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Assam Hosts India-EU Migration Forum, Opens Northeast Corridor Opportunities

The Ministry of External Affairs, the European Union, and the Assam government co-organized a State Engagement Programme in Guwahati focused on migration and mobility. The event, part of the India-EU Common Agenda, aimed to connect opportunities in the EU with skilled migrants from Northeast India. Key officials from Assam and international organizations discussed legal pathways and the skilling requirements for destination countries. A related student outreach event was also held at IIT Guwahati to inform students about study and career opportunities in the EU.

Key Points: India-EU Migration Program in Assam for Northeast Opportunities

  • Strengthening India-EU migration cooperation
  • Creating legal pathways for NE migrants
  • Addressing skilling for EU job markets
  • Involving industry and state governments
2 min read

MEA, EU hold state engagement program with Assam government on migration

MEA, EU & Assam govt held a migration program to link Northeast India with EU labor markets via legal pathways and skill development.

"opened up opportunities for prospective migrants from the North-East region to access the labour markets through legal pathways - MEA Statement"

Guwahati, February 16

The Ministry of External Affairs, in partnership with the European Union and the Government of Assam, organised a State Engagement Programme titled "Linking India-EU Migration Opportunities and the Northeast Corridor" in Guwahati under the framework of the India-EU Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility, the MEA said in an official statement.

The CDMM project is being implemented by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The initiative supports the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, jointly adopted by India and the European Union in 2016, to strengthen cooperation on regular migration, mobility, and the prevention of irregular migration along the India-EU corridor. The programme took place on February 12.

The Chief Guest of the event was Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam. Speakers included Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Principal Secretary, Government of Assam; Gina Uika, Joint Secretary, Emigration Policy and Welfare; Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director, ILO; and Surabhi Singh, Country Coordinator, ICMPD. Representatives from the EU and its Member States, State Governments of Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur and eminent members from industry associations, recruitment agencies, skilling institutes and academic institutions from the North-East region also participated in the event, as per the MEA.

This State Engagement Programme affirmed the commitment to the India-EU Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility and opened up opportunities for prospective migrants from the North-East region to access the labour markets through legal pathways while recognising the skilling requirements needed for destination countries in the EU, the MEA stated.

A student outreach event is also being organised at IIT Guwahati on 13 February 2026 to generate awareness and disseminate information about the opportunities for student mobility in the EU. Representatives from the EU Delegation, Germany and Italy will present on how students can access opportunities and make informed decisions about their study and career paths in the EU.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good initiative, but I hope the focus is equally on creating opportunities within Assam and the Northeast itself. Brain drain is a real concern. We need development here too, not just pathways for our best talent to leave.
R
Rohit P
The student outreach at IIT Guwahati is a smart move. Our students are brilliant but often lack information about global opportunities. Having reps from Germany and Italy directly is excellent. More power to the youth!
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked abroad, structured programs like this are crucial. It protects migrants from exploitation and ensures they have the right skills. The involvement of ILO gives me confidence about worker welfare standards.
V
Vikram M
Finally, the central government is paying serious attention to the Northeast's potential in global migration. This corridor can be a game-changer for the region's economy through remittances and skill development. Well done MEA and Assam govt.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The article mentions "prevention of irregular migration." While important, the real test is execution. Will the legal pathways be affordable and accessible for ordinary youth, or will they be bogged down in red tape and high costs? Hope the process is transparent.
M
Meera T
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