India Looks For New Destination For Skilled Professionals, Considering Trade Pact With This Country, Says Report

This would be the first pact under the G20 ‘Skills-based migration pathways’ framework. The framework was decided upon by member countries last year in New Delhi

India and Germany are all set to finalise an agreement between the countries next week. Media reports said that the agreement will focus on facilitating the movement of workers between the two nations and recognise skills.

Citing sources in the know, a report by Business Standard said that skilled professionals in India can easily be absorbed by the German industry via the agreement. This would be the first pact under the G20 ‘Skills-based migration pathways’ framework. The framework was decided upon by member countries last year in New Delhi.

As part of the framework, the top 20 economies globally recognised that integrated skill-based migration pathways can help create more employment opportunities for skilled workers across the world. The framework can also facilitate formalising the workforce and work to the benefit of both the countries of origin and destination.

The report quoted the sources familiar with the matter and said, “While India enjoys a demographic dividend and a future-ready skilled workforce, European countries, especially Germany, are grappling with a falling working-age population and a relatively untrained workforce in new and emerging technologies. This agreement will help the two countries in labour mobility and to recognise and certify each other’s skills and will also help the Indian workforce to move to non-traditional sectors of employment like teaching and nursing.” 

The source further noted that the agreement would focus on setting up a digital visa by 2024 end for eligible individuals. Germany will also set up job fairs in Indian educational institutions for smooth migration and absorption. “Courses will also be organised to bridge the language barrier. There will be collaboration on occupational safety and health and social security as well,” the source stated.

The pact will also help skilled Indian professionals migrate in a more smooth manner. Notably, the diplomatic relations between India and Canada stand at a new low, while the United States has recently witnessed an increase in anti-migrant sentiments.