On Migration from India – Movers Are Shakers

Source: The post on the topic migration from India is based on the article “Movers Are Shakers- OECD data shows Indians continue to be world champion economic migrants. Good for West and good for us” published in “The Times of India” on 25th October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus: GS3- Economy- migration

News: This article discusses the recent trend of increased migration from India to OECD countries, particularly for work in the tech industry. It highlights the economic benefits for India, including a boost from remittances. It also emphasizes the need for India to focus on improving education, employment, and the quality of life to continue this positive trend and achieve developed country status by 2047.

What is Human Migration?

Human migration is the movement of people from one place to another, often over long distances. Throughout history, humans have migrated for various reasons, such as seeking better opportunities or escaping danger. For example, people may move within their country or to a different country, either by choice or force. Migrants can be called emigrants, immigrants, or settlers, depending on the situation.

Depending on the goal and reason for relocation, people who migrate can be divided into three categories: migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

What is the difference between immigration and emigration?

Immigration: It refers to the act of coming to a country to live there permanently. For example, if a person moves from India to the United States to live, that person is immigrating to the United States.

Emigration: It refers to the act of leaving one’s own country to settle permanently in another. Using the same example, that person is emigrating from India.

What is the migration trend between India and OECD?

In 2020, India surpassed China as the largest source of migrants to OECD countries.

By 2022, 6.1 million permanent-type migrants moved to OECD, a 26% increase.

Most migrants went to the Anglosphere, especially the US, UK, and Singapore.

80% of these migrants were working, contributing to the economies.

The tech industry absorbed a significant number of these migrants.

How does India benefit from this migration?

Economic Boost: India received a significant economic boost through remittances. In 2022 alone, remittances to India totaled $111 billion, representing 3.3% of its GDP.

Leading Remittance Recipient: With this migration trend, India positioned itself as the world’s largest recipient of remittances.

Skilled Migrant Earnings: The World Bank highlighted that 36% of these remittance inflows were from high-skilled Indian migrants based in prominent destinations like the US, UK, and Singapore.

Tech Industry Collaboration: The tech industry, particularly in countries such as the US, UK, and Singapore, has employed a vast number of these migrants. This creates a bridge for both skills and investments between India and these developed nations.

Intellectual and Economic Dynamics: The migration trend amplifies the economic and intellectual connection, fostering collaborations and transfer of skills back to India.

What should India focus on for future growth?

Enhancing Education: India should invest in improving its educational institutions beyond the elite schools to ensure quality education for all.

Boosting Employment: By creating more and better job opportunities, India can retain its skilled workforce and contribute to the global labor market.

Improving Quality of Life: Enhancing living standards will make India an even more attractive place for its citizens, potentially slowing down emigration.

Aiming for Developed Status: With these improvements, achieving developed country status by 2047 becomes a realistic goal.

Capitalizing on Human Capital: Recognizing that the world is always in need of top-notch talent, India should continue to nurture and produce highly skilled individuals.

Terminology used:

OECD:

Read here: OECD

Questions to practice:

How will the outflow of high-skilled migrants to OECD countries affect India’s goal of achieving developed status by 2047?