State Absenteeism in India's Reverse Migration? A Comparison with the Chinese Experience

Abstract

Circular migration is by no means a new phenomenon; however, it has become a perceptible trend in the recent past. Emerging economies like China and India are witnessing increased rates of return migration of their people belonging to various skill levels. In the case of China, in addition to market forces and more organic reasons for returns, reverse migration of highly skilled and specialized individuals has to a large extent been induced by the government by provision of incentives to lure returnees back. In India, while the policy view has gradually shifted to become more favourable to those belonging to the Indian Diaspora, there is a lot to be done at the local levels in order to make these policies work and benefit those who choose to return.

Dr A Didar Singh’s seminar will explore these differences in experiences based on the results of a primary research project carried out in 2016-17. He will also trace the change in the Indian political view on the importance of the Indian Diaspora over the past six decades.

About the Speaker

Dr. A. Didar Singh, author and earlier civil servant (Indian Administrative Service - IAS) served as Secretary to Government of India (2009-11) and former Secretary General (2012-17) of India’s largest apex business chamber, FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry).

More details about the topic as well as the speaker, as well as any further updates about the event can be found at http://iems.ust.hk/singh

This seminar is co-organized with the HKUST Center on China's Transnational Relations (CCTR).

Photo by Adam Cohn / Flickr.CC. https://www.flickr.com/photos/adamcohn/23547177526/