Indian workers are now at the centre of global labour mobility. The latest OECD International Migration Outlook 2025 shows that India has become one of the most sought-after sources of talent for advanced economies facing persistent skill shortages.
From hospitals and care homes to technology hubs, Indian professionals and workers are helping OECD nations bridge critical employment gaps.
In 2023 alone, nearly 600,000 Indians migrated to OECD countries — an 8% increase over the previous year — making India the top origin country for new migrants. The movement reflects a broader shift: global migration is no longer dominated by low-wage labour but by skilled and semi-skilled professionals from emerging economies, led by India.
Healthcare at the Heart of India’s Global Labour Presence
The OECD data shows that India ranks among the top three sources of foreign-trained doctors and top two for nurses employed in member countries. Between 2021 and 2023, four in ten migrant doctors and over a third of migrant nurses in OECD nations came from Asia — with India contributing the largest share.
The report adds that India’s healthcare migration is now supported by formal channels such as the UK’s Health and Care Worker Visa and Ireland’s International Medical Graduate Training Initiative, which allow overseas professionals to train, work and contribute to health systems abroad.
New Labour Pathways and Bilateral Pacts
Beyond healthcare, the OECD notes a growing presence of Indian workers in sectors such as aged care, construction, and technology.
Australia’s Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement and a new India–Greece migration partnership signed in 2024 highlight how governments are designing bilateral systems to recruit Indian talent more systematically.
These structured pathways are part of a wider trend in OECD countries to manage migration through targeted skill partnerships, ensuring supply for shortage sectors without expanding overall migration caps.
Rules Tighten but Demand Remains High
Even as countries introduce tighter visa rules and employer compliance checks, demand for Indian workers remains strong. The OECD notes new oversight measures — such as mandatory contract submissions in Poland, wage benchmarks in Latvia, and verification systems in Finland — aimed at preventing labour exploitation.
Yet these regulations have not slowed recruitment. Instead, they are reshaping migration into more transparent and skill-driven channels where India continues to dominate.
The 2025 report records a rise in the number of Indian women entering international job markets, particularly in caregiving and education roles.
At the same time, a new generation of Indian graduates — many transitioning from international study to full-time work — is fuelling growth in health, IT, and research sectors.
A Workforce the World Depends On
The OECD’s findings confirm what global trends already suggest: India is no longer just exporting labour — it is exporting skills. From medical specialists to software engineers, Indian workers are filling shortages across continents and industries.
While host nations benefit from a steady supply of trained professionals, the report cautions that India will need to strengthen its own workforce planning to avoid domestic gaps, especially in healthcare.
The data is clear — the world wants Indian workers, and the demand is only set to grow.
From hospitals and care homes to technology hubs, Indian professionals and workers are helping OECD nations bridge critical employment gaps.
In 2023 alone, nearly 600,000 Indians migrated to OECD countries — an 8% increase over the previous year — making India the top origin country for new migrants. The movement reflects a broader shift: global migration is no longer dominated by low-wage labour but by skilled and semi-skilled professionals from emerging economies, led by India.
Healthcare at the Heart of India’s Global Labour Presence
The OECD data shows that India ranks among the top three sources of foreign-trained doctors and top two for nurses employed in member countries. Between 2021 and 2023, four in ten migrant doctors and over a third of migrant nurses in OECD nations came from Asia — with India contributing the largest share.
The report adds that India’s healthcare migration is now supported by formal channels such as the UK’s Health and Care Worker Visa and Ireland’s International Medical Graduate Training Initiative, which allow overseas professionals to train, work and contribute to health systems abroad.
New Labour Pathways and Bilateral Pacts
Beyond healthcare, the OECD notes a growing presence of Indian workers in sectors such as aged care, construction, and technology.
Australia’s Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement and a new India–Greece migration partnership signed in 2024 highlight how governments are designing bilateral systems to recruit Indian talent more systematically.
These structured pathways are part of a wider trend in OECD countries to manage migration through targeted skill partnerships, ensuring supply for shortage sectors without expanding overall migration caps.
Rules Tighten but Demand Remains High
Even as countries introduce tighter visa rules and employer compliance checks, demand for Indian workers remains strong. The OECD notes new oversight measures — such as mandatory contract submissions in Poland, wage benchmarks in Latvia, and verification systems in Finland — aimed at preventing labour exploitation.
Yet these regulations have not slowed recruitment. Instead, they are reshaping migration into more transparent and skill-driven channels where India continues to dominate.
The 2025 report records a rise in the number of Indian women entering international job markets, particularly in caregiving and education roles.
At the same time, a new generation of Indian graduates — many transitioning from international study to full-time work — is fuelling growth in health, IT, and research sectors.
A Workforce the World Depends On
The OECD’s findings confirm what global trends already suggest: India is no longer just exporting labour — it is exporting skills. From medical specialists to software engineers, Indian workers are filling shortages across continents and industries.
While host nations benefit from a steady supply of trained professionals, the report cautions that India will need to strengthen its own workforce planning to avoid domestic gaps, especially in healthcare.
The data is clear — the world wants Indian workers, and the demand is only set to grow.
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