ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes a novel policy programme for India to leverage migration to support its domestic development. India is currently experiencing high unemployment levels and a “brain drain problem.” Western countries are experiencing labour shortages and a wasted talent population, where many educated immigrants are not provided opportunities aligned with their skills, and even more many migrant labourers are often marginalized and subject to various forms of abuse and exploitation in their host country. The current approach has not proven effective in both addressing the labour market needs of the host country and providing adequate economic opportunities or stability for migrants. A new approach that would be mutually beneficial for both Indian migrants and their host countries must be explored.
A practical resolution is a public programme that supports Indians to migrate for skill development and wealth creation instead of permanent settlement. Host countries can address their labour shortages, and India can strengthen its human capital and invest in development. Developing such an ambitious initiative will have considerable challenges and this chapter is not meant to be a comprehensive policy proposal. Rather, this chapter is meant to be a catalyst for policy research. It is hoped the International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMAD) can bring together researchers and subject matter experts to develop the model introduced in this chapter.
