Linking India–EU mobility opportunities with Uttar Pradesh workshop in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The International Labour Organization (ILO), under the EU–India Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (CDMM-II) Project, organised the "Linking India–EU Mobility Opportunities with Uttar Pradesh” State Engagement Workshop in Varanasi on 26 February 2026.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan. The event brought together representatives from government, international organisations, academia, skilling institutions, recruitment agencies, and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for expanding safe and regular labour mobility between Uttar Pradesh and European Union Member States.

The event was inaugurated with a keynote address by Anil Rajbhar, Minister of Labour and Employment, Government of Uttar Pradesh, followed by a welcome address from Dr M.K. Shanmuga Sundaram, Principal Secretary, Department of Labour & Employment, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The programme also featured remarks by Gina Uika, Joint Secretary, Emigration Policy & Welfare, Ministry of External Affairs; Abhijit Chakraborty, Joint Secretary, ICWA; Kunal Silku, Special Secretary, Labour, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Veronika Liskova, First Secretary, Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan; Eugenio Bortolusso, Head of the Consular Chancellery, Embassy of Italy; and S. Rajalingam, Divisional Commissioner, Varanasi.

Representatives from partner organisations and European stakeholders highlighted ongoing efforts to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration while strengthening international labour mobility pathways between India and the European Union.

Discussions during the workshop covered:

• Strengthening legal and regular mobility pathways between Uttar Pradesh and EU Member States by improving access to overseas employment, education, and training opportunities, while highlighting initiatives such as the Uttar Pradesh Rozgar Mission, the Rozgar Sangam portal, and government-led international recruitment programmes.
• Enhancing skills development, certification, and language preparedness to better align Uttar Pradesh's workforce with labour market demand across Europe
• Showcasing labour market opportunities, skills shortages, and mobility pathways in European countries, including Germany, Finland, and Italy, for both employment and higher education.
• Raising awareness of irregular migration risks, fraudulent recruitment practices, and India's migration governance framework, including the Emigration Act, the eMigrate system, and the importance of using verified recruitment channels and official government platforms.
• Strengthening pre-departure orientation and migrant protection and fostering dialogue among government agencies, EU partners, training institutions, recruiters, employers, and migration practitioners.