Lok Sabha Question No. 3472 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: India–EU Migration Cooperation
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Jugal Kishore, Shri Bharatsinhji Shankarji Dabhi, Shri Dilip Saikia, Shri Yogender Chandolia, Ms Kangna Ranaut, Shri Lumbaram Choudhary, Shri Tapir Gao, Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan, Shri Ramesh Awasthi, Shri Khagen Murmu, Smt. Kamlesh Jangde

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3472 ANSWERED ON- 13/03/2026

## INDIA-EU MIGRATION COOPERATION

## 3472. SHRI TAPIR GAO

SHRI YOGENDER CHANDOLIA

MS KANGNA RANAUT

SHRI BHARATSINHJI SHANKARJI DABHI

SHRI RAMESH AWASTHI

SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE

SHRI DILIP SAIKIA

SHRI KHAGEN MURMU

SHRI JUGAL KISHORE

SHRI RAVINDRA SHUKLA ALIAS RAVI KISHAN

SHRI LUMBARAM CHOUDHARY

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the manner in which the Government proposes to ensure safe and regulated   migration   pathways   under   the   India-EU   cooperation framework;

(b) whether the Government proposes to align skill development initiatives in the North East and Chhattisgarh with labour market requirements of European countries;

(c)   the   measures   taken   to   prevent   irregular   migration   while promoting lawful mobility channels;

(d) whether student outreach initiatives are being institutionalised to   expand   awareness   about   higher   education   and   professional opportunities in Europe; and

(e) if so, the specific opportunities available for students from the North-East and Jammu region?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) to (e) During the recent India-EU summit held on 27 January 2026, Memorandum   of   Understanding   on   a   Comprehensive   Framework   of Cooperation on Mobility between India and the European Union was signed. The MoU seeks to ensure safe and regulated migration pathways by facilitating structured legal mobility for highly skilled workers, students, researchers   and   seasonal   workers;   streamlining   visa   and   immigration procedures; promoting fair and transparent recruitment; enabling long-stay visas and residence permits, including post-study and post-research stay for employment   or   entrepreneurship;   strengthening   cooperation   on   skills development   and   recognition   of   qualifications;   enhancing   information exchange on labour market needs; and reinforcing joint action against irregular migration, including cooperation on return and readmission.

The establishment of a Joint Working Group and a pilot European Union Legal Gateway Office initially for the ICT sector in India will support implementation   through   regular   monitoring   and   provision   of   reliable guidance on legal migration pathways.

The Government of India is engaging with various States, including with those in the North East and Chhattisgarh,  to strengthen skill development

initiatives   in   a   manner   that   enhances   overall   employability   and responsiveness to evolving labour market requirements.

Bilateral comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements/MoUs (MMPAs) establish structured frameworks for mobility and collaboration between India and partner countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Austria, Italy, Denmark, and the European Union. These agreements outline clear and legal pathways for migration, aiming to harness India's demographic dividend by facilitating the mobility of   students,   academics,   and   professionals.   In   addition   to existing national visa provisions, they include India-specific arrangements such as youth mobility schemes, extended post-study work opportunities, longer-duration business visas, and intra-corporate transfer visas. At the same time, MMPAs detail procedures for bilateral cooperation in addressing irregular   migration,   including   mechanisms   for   return,   readmission,   and measures to prevent misuse and irregularities, thereby promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration.

Government of India accords high priority to student outreach initiatives, particularly with the view to safeguard their interests and welfare in foreign lands. Indian Missions/Posts maintain regular contact with Indian students

enrolled in foreign universities. Embassy officials visit universities and educational institutions in their jurisdictions to interact with Indian students and student associations, brief them on potential challenges, risks, and precautions to be taken while studying overseas and also assess any issue concerning the credibility or quality of  courses being pursued. Several Indian Missions also issue formal advisories for Indian students under their jurisdiction aimed towards protecting their interests, welfare and safety in foreign lands.

State engagement activities have been organised in various states from time   to   time   to   generate   awareness   and   disseminate   information   on opportunities for student mobility in the EU. These sessions also address risks of irregular migration and fraudulent recruitment practices to ensure safe and informed mobility.

This Ministry also organises 'Videsh Sampark Programmes' where the States   are   apprised   of   the   various   Diaspora   Engagement   Initiatives, including consular, visa, and safe and legal migration pathways and student mobility.

With the view to ensure effective communication and timely support, Indian students   abroad   are   encouraged   to   register   with   the   local   Indian Mission/Post and on the MADAD Portal of this Ministry. They are also urged to   join   the   Whatsapp   Groups   for   Indian   students   created   by   Indian Missions/Posts so that their grievances can be resolved on a real-time basis. Indian   Missions/Posts   also   engage   in   addressing   concerns   of   Indian students abroad through telephone calls, emails, walk-ins, social media, 24×7 emergency helplines, Consular Camps and Open Houses. Complaints related to misleading academic programmes or adverse experiences are promptly taken up with the concerned educational institutions and, when required, with authorities of the host country for necessary action.

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