ILO helps facilitate labour market and migration information sharing in the EU-India corridor

The International Labour Organization, in association with International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), organized the Capacity Strengthening Workshop: Facilitating labour market and migration information sharing in the EU-India Corridor.

The workshop focused on facilitating labour market and migration information sharing. It provided an opportunity to present and discuss options for the exchange of labour market and migration information with a focus on relevant frameworks, guidelines, and sources.

"Given the extent, scope and importance of international labour migration in the current global context, it is imperative we find sustainable, comprehensive and integrated ways to understand, communicate and learn from country-specific contexts," said Ms Michiko Miyamoto, Director, ILO DWT/CO-New Delhi in her opening remarks.

Labour market and migration information sharing is the first step towards developing an overarching understanding that can form the basis of developments affecting labour markets, labour migration and mobility and the future of work.

Mr Surinder Bhagat, Protector General of Emigrants, OE&PGE Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India set the tone for the workshop with the thematic address. "The E-migrate portal is a shining example of how technology can empower people and drive inclusive growth. We must harness its potential to create a future where every worker has access to decent work, and every employer has access to skilled labour that they need. Our presence across States and our digitized services are often the front line that engages with migrants directly, and therefore our role in capturing information can potentially form the baseline of how we approach and examine migration flows," he said.

The workshop discussed Labour Market Information Systems, through ILO specialists from the Statistics Unit, and illustrated the role of LMIS in effective policymaking. A technical paper was also shared with the participants.

Mr Nitesh Kumar, Director, Emigration Policy and Welfare Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in his remarks stated, "Such information sharing is crucial for identifying emerging challenges, addressing skill mismatches and designing targeted interventions to empower our workforce. At the same time, it enhances transparency in recruitment processes, supports pre-departure orientations, and provides access to essential services both locally and abroad."

The technical/context setting session was followed by country specific interventions by Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India as well as by representatives from Germany and Austria.

Being a critical partner in this discussion, Ms Veronika Liskova, Second Secretary, EU Delegation to India and Bhutan shared her vision for better facilitation of labour migration in the corridor. "Today's capacity strengthening workshop on labour market and migration information sharing can advance our efforts towards developing well-managed migration along the EU India corridor. The topic of today’s workshop is for us, of crucial importance, as the European Union has long recognized the value of robust, reliable, and transparent information systems in driving effective policymaking. In the context of labour markets and migration, the ability to share and utilize data effectively is more critical than ever".

An interactive discussion followed the workshop where opportunities and challenges for information sharing were identified.

For any further information, you can get in touch with:

Ms Radhika Sunger
National Project Coordinator, CDMM-II
[email protected]

or

Mr Jafar Alam Ahmed
Sr. Administrative & Finance Assistant, CDMM-II
[email protected]