Overseas Mobility Bill 2024: Indian government is actively considering a new law to streamline and regulate migration for overseas employment, ensuring a safer and more structured process.
Amid the first batch of deportations of illegal Indian immigrants from the US under the Trump 2.0 administration, the Centre is exploring the introduction of the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024. This proposed legislation aims to establish a well-defined framework for legal and orderly migration.
USBP and partners successfully returned illegal aliens to India, marking the farthest deportation flight yet using military transport. This mission underscores our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring swift removals.
— Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) February 5, 2025
If you cross illegally, you will be removed. pic.twitter.com/WW4OWYzWOf
A recent report tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, shed light on the progress of the bill.
Set to replace the Emigration Act of 1983, the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024 is designed to enhance protections for Indian workers abroad while strengthening formal migration pathways.
US Deportations Raise Alarm in India
Concerns are mounting after more than 100 Indian migrants were deported from the United States, arriving in Amritsar aboard a US military aircraft—many reportedly in chains and shackles.
On Monday, the US deported 104 Indian nationals as part of a renewed crackdown on illegal immigration. They were flown in on a C-17 US military aircraft and included 33 individuals from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh. Among the deportees were 19 women and 13 minors, including a four-year-old boy and two young girls, aged five and seven.
Reacting to the development, Congress Minister Shashi Tharoor acknowledged that deportations of illegal immigrants are routine but criticised US authorities for their handling of the situation.
#WATCH | Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "It's not the first time we have had people deported. It's just that the media has suddenly woken up to this story because Mr Trump has done it a bit quicker than people expected. But already last year, under the Biden Administration,… pic.twitter.com/yiRPiuqr4N
— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2025
"It's not the first time people have been deported. Last year, over 1,100 Indians were sent back under the Biden administration. But this case has drawn attention because it was done more aggressively," Tharoor remarked.
What Is Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024?
The Indian government is actively working on a new legislative framework to facilitate safe and legal overseas employment for its citizens. With this proposed bill, India aims to modernise migration policies, ensuring greater protection for Indian workers abroad while promoting legal migration channels.
The Emigration Act of 1983 is outdated and does not align with contemporary global migration trends. Key challenges include:
- Lack of provisions for structured overseas employment and emigrant welfare.
- High risks of exploitation and fraud due to unregulated migration routes.
- Insufficient legal safeguards for Indian workers abroad.
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What Is The Need for the Overseas Mobility Bill?
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, has highlighted the urgency of comprehensive migration reform. Currently, around 5 million Indians work overseas, with over 90% employed in Gulf countries. Many face severe challenges, including:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is working on a legislative overhaul to ensure safe, orderly, and legal migration. The bill will address fraudulent recruitment practices and enhance transparency in overseas job placements.
Screengrab from the proposal bill ( Credits: Sansad)
Many face immigrant face severe challenges, including:
- Unregulated recruitment practices leading to fraud.
- Delayed or unpaid wages.
- Poor working and living conditions.
- Lack of legal support in foreign countries.
- Employers withholding passports.
- Physical and emotional abuse.
Key Features of the Proposed Bill
- Establishes a structured system for facilitating overseas employment.
- Ensures migration is transparent, legal, and free from exploitation.
- The MEA is consulting multiple government ministries before finalising the draft.
- The public will have 15–30 days to provide feedback before the bill is finalised.
- The bill will undergo inter-ministerial consultations before being presented to the Cabinet.
- The Protector of Emigrants (PoE) will work closely with Indian embassies and consulates to oversee worker welfare.
- PoE offices will address grievances, ensure fair employment conditions, and prevent exploitation.
- The government will maintain a register of all overseas workers, including their names, employment countries, and other relevant details.
- Measures, including bilateral agreements, will be introduced to prevent human trafficking.
- Social security agreements with other countries will be established to ensure worker welfare.
- All individuals or agencies recruiting Indian citizens for foreign employment must register with the designated authority.