The rise of India as an increasingly important economic and strategic
partner brings a range of potential benefits to the European Union.
However, many of its Member States are ´missing the boat´ when it comes
to exploiting the full potential of Indian migration to the EU. Indian
migration to Europe has a long history. These early Indian migrants
settled successfully into their respective countries, and many have
played leading roles in contributing to EU national economies. The
current migration situation is more diverse, in large part because India
is still not viewed as an important migration source country.
Yet, as
this report highlights, India constitutes the fourth largest country of
origin for migration to the EU. The Indian student market is the second
largest in the world after China´s, and represents great potential for
European universities seeking to internationalise their student intake.
Highly skilled workers from India, particularly from the IT industry,
have made Indian nationals the largest recipient of highly skilled visas
in Germany and the Netherlands. Among low-skilled workers, there are
also success stories to be told. Contrary to the common migration myth
that low-skilled workers are not needed, and even worse, steal jobs from
native citizens, this report shows how low-skilled workers from India
have successfully integrated into local economies without threatening
local jobs. Finally, this report on Indian migration to the EU provides a
roadmap for future strategic directions for the India-EU relationship.
Given the growing importance of EU-India relations, it is vital that
migration issues are also on the table. With political will, finding
migration solutions that satisfy both India and the EU can hopefully be
negotiated over the next five years.
http://www.india-eu-migration.eu/publications/?utm_source=MPC+Newsletter&utm_campaign=22862c2d1c-MPC_CARIM_India_Final_Scientific_Report_5_8_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5739ea1f8b-22862c2d1c-73568189#finalindia
