Context:
- India’s significant demographic dividend presents an opportunity to become a key supplier of skilled labor to the global workforce.
- Highlights existing policy gaps and suggests recommendations for enhancing international labor mobility.
Relevance : GS2 (Governance and Social Justice) and GS3 (Economic Development)
Highlights
Global Trends in Labour Migration:
- Traditional migration destinations (U.S., U.K., Canada, GCC countries) prioritize skilled immigration.
- Emerging destinations (Germany, Japan, South Korea) seek skilled workers to address demographic challenges like ageing populations and low fertility rates.
India’s Current Status:
- Lacks a comprehensive, evidence-based national policy on international labour mobility.
- Data limitations: Annual emigration clearance data covers only low-skilled workers migrating to 18 countries.
Existing Frameworks:
- India has bilateral agreements on social security, skill development, and worker welfare.
- However, these agreements lack integration into a cohesive national strategy.
Challenges in Skill Development:
- Inadequate mapping of skills required in global job markets.
- No alignment between India’s skill qualification systems and international standards.
Return Migration Concerns:
- Neglected aspect of migration policies.
- Lack of mechanisms to utilize the skills acquired by return migrants.
Policy Recommendations
Comprehensive Policy Framework:
- Develop a National Policy on International Labour Migration with skill-centred migration as a core focus.
Skill Gap Analysis:
- Conduct systematic mapping of skill needs in target countries through regional and national skill forecasting.
- Utilize big data analytics to track real-time job vacancies globally.
Enhancing Skill Development:
- Align India’s skill development programs with international standards.
- Revise the National Skills Qualification Framework for compatibility with global skill qualifications.
- Integrate skills identified in target countries into institutional curriculums and training programs.
Utilizing Return Migrants:
- Establish accreditation mechanisms to recognize and certify skills acquired abroad.
- Facilitate reintegration of return migrants into the Indian labour market.
Data-Driven Approach:
- Build a Skill-Centred International Labour Migration Information System to generate and analyze migration-related data.
- Enable evidence-based interventions and facilitate skill partnerships with destination countries.
Boosting Global Collaboration:
- Strengthen international skill partnerships with developed economies.
- Leverage forums like G20 to position India as a global skill hub.
