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New study: Skilled worker migration from India to Germany

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In recent years, India India has become the most important country of origin for skilled migration to Germany. The number of Indian nationals has tripled from 86,000 in 2015 to 280,000 in 2025. Especially in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, Indian specialists are making an important contribution to alleviating the skills shortage.


This no longer just includes highly qualified IT specialists with an EU Blue Card , but increasingly also students, trainees, and job seekers who want to gain a foothold in Germany. Over 50,000 Indian students are currently enrolled at German universities – making India the largest group of international students .


Opportunities and challenges

The Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) , concluded between Berlin and New Delhi in 2022, has significantly improved the framework conditions for legal migration. It ensures faster visa procedures and creates new structures for cooperation, even if it does not open up entirely new access routes. At the same time, challenges remain . Many Indian applicants turn to private placement agencies, which are often inadequately regulated. This poses risks of fraud and exploitation. With the " Skilled Worker Strategy for India " of 2024, Germany now intends to focus on better monitoring and closer cooperation. The integration of Indian students and graduates into the German labor market must also be further expanded. Advice, support for career entry, and cultural guidance are crucial for sustainably utilizing the great potential of these young skilled workers from India .


Strengthening the partnership

Migration has become a central link in German-Indian relations – alongside issues such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and climate protection. Germany can further increase its attractiveness as a destination for Indian talent through better information services, digital and fast administrative processes, and fair recruitment practices.


This opens up enormous opportunities for German companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises : India offers a young, well-educated, and motivated workforce that can contribute to innovation and competitiveness. Strategic partnerships, fair recruitment processes, and tailored integration programs are crucial.


Conclusion on German migration policy in India

India's "migration miracle" is no coincidence—it is the result of targeted legal reforms, global mobility trends, and the high demand for skilled workers. With consistent cooperation, transparency, and efficiency, this partnership can become a key driver for the economy and society in both countries.


Click here for the study ( SWP study, German Institute for International and Security Affairs, German Institute for International and Security Affairs, David Kipp: India's Migration Miracle? Opportunities and Challenges of Indian Migration to Germany ): https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/v2/D4E1FAQE9uINdiyOhkQ/feedshare-document-pdf-analyzed/B4EZiU0Q3eGoAg-/0/1754843389941?e=1756944000&v=beta&t=wn9Rck3TBNRaZPC_wR6HWudVmFdCsmbBQaBesoQ8L6s



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