India-Austria Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement

January 2, 2023

As part of its efforts to facilitate the mobility of students, academics, and researchers, and promote migration for professional and economic reasons, India is set to sign a Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) with Austria during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Vienna. This follows similar agreements signed with other European countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Finland.

About the MMPA

The main objective of the MMPA is to provide for the equal treatment of nationals of both Parties in similar situations, while also ensuring that the provisions of the Agreement do not prejudice the application of national laws on the stay of foreigners on all points not dealt with in the Agreement.

Significance of the Agreement

One of the key benefits of the MMPA is that it will help to curb illegal migration between India and Austria. Both countries are keen to finalize the Agreement as a stepping stone towards resolving issues related to the long-pending India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement and facilitating the movement of Indian professionals working in European countries. In addition, the European countries see the Agreement as a way to curb illegal immigration from India.

In light of the sharp increase in illegal migration that Austria faced last year, including over 15,000 illegal migrants from India with practically no chance of asylum, the Agreement is seen as a useful tool to combat illegal migration together, as it enables the swift return of illegal migrants.

Skill Development and Exchange Programs

Another significant aspect of the MMPA is that it will regulate multiple entry visas for professionals and student exchange programs. These programs will be reviewed regularly by a Joint Working Group (JWG) to ensure that they are meeting their objectives and delivering the desired outcomes.

India-Germany Mobility Agreement

India and Germany have also recently signed a Mobility and Migration partnership agreement to foster the exchange of skills and talents between the two countries. This Agreement aims to provide opportunities for Indian professionals and students to work and study in Germany, and for German professionals and students to do the same in India.

The Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and Austria, along with similar agreements signed with other European countries, represents a significant step forward in promoting mobility and migration for professional and economic reasons. The Agreement will help to curb illegal migration and provide opportunities for skill development and exchange programs. It will also facilitate the movement of professionals and students between the two countries, fostering the exchange of skills and talents.

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