Poland next hot destination for Indians

Poland could soon witness a large influx of Indian workers, particularly in the construction sector, after the two countries sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to streamline labour migration to the East European country.

This was decided at a meeting held here Wednesday between Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Poland's Minister for Labour and Social Policy Anna Kalata.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Ravi said, "We proposed to sign an MoU with Poland and a note is being circulated in this regard... The MoU will streamline migration of labour from India to Poland to work in the construction, agriculture and service sectors in that country."

As of now, there are only around 3,000 Indians employed across various sectors in Poland but this number is expected to get significant boost once the MoU is signed. The Polish minister has taken the initiative to promote recruitment of Indian workers in her country.

Stating that her country is facing an acute labour shortage, Kalata said, "We have noticed severe discrepancies in our labour market. Around 800,000 Polish workers have left to work in other countries in the EU (European Union)."

"The need for labour is more so in the construction sector as we are going to build a number of stadiums for the Euro 2012 football championship," the visiting minister added.

Poland, along with Ukraine, will play joint hosts to football's second biggest event in 2012.

She also said that Poland is on a quick growth path and hence there is an urgent need for skilled manpower. "In the first quarter of this year, our economy grew by 7.4 percent."

The proposed MoU will also facilitate Indian companies to invest or get into partnership with companies in Poland in various sectors.

To a question as to whether Poland was seeking investment especially from Indian IT companies, an official from the Polish minister's delegation said, "IT is one of the fastest growing sectors in Poland. We don't have to especially invite them (Indian IT companies). They very well know where the green is."

To a question as to whether India will be signing a social security agreement with Poland similar to the one that was signed with Belgium last year, Ravi said, "This will be an MoU for streamlining labour migration, but yes, we can go on and sign a social security agreement later."

Source: hindustantimes.com