Germany and India sign migration agreement
press release
05 December 2022
The agreement will facilitate mobility for students, trainees and professionals; joint action against irregular migration; and clear procedures for forced returns.
The German-Indian Migration and Mobility Agreement was signed today during Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s visit to India. It is the first extensive agreement in the field of migration concluded between Germany and a country of origin. This achievement is the result of intense negotiations between the two countries in recent years and especially over the last few months. The current German Government’s coalition agreement provides for the conclusion of comprehensive migration agreements with countries of origin. The agreement with India will therefore serve as a model for further agreements in this field.
Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser said: “The German-Indian Migration and Mobility Agreement is a milestone for an intensified German-Indian partnership in the area of migration. We are setting the course for qualified young Indians to gain professional and practical experience in Germany, to study here, start vocational training, or work in their profession. This is another important step in attracting skilled workers that we urgently need in the German labour market.
“At the same time, our two countries are joining forces to resolutely fight irregular migration and human trafficking. We will facilitate the return of Indian nationals required to leave Germany by providing clear procedures for their identification and return.”
The migration and mobility partnership between Germany and India addresses aspects of legal migration as well as return cooperation. The agreement includes provisions to facilitate fair mobility for students and trainees, cultural professionals, journalists, academics and skilled workers who want to take up employment in one of the two countries. A joint working group on migration, return and mobility issues will be set up for implementing the agreement.
The migration of skilled workers from India to Germany offers great potential for tackling Germany’s shortage of skilled workers. Over 200,000 Indian nationals are currently living in Germany, with the vast majority of them holding a regular residence permit. But there are also more than 5,000 Indian nationals who are staying in Germany illegally. In addition, 34,000 Indians are studying in Germany, making up the second-largest group of foreign students.
Originally published at https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/pressemitteilungen/EN/2022/12/migration_agreement.html;jsessionid=FA8382A8D64212A2E9D59A039CA6CEE0.1_cid373
