India and Russia Ink Pacts for Skilled Labour Mobility and Curbing Illegal Migration
India and Russia sign agreements to facilitate temporary migration of 70,000 skilled Indian workers and combat irregular migration.
Photo by Ewan Kennedy
Quick Revision
Two pacts signed: 'Cooperation in Combating Irregular Migration' and 'Temporary Labour Activity of Citizens of one State in the Territory of the other State'.
Up to 70,000 skilled/semi-skilled Indian workers could be employed in Russia over 2-3 years.
Target sectors include construction, agriculture, IT-enabled services, electronics, and textile industries.
Agreements signed after the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
Russia faces a severe labour shortage, needing over three million workers by 2030.
Concerns raised about Indians recruited into the Russian Army.
Key Dates
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
India-Russia Labour Mobility & Anti-Irregular Migration Pacts
This map illustrates the geographical context of the recent agreements between India and Russia. It highlights the two nations involved in facilitating skilled labour migration and combating irregular migration, showing the direction of potential worker movement.
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Key Figures of India-Russia Migration Pacts
This dashboard summarizes the crucial quantitative aspects and objectives of the recently signed agreements between India and Russia, providing a quick overview of the scale and scope.
- Skilled/Semi-skilled Workers Target
- Up to 70,000
- Migration Timeframe
- 2-3 Years
- Target Sectors in Russia
- Construction, Agriculture, IT, Electronics
- Number of Agreements Signed
- Two
Number of Indian workers expected to migrate to Russia under the new pact.
The period over which the 70,000 workers are expected to migrate.
Key sectors in Russia facing labour shortages where Indian workers will be employed.
One for skilled labour mobility, another for curbing irregular migration.
Exam Angles
India-Russia bilateral relations and strategic partnership, including defence and economic ties.
Labour diplomacy and migration governance, focusing on the protection of migrant workers' rights.
Challenges of irregular migration, human trafficking, and exploitation of migrant workers.
Economic impact of remittances and skill development for India's economy and human capital.
Demographic challenges and labour market dynamics in Russia and their implications for international relations.
Role of international conventions (e.g., GCM) and national laws (e.g., Emigration Act, 1983) in managing migration.
View Detailed Summary
Summary
India and Russia have signed two significant agreements to manage the movement of workers between the two countries. One pact aims to facilitate the temporary migration of up to 70,000 skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers to Russia over the next two to three years, targeting sectors like construction, agriculture, IT, and electronics. This is a big step towards addressing Russia's labour shortage and providing opportunities for Indian workers.
The second agreement focuses on combating irregular migration, which is crucial given recent incidents where Indian citizens reportedly lost their lives after being recruited into the Russian Army, sometimes under false pretenses. This framework is designed to promote safe and mutually beneficial migration, ensuring proper channels and safeguards for Indian nationals working abroad.
Background
India has a long history of international labour migration, from indentured labour during the colonial era to the large-scale migration to the Gulf countries since the 1970s. This migration has been driven by both push factors (unemployment, underemployment, low wages in India) and pull factors (demand for labour, higher wages, better opportunities abroad).
Russia, on the other hand, has faced demographic challenges and labour shortages, particularly since the collapse of the Soviet Union, leading to a reliance on migrant workers, often from Central Asian countries. The recent geopolitical shifts and sanctions have further impacted its labour market dynamics.
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding India's international labour migration: 1. The recent pact with Russia aims to facilitate the temporary migration of up to 70,000 skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers primarily in sectors like construction and IT. 2. The Emigration Act, 1983, mandates that all Indian citizens seeking employment abroad must obtain an 'Emigration Clearance' from the Protector of Emigrants. 3. India is a signatory to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (ICRMW). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct as per the news, mentioning sectors like construction, agriculture, IT, and electronics. Statement 2 is correct; the Emigration Act, 1983, regulates the emigration of Indian citizens for employment abroad, and 'Emigration Clearance' is required for certain categories of workers. Statement 3 is incorrect; India has not ratified the ICRMW, although it generally supports the principles of safe and orderly migration.
2. With reference to international remittances and their impact on India, consider the following statements: 1. India has consistently been the world's largest recipient of remittances for over a decade. 2. Remittances primarily contribute to India's current account deficit by increasing imports of luxury goods. 3. The majority of remittances to India originate from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct; India has indeed been the largest recipient of remittances globally for many years. Statement 2 is incorrect; remittances are a significant source of foreign exchange, helping to *offset* the current account deficit, not contribute to it. While some remittances might be spent on imports, their overall effect is positive for the current account. Statement 3 is correct; a substantial portion of India's remittances comes from the large Indian diaspora in GCC countries.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the demographic and geopolitical context influencing Russia's labour policies: 1. Russia has faced a declining working-age population and low birth rates since the collapse of the Soviet Union, leading to a demand for foreign labour. 2. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries have traditionally been the primary source of migrant workers for Russia. 3. Russia's 'Concept of the State Migration Policy' prioritizes attracting highly skilled professionals from Western European countries over other regions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct; Russia has been grappling with demographic challenges, including a shrinking workforce and low birth rates. Statement 2 is correct; CIS countries, particularly from Central Asia, have historically been the main source of migrant labour for Russia due to geographical proximity and historical ties. Statement 3 is incorrect; while Russia seeks skilled labour, its migration policy is broader and does not exclusively prioritize Western European countries. It aims to attract skilled workers from various regions, including former Soviet republics and increasingly, Asian countries, to address its diverse labour needs.