14 April 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. A global talent hub

(Source – Indian Express, Section – The Editorial Page – Page No. – 08)

 India’s Labour Potential Amid Global Shortages

• As the world grapples with a looming labour crisis, India finds itself uniquely positioned to offer a solution.
• High-income countries are expected to face a cumulative labour shortfall of 40–50 million workers by 2030, potentially escalating to 120–160 million by 2040.
• These gaps span critical sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, and industrial labour.
• While India currently receives $125 billion in annual remittances from migrants—accounting for 3% of its GDP—its global migrant population is only 1.3% of its total population, far below nations like Mexico and the Philippines.
• This stark contrast indicates massive untapped potential for India to scale its workforce globally.

Tapping the Demographic Dividend

• India’s young population and growing human capital base offer the country a chance to reposition itself as a global talent hub.
• The proposal to complement “Make in India” with an “India for the World” programme highlights the dual opportunity: creating employment at home while exporting skilled talent abroad.
• Remittances not only support the economy directly but have proven to reduce poverty significantly—by up to 3.5% with a 10% increase, according to a study of 71 low-income countries.
• Promoting legal and structured migration can also serve to reduce illegal routes, reinforcing India’s global image as a responsible and ethical talent provider.

Global Demand for Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers

• Vacancies in sectors across the US and Europe continue to surge, with Europe facing shortages of over 50% in professions like electrical engineering, nursing, and truck driving.
• This growing demand underscores the urgent need for India to systematically expand its workforce presence abroad—especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Both blue-collar and white-collar jobs offer significant opportunities. However, this expansion requires a coordinated and strategic approach involving multiple policy and infrastructure changes.

1. Institutional Framework for Overseas Employment

• India must establish a robust institutional framework to oversee international labour deployment.
• Strengthening the central migration department under the Ministry of External Affairs can help identify destination markets, forge bilateral agreements, and match global demand with Indian talent through industry partnerships.
• State-level departments should also play a role in managing recruitment and ensuring worker welfare. Embassies abroad can further support this structure with on-ground migration desks—similar to the successful Filipino model with its Department of Migrant Workers and overseas support offices.

2. Aligning Skills and Accreditation with Global Standards

• To improve global employability, India needs to align its education and skill certification systems with international benchmarks.
• This includes integrating foreign languages, encouraging mutual recognition of qualifications, and partnering with global institutions for joint certifications.
• These steps will not only improve the quality of Indian talent but also reduce the barriers faced by Indian workers abroad in getting their qualifications recognised.

3. Reducing Financial Barriers for Migrants

• The financial burden of migrating—ranging from Rs 1–2 lakh for Gulf countries to Rs 5–10 lakh for Europe—deters many potential migrants.
• Financing mechanisms must be developed to alleviate these costs. India can draw inspiration from the Philippines’ model where employer-staffing agencies cover pre-departure expenses, including visa fees, travel, and medical exams.
• Making migration affordable will broaden participation and expand India’s overseas workforce.

4. Streamlining Government-to-Government Agreements

• To remove red tape and facilitate easier migration, India should pursue comprehensive government-to-government agreements.
• These pacts should address visa simplification, socio-cultural integration, and mutual recognition of Indian qualifications.
• The Philippines has successfully done so with over 65 countries, offering a template for India to follow in institutionalising and de-bureaucratising the migration process.

5. Creating a National Mobility Industry Body

• India lacks a unified voice representing the overseas recruitment sector. A dedicated industry body can act as a liaison between the government and private players, set ethical recruitment standards, ensure regulation, and advocate for the alignment of qualifications with international needs.
• This body can also oversee training, compliance, and protection for both recruiters and workers.

6. Establishing a Strong Social Welfare System for Migrants

• Protecting Indian workers abroad is paramount. A migrant welfare framework, aligned with ILO standards, should ensure decent wages, timely salary disbursement, proper living conditions, healthcare access, legal aid, and mechanisms to report abuse.
• These safeguards will not only enhance the experience of Indian workers but also reassure destination countries of India’s commitment to responsible labour exports.

7. Supporting Returning Migrants

• Reintegrating returning migrants is critical for long-term national development.
• With international exposure and refined skills, these individuals can contribute significantly to local economies.
• Government programmes should assist in reskilling, employment placement, and entrepreneurship opportunities for returnees, thereby leveraging their global experience for national growth.

Conclusion

• The global labour shortage presents India with a rare and strategic opportunity.
• By positioning itself as a talent-exporting powerhouse, India can simultaneously tackle domestic unemployment and enhance its international influence.
• Developing an integrated talent mobility framework is not only an economic necessity but also a long-term strategy to turn India into a global skills capital.

Read more – 12 April 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis