MSDE International Skilled Worker Mobility Initiatives
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing comprehensive measures to enhance international mobility for Indian skilled workers, based on a NITI Aayog Working Paper titled "States' Framework: Advancing International Mobility for Skilled Workers" released in May 2026. The paper highlights that India possesses the world's largest overseas migrant population of 18.5 million and emphasizes the need to strengthen skilling and institutional mechanisms to meet global labor demand.
MSDE has undertaken multiple strategic initiatives to align skill development programs with country-specific overseas labor market requirements. The Ministry of External Affairs has provided data on 25 priority countries along with specific sectors and job roles facing labor shortages in these markets.
International Agreements and Collaborations: MSDE has signed Memoranda of Understanding with 8 countries—Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, and the UAE—for technical exchanges and collaborative training programs. Additionally, the ministry is facilitating worker deployment to Israel and Mauritius under temporary labour recruitment agreements signed by MEA. MSDE has also signed an MoU with the World Economic Forum and launched the India Skills Accelerator to strengthen India's skills and TVET ecosystem. Separately, MEA has signed 22 Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements/Labour Mobility Agreements, with 9 of these (with Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mauritius, and the UK) including specific skill development provisions.
Specialized Training Programs: MSDE is implementing targeted programs including the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) with Japan to facilitate skilling for mobility in healthcare, hospitality, and other sectors. The Indo-German Green Skills Programme (IGGSP) with Germany aims to skill and certify youth in green technologies according to international standards.
Infrastructure Development: In line with the Budget announcement for FY 2023-24, MSDE has operationalized 7 Skill India International Centres located at Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Ludhiana, and Varanasi. These centers offer Pre-Departure Orientation Training, language training, and cultural/soft-skills orientation to prepare workers for overseas employment.
This information was formally presented by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSDE, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on July 22, 2026.