India hosts EU’s first legal mobility hub for students and professionals

The European Union on Wednesday launched its first-ever European Legal Gateway Office in New Delhi , housed within the EU Delegation to India. With a physical presence in both New Delhi and Brussels , the initiative marks a significant step in strengthening structured and legal mobility for Indian students and professionals, creating a trusted talent corridor between India and Europe and reinforcing cooperation in education, research and high-skilled employment across EU member states.

The initiative reflects the growing depth of the India-EU strategic partnership, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the launch event, which was also attended by Henna Virkkunen , Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for tech sovereignty and security.

The European Legal Gateway Office in India is the first such facility established by the European Union in a partner country. It is designed as a one-stop hub to provide accurate, transparent and reliable information on legal migration and mobility pathways to all EU member states, particularly in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

The office aims to support Indian students, researchers and professionals by guiding them on eligibility criteria, skills and qualification requirements, and available opportunities across Europe. It will also assist EU-based employers and higher education institutions in connecting with Indian talent through job fairs, study visits and targeted outreach programmes.

According to EU officials, the initiative seeks to promote safe, legal and well-informed migration , ensuring transparency and predictability in mobility pathways while preventing irregular or exploitative recruitment practices.

Speaking at the event, Jaishankar highlighted India’s expanding contribution to the global workforce, particularly in digital, scientific and emerging technologies. He noted that changing demographics, reconfigured supply chains and rapid technological transformation were reshaping the concept of a global workforce.

“Countries that can connect talent flows with opportunity, while ensuring legality, transparency and fairness, will be best positioned to navigate this transition,” he said, adding that India believes in “mobility with a purpose” mobility that benefits individuals, strengthens partner economies and contributes to development at home.