India's Global Mobility and Trade Agreements

India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• Visa Quota: The FTA includes a provision for a special three-year visa dedicated to 5,000 Indian skilled professionals in sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and construction.
• Student Mobility: Includes rights for students to work 20 hours per week during studies and the possibility of post-study residency for up to three years for STEM and doctoral graduates.

Mobility in Trade Negotiations

• Key Partners: India is focusing on mobility provisions in trade negotiations with countries like the UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, UAE, and Oman.

India-South Korea Cooperation

• Seafarer Recruitment: Taking advantage of India's growing seafarer pool, South Korean shipowners are encouraged to recruit Indian seafarers.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement

• Demographic Challenges: Europe's ageing population has led to increased demand for healthcare services, prompting relaxed immigration policies for foreign-trained health professionals.
• Healthcare Workforce Shortage: Notable retirements expected with 33% of doctors and 25% of nurses in the EU set to retire in the next decade.
• Impact of Shortages: Shortages have had severe impacts, such as increased patient deaths in the UK due to insufficient nursing staff.

India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA)

• Ease of Mobility: Facilitates easier movement for professionals in IT, healthcare, finance, and education sectors.
• Financial Benefits: Double Contribution Convention expected to save Indian firms and workers over Rs 4,000 crore by eliminating dual social security contributions.

European Interest in Indian Students and Skilled Workers

• Case of Germany: Significant increase in Indian student enrollments and long-term visas, with Germany aiming to expand educational and employment opportunities.
• Language and Skill Development: Germany is expanding schools offering German language education in India.

India-Japan Human Resource Exchange

• Exchange Program: Agreement for the exchange of over 500,000 personnel between India and Japan over five years, focusing on skilled professionals.

India-Singapore Skilling Cooperation

• Centre of Excellence: Singapore is establishing a skills certification framework in Chennai to support mutual skilling interests.

Interest from Nordic Countries and Russia

• Attraction of Indian Talent: Countries like Sweden and Russia show interest in attracting Indian students and skilled workers, with Russia expanding cooperation agreements.

France and Israel's Demand for Indian Talent

• France: Plans to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030.
• Israel: Expressed need for more Indian workers.