India’s future job market

The World Economic Forum's offers a clear vision into the evolving global job scenario. There is a need for higher educational institutions to take cognizance of these changing trends. You will see new programs on campuses soon along these lines. 

Key takeaways:

1. As expected, technological change and AI will reshape industries, driving demand for roles in AI, data science, and software development while phasing out clerical jobs.

2. Energy and sustainability will be key elements of this growth. The green transition will be a major cause of growth in renewable energy roles and sustainability skills, critical for a net-zero future.

3. Skill transformation is accelerating, with 39% of core skills expected to evolve by 2030. Resilience, flexibility, and AI proficiency are at the forefront.

4. Demographic shifts will create global healthcare and education job booms in aging and young populations.

5. Upskilling remains vital: 85% of employers prioritize reskilling as the talent gap emerges as a top barrier to transformation—a huge opportunity for continuing education/re-skilling programs. 

As per the report, while automation and AI take center stage, human-centric skills like leadership and creativity remain irreplaceable.

Emigration clearances for Indian workers tripled in three years

The Ministry of Skill Development on Monday informed Parliament that in the last three years, emigration clearances granted to semi-skilled and unskilled workers in India who wish to go abroad and work have tripled.

While replying to the question of a Lok Sabha MP, the data provided by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary highlighted that in 2021, 1,32,675 people were granted emigration clearances to go abroad and work, while in 2022, the number increased to 3,73,425 and in 2023, 3,98,317 people were given emigration clearances.

Labour mobility is something the Indian government has been working for, and the nation currently has labour mobility pacts with six countries—Israel, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, Portugal, and Mauritius.

Germany's new immigration policies present unique opportunity for Indians

As Germany grapples with an economic slowdown and political uncertainties, German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, sees a silver lining—an increasing focus on attracting skilled professionals from India. In a candid conversation at a TOI editors' roundtable, Ackermann highlighted how Germany's changing immigration laws present a unique opportunity for Indian workers, especially in sectors facing labor shortages.

"Germany is in urgent need of skilled labor," Ackermann said, emphasizing the urgency of filling positions in industries ranging from engineering to digital solutions. "We have changed our laws and I'd say Germany arguably has the most liberal immigration laws now. And that is a big difference between Germany and most other Western countries, including the US. We have one big disadvantage: language," he said.

Germany's shift towards more welcoming immigration policies comes as the country seeks to overcome its labor market challenges. Ackermann shared that India is expected to be a key partner in addressing this gap. Currently, around 260,000 Indians live in Germany, and that number is poised to rise significantly in the coming years. "We have good cooperation not just with the central government but also state governments," he explained, signaling a promising future for Indian migrants.

Despite language barriers, Germany remains an attractive destination for skilled professionals. Ackermann highlighted that many immigrants from India are already making their mark in Germany's vibrant business landscape, which includes over 2,000 German companies operating in India. As the German government looks to reduce reliance on China, it sees India as a crucial economic partner.