-fueled excitement connecting overseas servers ten years ago. Technological frontiers keep expanding—talent flows will forge new paths. Only now, the journey grows longer and more promising.