Conclusion
Given India’s strategic position as a major country of origin for migrant workers, and the foreseeable labour market requirements in the EU, there is a need for a closer inspection of policy initiatives on migration that could yield benefits to both India and the EU. International migration flows between India and Europe in the past have been dependent on the quality and strength of the political and economic engagement. The EU is unable to attract the best talent from India compared to its competitors at present. There is need for a collective approach in showcasing the EU as a destination market for Indian workers. The main challenge in this regard is to enhance EU presence in India through outreach and building of networks among academia, think tanks and the media. Student mobility needs to be given greater thrust; initiatives are needed across many important sectors including IT, healthcare, science and technology, and research and development. Advocacy groups need to be formed to protect the synergy of talent between India and the EU, and to enhance future cooperation, partnership, and development. There is a need to ease immigration policies for selective sectors of employment and education, and to initiate policies for mutual recognition of degrees and skills. Introduction of schemes for upgradation of training and skills of unskilled labour and easing of entry restriction for them could potentially help prevent irregular migration. There also needs to be a minimal window in the policy for migrants from third world countries to choose long-term immigration and subsequently integrate into the EU countries.
