Europe

Indian emigration to Europe has been limited because of strict immigration policies.

Indian emigration to Europe has been limited because of strict immigration policies. Some West European countries relaxed their immigration laws for Asians in view of the labour shortages created by the economic boom in the 50s and 60s. Following a surge in immigration from India and other Asian countries however, restrictions were re-imposed.

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Recently the desire in the European Union (EU) to overtake the United States as the most competitive and knowledge based economy in the world has opened up new opportunities for India's skilled human resources and especially its IT experts, Demographic factors, i.e., the aging population of West Europe, have also increased their dependence on young workers from developing countries.

Computer experts and other professionals such as engineers, nurses, business managers, teachers, scientists etc, are therefore permitted to immigrate in restricted numbers. There has been a growing interest in EU member States in attracting Indian IT experts, who have already made a mark in the US.

The profile of the Indian Diaspora in West Europe/ the EU is thus likely to change in coming years owing to upward mobility among the existing Indian communities and continued immigration of highly qualified Indian professionals.

The size of the Indian community in the countries of East/Central Europe is very limited, comprising mainly of students, businessmen and professionals. Since 1990 however the number of Indian students in the higher educational institutions of these countries has declined.