India is concentrating on enhancing mobility for its high-skilled professionals rather than engaging in broader migration debates, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Friday. This clarification comes amid questions over New Zealand's proposed stricter immigration rules, just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to the country.
MEA Secretary Highlights Focus on Mobility
Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) in the MEA, addressed the issue during a special briefing on Prime Minister Modi's upcoming tour of Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. He acknowledged the global discussion on migration but emphasized that New Delhi's priority is facilitating the movement of skilled workers.
"Well, you know, on the migration question, we are aware that there's a lot of discussion in many countries, not just New Zealand, on the whole issue of migration. But our focus is actually mobility. It is part and parcel of our trade agreements, and it's very important to maintain that distinction," Tandon said.
Improving Prospects for Skilled Indian Workers
Tandon elaborated that the Government of India is actively working to improve opportunities for high-skilled Indian workers, including CEOs and technical experts. He noted that bureaucratic hurdles faced by these professionals often create a de facto non-tariff barrier over time.
"The Government of India has been trying to improve the prospects of mobility for our high-skilled workers, our CEOs, our technical experts, because experience has shown us that over a period of time, the hassles faced by our technical experts do create the effect of a de facto non-tariff barrier," he stated.
India-New Zealand FTA Addresses Mobility Concerns
Referring to the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed on April 27, Tandon said the issue of skilled worker mobility was addressed within the pact. The agreement is expected to facilitate smoother movement for professionals once it comes into effect.
"In fact, this question was tried to be addressed in the recently signed India-New Zealand FTA. And of course, once it comes into effect, we will know how successful that has been," he added.
Diaspora Engagement During PM Modi's Visit
On the role of the Indian diaspora during the Prime Minister's visit, Tandon confirmed that community engagement would remain a key component of the tour. He highlighted the strong demand from the Indian community, which has become a standard feature of all such visits.
"The demand from the Indian community is always so strong that it has become an almost standard feature of all his visits. Because there is a significant diaspora in all three countries that he is visiting, there will certainly be a diaspora component. It will be formatted differently in different countries," he said.
PM Modi's Three-Nation Tour Itinerary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-nation visit starting July 8. He will travel to Indonesia on July 8-9, Australia on July 10, and New Zealand on July 11. In Indonesia, the focus will be on reviewing bilateral partnerships. In Australia, he will participate in the third India-Australia Annual Summit. His visit to New Zealand marks a historic milestone, as he will become the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in forty years.
