The Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) between India and Germany represents a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations, fostering economic growth, and enhancing people-to-people connections. This agreement facilitates the legal migration of students, young professionals, and skilled workers, promoting knowledge exchange and access to employment opportunities in Germany, thereby addressing the country’s labour shortages. Moreover, the partnership prioritises collaboration in combating human trafficking and irregular migration by establishing a Joint Working Group to oversee issues related to migration and mobility.
Migration has surged in recent years, driven by labour demands across various industries, particularly in healthcare, IT, and the automotive sector. While these movements present new opportunities, they also increase the risk of labour exploitation due to systemic vulnerabilities inherent in the migration process. Although there are fewer reported issues concerning the migration of blue card holders, students, job seekers, and skilled workers frequently encounter challenges related to labour exploitation. These exploitative practices can include underpayment, circumvention of social security contributions, unsafe working conditions, and, in some instances, human trafficking and forced labour. The primary factors contributing to labour exploitation often include socio-economic conditions, a lack of proficiency in the German language, and a lack of awareness regarding German labour laws.
The labour exploitation of Indian migrants in Berlin who arrive on student, jobseeker, or skilled worker visas is a serious and often hidden problem. Many of these migrants arrive in Germany with high hopes and expectations. However, the reality can be sobering, as they usually face precarious working conditions and unfair treatment.
Forms of exploitation: Labour exploitation can take various forms, including:
• Unpaid overtime: Migrants are often forced to work long hours without adequate compensation.
• Low wages: They are frequently paid less than the legally required minimum wage.
•Unsafe working conditions: In industries such as construction and gastronomy, they often work in dangerous or unhealthy conditions.
Our recent research reveals that some unscrupulous German employers are collaborating with Indian partners to provide forged certificates and contracts, enabling them to obtain jobseeker and skilled worker visas. The issue of contract and document forgery in connection with the labor exploitation of migrants is extremely sensitive. There are instances where migrants are placed in precarious employment through the use of forged contracts or documents.
Combating labor exploitation requires greater public awareness, stricter controls, and enhanced support for migrants. These individuals must be viewed not merely as workers, but as people with dignity and rights.
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