On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that Germany will significantly raise its annual visa allocation for skilled Indian workers from 20,000 to 90,000, as reported by AFP.
Modi made the announcement while hosting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for a three-day visit, during which the two leaders engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral trade between India and Germany, the world’s fifth and third largest economies, respectively. The two countries have been keen on strengthening their economic and diplomatic ties, particularly in light of growing global challenges such as supply chain disruptions, the pandemic’s economic fallout, and the increasing need for technological advancements.
In his address to the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024, Scholz remarked, “Indians now represent the largest group of foreign students at our universities. In the past year alone, we saw an increase of 23,000 Indian professionals joining Germany’s workforce, contributing significantly to our labor market.” He added that Germany is eager to tap into India’s vast pool of highly skilled professionals, recognizing the country’s role as a global leader in fields like information technology, engineering, and medicine.
Scholz also highlighted Germany’s efforts to streamline the visa process through digitization, quicker processing times, and improved user-friendly procedures. However, he noted that Germany is focusing on curbing the migration of non-skilled workers. The increased visa quota is aimed at attracting top talent from India to help Germany address labor shortages in critical sectors, including healthcare, engineering, and IT.
“We welcome skilled workers, but we are actively working to reduce irregular migration and support the return of individuals who do not have the right to remain. The message is clear: Germany is selective in who it allows to enter,” Scholz stated. This initiative underscores Germany’s strategy of promoting legal immigration while maintaining a controlled and sustainable immigration system.
Additionally, Germany is in ongoing discussions with India regarding a free trade agreement with the European Union, with negotiations having resumed in June 2022 after a hiatus of over eight years. Both countries hope that this deal will not only enhance trade but also foster deeper economic integration between India and the EU. The deal could potentially open new markets for Indian goods and services, while also providing Germany with better access to India’s growing consumer market.
Scholz also stressed the growing importance of defense and technological cooperation between the two countries. “We aim to enhance our defense ties and strengthen our military collaboration,” he said, emphasizing that technology partnerships, especially in areas like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and defense innovation, will play a crucial role in furthering their bilateral ties. He pointed to joint research and development projects as an area of increasing importance.
Modi and Scholz also addressed issues concerning the global political landscape, including the importance of multilateralism and tackling climate change. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to international cooperation and their belief that strong India-Germany ties are vital not just for their respective countries, but for global peace and prosperity.
Later today, Modi and Scholz will co-chair the seventh Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) at Hyderabad House, a platform for high-level discussions on a range of strategic, economic, and diplomatic matters.
