The Ministry of External Affairs has proposed the introduction of the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025 in Parliament, marking a significant step toward modernizing India’s migration and emigration framework. The new Bill aims to replace the four-decade-old Emigration Act of 1983, aligning India’s emigration policies with present-day global mobility trends.
The Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025 envisions a comprehensive emigration management system that facilitates safe, orderly, and transparent overseas employment for Indian nationals. It also establishes a policy framework to safeguard and promote the welfare of emigrants, ensuring that India’s overseas workforce benefits from greater institutional support.
Among the key provisions, the Bill proposes the creation of an Overseas Mobility and Welfare Council, designed to enhance coordination among various ministries for effective policy implementation. It seeks to balance opportunities abroad with the protection of vulnerable groups, ensuring that the pursuit of overseas employment does not compromise worker safety or welfare.
Additionally, the Bill introduces a mechanism to oversee international agreements related to migration and mobility, enabling India to better manage global partnerships in this field. It also emphasizes data-driven policy management, supported by labour studies and inter-ministerial collaboration, to shape evidence-based decision-making.
Overall, the proposed legislation reflects the government’s commitment to transforming India’s emigration governance into a modern, welfare-oriented system — one that promotes global opportunities while ensuring the dignity and safety of every Indian working abroad.
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