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Context:  Close on the heels of similar mobility agreements with France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Finland, India will sign a “Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement” (MMPA) with Austria during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Vienna.

Details:

• While India has been keen to finalise these agreements with European countries as a stepping stone to resolving issues over the long-pending India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement and facilitating Indian professionals working in these countries, the European countries also see them as a way to curb illegal immigration from India.
• This is a much-needed agreement, especially in view of the sharp increase in illegal migration Austria was confronted with last year, including over 15,000 illegal migrants from India with practically no chance of asylum.
• The agreement is now a useful tool to combat illegal migration together, as it enables the swift return of illegal migrants.
• In addition, the agreement will regulate multiple entry visas for professionals and student exchange programmes, and will be reviewed regularly by a Joint Working Group.
• This is the first trip to Austria by an Indian Foreign Minister in 27 years.

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