> This is also a golden moment for EU and other countries to say “come here instead” and make that process as smooth as possible

It's walking on egg shells in other countries as well - either requiring upfront cash in the $30-50k range as proof of funds, or limited ability to convert into residency or a work visa.

More fundamentally, at least in STEM the cream of the crop of a lot of countries doesn't really immigrate to settle anymore because domestic options can pay comparable or higher than those in the EU or the Commonwealth. At best they will study abroad for grad school at a top program, work for a couple years, and then return to the old country because of family commitments and upward growth potential.

This trend already began among Koreans in the 2000s, Chinese in the 2010s, and now among Indians as well.

The EU might have had a chance attracting top talent from MENA, but xenophobia and low salaries+high taxes made UAE and KSA more enticing (German level salaries for white collar work, no taxes, and easier to blend in).