As part of the EU–India Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility, Phase II (CDMM-II), PDAG worked with the International Labour Organization as knowledge and research partner to develop a series of evidence-based labour mobility corridor briefs examining pathways between India and key European destination countries.

The assignment covered Germany, Austria, France and Italy, with each brief examining the policy and institutional architecture governing labour and skills mobility between India and the respective destination country. The research brought together immigration and labour-market regulations, skills and qualification frameworks, recruitment systems, emerging labour shortages and existing bilateral mechanisms. It also examined the practical barriers that shape mobility in each corridor, including recognition of qualifications, language requirements, recruitment practices, information gaps and worker protection.

PDAG undertook desk research, policy and regulatory analysis and consultations with relevant stakeholders in India and Europe. Rather than treating labour mobility simply as a question of visa availability, the briefs examined how migration pathways interact with labour-market demand, education and skills systems, recruitment ecosystems and migrant welfare.

The four corridor studies were developed to support policy dialogue under CDMM-II and contribute to a more informed discussion on how India and European countries can build safe, regular and mutually beneficial pathways for skilled mobility.