By Amarpal S. ChadhaIndia has consistently expanded its global trade partnerships with the objective of strengthening economic growth, generating employment, and enhancing its position in the global economy. Over the past few years, the country has signed nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) spanning 38 developed countries. The most recent of these is a forward-looking Free Trade Agreement signed with New Zealand on 28 April 2026, marking a historic milestone in bilateral economic relations. The Agreement will come into effect after Parliamentary approval in New Zealand and Cabinet clearance in India.The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework spanning market access, agricultural productivity, investment, talent mobility, and collaboration across areas such as sports, tourism and people-to-people ties. Its benefits extend across manufacturers, farmers, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, students and skilled professionals in both countries.
The India-New Zealand FTA highlights that the provisions on student mobility, professional pathways, working holiday visa creates an unprecedented opportunity for Indian youth and professionals to gain global exposure. From an Indian workforce perspective, the immigration and mobility provisions under this FTA are a progressive move, offering structured, predictable pathways for professionals, students and young workers.Also Read | How India benefits from ‘once-in-a-generation’ trade deal with New Zealand – 0% tariffs, visas for professionals, $20 bn investmentAt the heart of these provisions is the introduction of a Temporary Employment Entry visa pathway, allowing up to 5,000 Indian professionals to work in New Zealand for stay of up to three years. This pathway spans not only high-demand sectors such as IT, engineering, healthcare, education and construction, but also recognises iconic Indian professions including AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, chefs and music teachers. For Indian employees, this creates a more predictable, framework-driven mobility environment that allows individuals and employers to plan overseas assignments with greater clarity and confidence.Equally transformative are the student mobility commitments embedded in the agreement. The assurance of work rights of at least 20 hours per week during the study period significantly enhances affordability and opportunities for experiential learning. More importantly, the FTA provides for an extended post-study work opportunity for STEM Bachelor – 3 years; Master’s – upto 3 years; Doctorate – upto 4 years, creating a seamless transition from education to employment and enabling Indian students to convert global education into meaningful international work experience.For India, these measures directly support long-term human capital development. Exposure to advanced workplaces, global leadership practices and skill-intensive environments strengthens the employability of returning professionals, while also deepening India’s integration into global services value chains.
The FTA also places strong emphasis on youth mobility through the introduction of 1,000 Working Holiday Visas annually for young Indians, permitting multiple entry and work rights for up to 12 months. While short-term in nature, this pathway plays an important role in early career skill acquisition, cultural exchange and global exposure, particularly for young Indians seeking international experience outside traditional corporate assignments.Taken together, the Mobility and Education section of the India New Zealand FTA reflects a broader evolution in trade diplomacy one where mobility is treated as an economic enabler. As implementation unfolds, the real success of these provisions will lie in how effectively employers, institutions and individuals leverage them to build globally relevant careers anchored in Indian talent.(The author, Amarpal S. Chadha is Tax Partner at EY India . With Inputs from Shanmuga Prasad, Director-Tax, EY India)
