New Delhi and Geneva - India, through its Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, engaged in discussions with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Friday concerning the expansion and diversification of avenues for what is termed "regular migration." The meetings occurred on the periphery of the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), a UN General Assembly initiative.
The core of the exchange centered on identifying and developing more pathways for individuals to migrate through established, official channels. This aligns with India's stated emphasis on a proactive approach to implementing the GCM and IOM's broader activities. Discussions also touched upon enhancing skilled workforce and student mobility, particularly with Canada, following a separate meeting Singh had with Lena Metlege Diab, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
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The IOM, a United Nations agency since 2001, positions itself as a key inter-governmental body dedicated to "humane and orderly migration" globally. Its presence in India dates back to 2001, and its work involves humanitarian assistance, managing migration flows, and supporting displaced populations.
The recent discussions underscore a broader Indian strategy to facilitate the mobility of its citizens, especially youth and skilled professionals. Reports suggest that certain Indian states already possess frameworks for up-skilling migrants and managing their migration, a model the central government aims to propagate. This initiative appears geared towards ensuring aspiring Indian migrants are equipped with necessary skills and knowledge to navigate foreign environments, supported by enhanced awareness and coordination between central and state agencies.
The "Global Compact for Migration," a framework adopted under the UN General Assembly, serves as a backdrop for these conversations. The IOM, as a leading inter-governmental organization, plays a role in supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through various interventions, including humanitarian aid and development initiatives.
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The emphasis on "regular pathways" implies a focus on structured, legal channels of migration, contrasting with informal or irregular movements. The IOM, in past statements, has highlighted the need for migration pathways to be equitable, flexible, accessible, and responsive to both labor market demands and the needs of migrants themselves.
