Nikkei Asia reported on October 3 that, following tightening visa policies in traditional immigrant destinations such as the United States and the United Kingdom, a large number of Indian youth have shifted their migration focus toward Europe. India has now signed labor mobility agreements with 26 countries, 15 of which were added after 2021. Data shows that as of January, the Indian diaspora in the EU numbered 1.7 million—up 26% over two years. The Indian communities in the U.S. and Canada grew by 12% and 13%, respectively, while the figure in the UK declined by 31%. In the education sector, Indian student enrollment in Germany surged by 49% in 2024, while flows to the U.S., Australia, and Canada fell by 13%, 28%, and 41%, respectively. Analysts attribute the significant increase in Indian students and migrants moving to Europe primarily to complementary supply-demand structures between the two regions. On one hand, Europe’s ongoing demographic aging has led to a decline in the working-age population share—from 67% in 2010 to 63.7% projected for 2025. Among occupations monitored for labor shortages, 97% exhibit varying degrees of workforce deficits, with critical gaps in healthcare and engineering. On the other hand, Indian youth face mounting employment pressure, making overseas opportunities an increasingly important pathway for career development. The European system, which grants long-term residency rights after five years of legal residence, has enhanced its appeal to Indian youth. However, rising far-right political influence, intensifying anti-immigrant sentiment, and slowing EU economic growth may collectively hinder future migration trends. Nevertheless, from India’s perspective, the EU continues to offer advantages in social welfare, working conditions, and education, while sectors such as healthcare remain attractive due to persistent labor demand.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878287278323779/
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