This working paper analyses the development of the India-Austria migration skill corridor (MSC), focusing on the legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, actors and processes that shape skilled mobility between both countries. Based on 21 semi-structured interviews carried out in India and in Austria, the working paper investigates key dimensions of corridor development, including recruitment and matching, skills development, qualification recognition, migration and mobility procedures, and integration and retention.

The paper shows how the India-Austria migration skill corridor, which goes back to the migration of healthcare workers in the 1970s, has been re-emerging in recent years, driven by public and private recruitment initiatives that not only attract Indian professionals and students but also support their mobility process, facilitate skilling, qualification recognition, mobility as well as integration in an attempt to overcome structural gaps. The 2023 Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement – although it does not create new pathways – has created momentum for expanding cooperation in education and skills. A planned “pre-check register” will further facilitate the recognition of vocational qualifications obtained through pre-assessed training programmes. This shows that the migration skill corridor, which was originally driven by public and private recruitment initiatives, is increasingly moving towards a more structured and institutionalized system.