Support migrant centric journalism today and donate
• Media Center » Video Immigration News
Indian nationals are expected to take advantage of growing job opportunities in the West, according to Indian Minister of Overseas Affairs Shri K. Mohandas. Many Western countries, notably in continental Europe, are experiencing aging populations and Mohandas' government believes they will look more towards foreign labor in the future to keep their economies competitive.
"It is officially estimated that there are over five million overseas Indian workers all over the world," Mohandas said during an interview with the Indian Times.
He noted that many Indian highly skilled workers such as doctors, engineers, and IT professionals, migrate to the USA and Canada, in addition to popular destinations such as the UK. However, he expects that trend to continue to continental Europe.
"Now we perceive an increasing demand for skilled workers from many countries in the West that have begun to witness a decline in working-age population," Mohandas said. "The [European Union] member states are experiencing significant labor supply gaps in sectors like construction, healthcare and hospitality."
According to Mohandas, an estimated 13 million additional jobs will be created in the European Union between 2006 and 2025.
"In fact, the European Commission itself claims that as Europe's population ages...economic immigrants would take larger share of its labor force," he added.
The European Commission recently tabled a proposal for a European Union "blue card", modeled after the United States green card. The blue card would grant a renewable two-year work and residence permit to non-EU skilled professionals who have a job offer anywhere within the 27-member bloc. Persons granted a blue card would be allowed to bring their family.
Indian commerce ministry officials said in December that it would like to see the blue card play into its free trade agreement negotiations with the EU. However, it's unknown when if and when the blue card proposal will take off.
In any case, Mohandas noted that the easing of migration for professionals and skilled workers is going to be one component of the free trade pact.
"We are keen to make best use of the likely demand surge for Indian professionals in Europe," Mohandas said.
