EU Opens First Legal Gateway Office in India to Boost Skilled Migration

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the first European Legal Gateway Office in New Delhi, a landmark initiative outside the EU. He described it as a strategic bridge between societies and an investment in a skilled, mobile global workforce. The office will provide Indian ICT professionals, students, and researchers with clear information on mobility pathways to all 27 EU member states. This launch underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and the European Union, following recent agreements on trade and security.

Key Points: EU Opens Legal Gateway Office in India for Skilled Migration

  • Facilitates legal migration to EU
  • Supports ICT professionals & students
  • Part of strengthened India-EU partnership
  • Aims for transparent talent flows
  • Operates via physical office and digital hub
3 min read

Not just entry to Europe, but a bridge between societies, expression of trust: EAM on opening of European Legal Gateway in India

EAM Jaishankar inaugurates first EU Legal Gateway Office in New Delhi, calling it a bridge of trust and investment in a shared global workforce.

"The European Legal Gateway Office is not just a facilitation for entry into Europe; it is a bridge between our societies... - S Jaishankar"

New Delhi, February 18

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday stated that the opening of the first European Legal Gateway Office in India is "not just a facilitation for entry into Europe" but also a bridge between the societies in both regions as well as an expression of trust and investment in a shared global workforce.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the office, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the broader context of global economic transformation, noting the need for countries to manage talent flows while ensuring legality, transparency, and fairness.

"We are living through a period of profound transformation in the global economy. De-risking is a growing priority. Supply chains are being reconfigured. Technology is reshaping work. Demographics are diverging sharply across geographies. The concept of a global workforce is an emerging reality. Countries that can connect talent flows with seizing opportunity, while ensuring legality, transparency and fairness, will be best positioned to navigate this transition," he said.

"The European Legal Gateway Office is not just a facilitation for entry into Europe; it is a bridge between our societies, an expression of our trust, and an investment in a shared global workforce that is skilled, mobile, and resilient," he said.

On the role of AI, the EAM said the focus of the India AI Impact Summit has been on recognising AI's potential to bridge divides, amplify growth, enable social progress, and deliver solutions at scale.

Highlighting India's partnership with the European Union, Jaishankar noted that shared values and strategic convergence have strengthened ties between the two sides.

"India's partnership with the EU is promising not just because of our shared values, but because we see each other today as natural and preferred partners with more strategic convergence than ever before. The conclusion of negotiations for an India-EU FTA, the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership, and other concrete outcomes of the 16th India-EU Summit have put forward a roadmap for our shared future. The adoption of the 'Towards 2030' Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda at the Summit opens up a new chapter in our ties, a chapter towards mutual prosperity, security, and sustainability," he said.

The European Union inaugurated the first-ever European Legal Gateway Office in New Delhi today, in the presence of Henna Virkkunen, EU Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, and EAM Jaishankar.

According to a statement, the European Legal Gateway Office in India is the first of its kind in a partner country and will facilitate safe, legal, and well-informed migration and mobility from India to EU Member States in the ICT sector.

It will support Indian students, researchers, and professionals in the ICT sector by providing clear, reliable information on mobility pathways and the skills and qualification requirements across all 27 EU Member States. It will also support EU-based employers and higher education institutions in engaging with Indian talent.

The European Legal Gateway Office in India will operate through three connected pillars: a Gateway Office in India, a Support Office in the EU, and a digital tool that will function as a one-stop hub for clear and reliable information on work, study, and research mobility opportunities, the statement said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
"Bridge between societies" is the key phrase here. It's not just about jobs. This can foster real cultural exchange and understanding. Our tech talent gets global exposure, and Europe gets skilled professionals. A win-win if implemented with transparency.
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Arjun K
Good initiative, but the proof will be in the execution. We've seen many "gateway" offices before. Will it actually reduce the red tape and processing times, or just become another layer of bureaucracy? Hoping for the best.
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Sarah B
The focus on AI and a shared global workforce is timely. India has immense talent, and Europe needs it. This formal structure is much better than the informal, often exploitative networks. Hope it sets a standard for ethical recruitment.
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Vikram M
While this is great for the ICT sector, I hope similar pathways open for other professions—doctors, nurses, teachers. The "shared global workforce" shouldn't be limited to just tech. Our skilled youth in all fields deserve these opportunities.
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Karthik V
The strategic partnership with the EU is crucial for India's growth. An FTA, defence partnership, and now this. It shows we are building a multi-faceted relationship that goes beyond just trade. Smart diplomacy by MEA.

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