India Reiterates Focus on Skilled Mobility as New Zealand Moves to Tighten Immigration Rules: MEA

India's discussions with New Zealand on the movement of professionals remain centred on skilled workers despite Wellington moving towards tighter immigration rules, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday, as per ANI report. 

The clarification comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand on July 11, the final stop of his three-country tour covering Indonesia and Australia. The visit follows the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 27. 

Mobility Part of Trade Engagement 

Addressing a media briefing, MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon said India differentiates between migration and professional mobility. While immigration has become a policy issue in several countries, India's discussions are focused on facilitating the movement of skilled professionals under trade and economic partnerships. 

He said the government has consistently raised concerns over the difficulties faced by Indian professionals working overseas.  

FTA Includes Provisions for Professionals 

The India-New Zealand FTA includes provisions intended to improve mobility for professionals, including technical experts and senior executives. Tandon said the agreement attempted to address issues that Indian professionals have encountered while taking up assignments abroad. 

He added that the effectiveness of these provisions would become clear only after the agreement is implemented. 

Three-Country Tour Begins on July 8, 2026 

Prime Minister Modi will begin his overseas visit in Indonesia on July 8-9 before travelling to Australia on July 10 for the third India-Australia Annual Summit. He will then visit New Zealand on July 11, 2026. 

The MEA noted that programmes involving the Indian diaspora have also been planned during the visit. Community interactions will be organised in all three countries, with the format differing based on local arrangements. 

Read More: Andhra Pradesh Launches Construction of JSW Rayalaseema Steel Plant in Kadapa with ₹36,350 Crore Outlay! 

Conclusion 

The government reiterated that its priority is improving cross-border mobility for skilled professionals, distinguishing it from broader immigration policy discussions. 

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