Cabinet Approves India-Italy Migration & Mobility Agreement

The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the proposal of the Ministry of External Affairs regarding signing and ratifying the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy on 27 December 2023.

• The agreement was signed on November 2, 2023, by India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani.

Main provisions of the agreement:

• Indian students wishing to gain experience after completing academic/vocational training in Italy may be permitted temporary residence in Italy for up to 12 months.
• Italy has extensive provisions relating to vocational training, extracurricular and curricular internships. These provide an opportunity for Indian students to gain exposure to Italian skill standards.
• Italy has reserved quotas of 5000, 6000 and 7000 non-seasonal Indian workers for 2023 to 2025 under the current flows decree for workers. Also, Italy has reserved a quota of 3000, 4000 and 5000 seasonal Indian workers for 2023 to 2025 under the current Flows Decree.
• The total reserved quota for non-seasonal workers is 12,000. Whereas the total reserved quota for seasonal workers is 8000.
• Under the Flows Decree, Italy has offered incremental reserve quotas for both seasonal and non-seasonal workers from 2023-2025.
• Cooperation between the two parties against irregular migration has also been formalised through the agreement.
• This Agreement will be in force for 5 years from the 1st day of the second month following the date of receipt of the last of the two notifications. This Agreement will automatically renew for equal successive periods unless terminated by either party.

Benefits from the agreement:

• This agreement between India and Italy will have many benefits, mainly: 
  • There will be an increase in mutual contact between people.
  • The movement of students, skilled workers, businessmen and young professionals will be encouraged.
  • Cooperation between the two sides on issues related to irregular migration will be strengthened.
  • This agreement outlines the current Italian visa regime, including post-study opportunities, internships and professional training mechanisms in Italy.
  • These assure benefits to India under the existing labour movement routes under the Flow Decree.

Monitoring mechanisms undertaken by the agreement:

• The agreement provides for a formal mechanism for its monitoring through the Joint Working Group (JWG).
• The JWG will meet from time to time, virtually or physically as per convenience, and monitor its implementation.
• Functions of Joint Working Group (JWG):
  • JWG will share information as appropriate.
  • It evaluate the implementation of the agreement.
  • It will discuss all appropriate proposals as necessary to support implementation.

About Italy:

• Capital: Rome
• Currency: Euro
• President: Sergio Mattarella
• Prime Minister: Giorgia Meloni