00:00mobility across borders. Now, we all know that the world is undergoing a profound transformation
00:09and as part of that, demographic patterns are changing sharply across continents.
00:16Technological innovation is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace.
00:22Artificial intelligence, automation, digitalization, and green transition are also redefining skills
00:31that are required for tomorrow's economy. But the challenge of yesteryears also remain with us,
00:39be they of health, manufacturing, construction, or agriculture. At the same time, societies are
00:50becoming increasingly interconnected, and the ability of nations to think creatively will
00:57significantly influence their prospects for future prosperity.
01:02So, against this backdrop, the movement of talent and skills has acquired increased importance.
01:11For much of modern history, economic discussions have centered around trade, investments, and
01:19the movement of goods and capital. But now, human resource has emerged as one of the most
01:27critical factors of economic development. Countries are increasingly recognizing that access to skilled
01:36and adaptable talent is essential for sustaining growth, fostering innovation, and maintaining productivity.
01:45In fact, we could even say, for maintaining the quality of life.
01:52Human resource mobility, therefore, represents far more than the movement of people from one place to another.
02:02It is about connecting aspirations with opportunities. It is about linking talent with demand.
02:09It is about creating pathways through which individuals can contribute to economic progress.
02:17And this is the bottom line. It is both economic growth and social well-being that we are talking about.
02:25Now, India's vision for mobility is not limited to facilitating overseas employment opportunities.
02:35We, in fact, view mobility as a very important pillar of international cooperation.
02:42These partnerships are based on mutual benefit, shared responsibility, and long-term sustainability.
02:52When managed effectively, such partnerships create value for the source countries, for the destination countries,
03:00for employers, for workers, for communities.
03:03We also recognize the need for bilateral collaboration in ensuring safe, orderly, and legal migration.
03:15As on date, India has signed 28 Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements, or their equivalents,
03:24with 26 countries, and several others are currently under negotiation.
03:31Equally important is the collective responsibility of nations to combat illegal migration,
03:36exploitative practices, fraudulent intermediaries, and human trafficking.
03:42These challenges comprise the credibility of legal mobility ecosystems and can place vulnerable individuals at risk.
03:56One key pillar which has brought about a transformation in the governance of migration has been the use of digital
04:05systems and tools.
04:07Just two years back, we had launched e-migrate version 2 platform with better functionalities and services,
04:18creating a safer, more transparent, and legal structure for mobility.
04:24India's commitment to safe and legal mobility is reflected in the e-migrate platform,
04:31and since its inception, more than 50 lakh, that is 5 million, immigration clearances have been issued.
04:40This digital ecosystem has become a global example of leveraging technology to protect migrant workers while facilitating mobility.
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