In the world of international migration, India has emerged as a prominent player, holding its position as the primary source of new migrants to OECD countries in 2020, 2021, and, if current trends persist, in 2022. The surge in migration in India increased to 172%, according to year’s OECD Outlook. These numbers have catapulted these nations into the spotlight, making them key sources of migration, just behind Ukraine.
STUDENTS
Moreover, when it comes to international students seeking education in OECD countries, Asia remains the dominant hub. In 2021, nearly 60% of international students in OECD countries hailed from Asia, with China and India being the top contributors. The leading countries of origin for these students were China, with 885,000 students, followed by India (424,000), Viet Nam (133,000), Germany (123,000), and France (101,000).
ASYLUM SEEKERS
Notably, India’s influence extends beyond students and migrants. In 2022, India leaped to become the tenth-largest origin country for asylum seekers in the OECD, marking a remarkable five-fold increase in numbers. The same trend is reflected in Canada, where India played a pivotal role in shaping the demographics of new citizens, alongside the Philippines, Syria, and Pakistan. For the last few years, India has maintained its position as the main source of new citizens in OECD countries, although there was a slight dip of -15% compared to 2019. In 2021 alone, 133,000 Indian citizens acquired the nationality of an OECD country.
Furthermore, India has been proactive in fostering international relations by establishing bilateral migration and mobility agreements with nations such as Finland, France, and the United Kingdom. Notably, in Italy, a significant portion of family migrants hails from the Indian subcontinent, Northern Africa, and Senegal.
India’s influence on migration, education, and citizenship trends in OECD countries remains prominent and dynamic, showcasing the country’s growing global significance.
