India-Italy Migration and Mobility Agreement

• 02 Jan 2024

For Prelims: India-Italy Migration and Mobility Agreement, European Union, Location of Italy, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Global Biofuel Alliance, Blue-Raman project

For Mains: Areas of Cooperation Between India and Italy

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval to the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy.

What is Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy?

• About:
  • The agreement is set to strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration while bolstering people-to-people ties between India and Italy.
  • It facilitates mobility for various segments, including students, skilled workers, businesspersons, and young professionals, fostering exchange and collaboration.
• Key Provisions:
  • Temporary Residence for Indian Students: Graduates seeking professional exposure in Italy post-academic or vocational training can secure temporary residency for up to 12 months.
  • Reserved Quotas for Workers: The agreement outlines quotas for non-seasonal and seasonal Indian workers, with a reserved quota range over the years 2023-2025 under the existing Flows Decree.
    • The Italian government's annual "Flow Decree" (Decreto Flussi) sets the maximum number of non-EU citizens who can enter Italy for work and self-employment
• Implementation:
  • The agreement will remain in force for 5 years, with automatic renewal unless terminated.
  • A Joint Working Group (JWG) will oversee its implementation, convening periodically to evaluate progress and propose supportive measures for effective execution.

Key Facts About Italy

• About:
  • Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula that juts out of southern Europe into the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and other waters.
• Bordering Countries:
  • Italy has international borders with Austria, France, the Holy See (Vatican City), San Marino, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
  • Italy also shares maritime borders with Albania, Algeria, Croatia, Greece, Libya, Malta, Montenegro, Spain, and Tunisia.
• Form of Government: Republic
• Capital: Rome
• Money: Euro
• Major Mountains: Alps, Apennines
• Major Rivers: Po, Adige, Arno, Tiber

What are the Other Areas of Cooperation Between India and Italy?

• Historical Ties:
  • India and Italy are ancient civilizations but young states. Italian port cities were important trading posts on the spice route.
  • The Venetian merchant Marco Polo, during his travels to the east, also traveled to India in the 13^th century and wrote about his experiences.
• Political:
  • Political relations between India and Italy were established in 1947.
  • In March 2023, India and Italy elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
• Economic:
  • The bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at USD 14.25 billion in 2022-23.
    • Italy is among India's top 5 trading partners in the European Union.
  • Main items of Indian exports to Italy are ready-made garments, leather, iron ore, motor vehicles, textiles, chemicals, gems & jewelry.
    • The main items of import from Italy are general and special purpose machinery, machine tools, metallurgical products, and engineering items.
• Security:
  • The India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) is a forum established to boost defense cooperation between the both countries.
• Other Initiatives Involving India and Italy:
  • India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
  • Global Biofuel Alliance
  • Blue-Raman project