India Proposes New Overseas Mobility Bill to Safeguard Workers Abroad

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has unveiled the draft of the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025, a transformative piece of legislation set to replace the outdated Emigration Act of 1983. Released on Thursday, the draft aims to modernize and streamline the process of overseas migration for Indian workers, ensuring their safety, welfare, and access to global job opportunities.

The proposed bill introduces a comprehensive framework to facilitate secure and legal migration for Indian citizens seeking employment abroad. It focuses on creating robust policies and schemes to protect the rights of Indian workers, particularly those in vulnerable categories, while promoting opportunities in the global job market. The legislation aligns with India’s foreign policy goal of expanding international work prospects for its citizens, reflecting the country’s growing global influence.

A key feature of the bill is the establishment of the Overseas Mobility and Welfare Council, which will foster coordination between various ministries to enhance policy management. This council will ensure that migration policies are cohesive, data-driven, and responsive to the needs of Indian workers abroad. The bill also sets up mechanisms to oversee the implementation of international agreements on migration and mobility, ensuring compliance and accountability.

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By leveraging labor market studies and inter-ministerial collaboration, the bill aims to create a transparent, data-backed system that supports safe and legal migration. This includes measures to protect emigrants from exploitation, provide access to welfare schemes, and incentivize policies that promote their well-being. The legislation strikes a balance between opening doors to global opportunities and safeguarding the rights of Indian workers, particularly those in low-skilled or high-risk job sectors.

The MEA has invited public feedback on the draft, encouraging stakeholders to share suggestions by November 7, 2025, via email to us1.epw@mea.gov.in, consultant4.epw@mea.gov.in, or so2oia1@mea.gov.in. This participatory approach underscores the ministry’s commitment to crafting a law that reflects the needs and aspirations of Indian workers.

As India continues to strengthen its position in the global economy, the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025, represents a forward-thinking step toward empowering its citizens to thrive in international job markets while ensuring their safety and dignity.

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