Govt Plans New Law for Indian Workers Abroad
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is drafting a new emigration law to protect the rights and welfare of over 1.5 crore Indian workers employed in foreign countries. The proposed legislation aims to modernize migration policies, ensuring safer and more structured overseas employment opportunities.
The Proposed Overseas Mobility Bill
The new law, tentatively named the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024, seeks to replace the Emigration Act of 1983 with a comprehensive legal framework for Indian workers moving abroad. The government is currently consulting various ministries, and the draft will soon be open for public feedback before its finalization.
The bill focuses on ensuring safe migration, regulating recruitment practices, and promoting overseas employment opportunities. It is designed to facilitate orderly and transparent migration while protecting workers from exploitation.
Need for Replacing the 1983 Emigration Act
The Emigration Act of 1983 was initially introduced to regulate Indian workers moving abroad for contractual jobs, requiring recruitment agencies to be registered with the Protector General of Emigrants. However, changing global migration patterns and economic factors have made the law outdated.
The new legislation aims to simplify migration processes, making it easier for skilled and semi-skilled workers to find jobs abroad while ensuring their safety, rights, and legal protection.
Strengthening India’s Global Workforce
The proposed law reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding Indian workers abroad, many of whom contribute significantly to the global economy and India’s foreign remittances. By streamlining migration laws, the government intends to enhance employment prospects while ensuring better working conditions for Indian nationals worldwide.
Conclusion
The Overseas Mobility Bill marks a major reform in India’s migration policies. By replacing outdated regulations with a modern and structured legal framework, the government aims to protect Indian workers, promote safe migration, and ensure fair employment opportunities abroad.
