As part of the EU-India Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (CDMM-II) Project, the International Labour Organization (ILO) organised the "Linking India-EU Mobility Opportunities with Maharashtra" State Engagement Workshop in Mumbai on 26 May 2026.
The workshop was held in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), with support from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and the European Union.
It convened representatives from government departments, international organisations, academia, skilling institutions, and recruitment agencies to discuss opportunities for strengthening labour mobility between Maharashtra and European Union Member States.
The programme opened with special addresses by Dr Amit Saini, IAS, Commissioner, Employment, Government of Maharashtra, and Dr Rajesh Gawande, IFS, Secretary of Protocol, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Diaspora Affairs and International Outreach, Government of Maharashtra, and Chief of Protocol at Mantralaya, Mumbai. Perspectives from the European Union were shared by H.E. Erik af Hällström, Consul General of Finland, followed by remarks from Dr Sushil Kumar, Joint Secretary, ICWA; Mr Rahul Barhat, Protector of Emigrants, Mumbai; and Mr Adarsh Kumar Mishra, Under Secretary, Emigration Policy & Welfare, Ministry of External Affairs.
Representatives from EU Member States, including Finland and Italy, together with partner organisations, also presented ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen safe and regular labour mobility pathways between India and the European Union.
Key discussions centred on:
- Strengthening safe, regular, and legal migration pathways between Maharashtra and EU Member States by improving access to reliable information on employment, education, and mobility opportunities.
- Enhancing skills development and language preparedness to better match Maharashtra's workforce with labour market needs across Europe, particularly in sectors such as ICT, healthcare, engineering, and other high-demand occupations.
- Raising awareness about the risks associated with irregular migration and fraudulent recruitment, while promoting the use of registered recruitment agencies and verified migration channels.
- Showcasing Maharashtra's initiatives to support ethical international mobility, including MAHIMA and the Maharashtra Private Placement Agency Regulation Act (MPPA), 2025.
- Increasing understanding of Schengen visa procedures and broader EU mobility frameworks.
- Strengthening pre-departure orientation through resources like the PDOT Handbook for Europe, and migrant protection measures, including guidance on cultural adaptation, labour rights, documentation, financial literacy, and mental well-being.
