New Delhi: The Centre is considering bringing a new law to set up a framework that allows for safe, orderly and streamlined migration of its nationals abroad for employment in the wake of the Trump administration’s firm stance on illegal immigration and the deportation of 104 Indians on Wednesday.
A report presented in the Lok Sabha on Monday by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, revealed information about the status of proposed emigration legislation, Indian Express has reported.
In response to the committee’s inquiry regarding the Emigration Bill 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the proposed legislation, titled the “Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024,” is intended to replace the Emigration Act of 1983. The MEA explained that the new bill aims to streamline and facilitate the circular mobility of individuals seeking employment overseas.
“It aims to establish an enabling framework which will promote safe, orderly and regular migration for overseas employment. The proposed draft is under consultation with line Ministries. After the internal consultations draft will be put up for public Consultation for 15/30 days thereafter it will be followed up by Inter-Ministerial Consultations along with the Draft Cabinet Note on the revised draft,” the report cites the MEA as saying.
The committee has consistently emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive legislative overhaul to replace the outdated provisions of the Emigration Act, 1983, in light of contemporary global migration dynamics and the needs of Indian citizens.
After significant delays, the Ministry is now seriously considering enacting a new law, tentatively titled the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024. The MEA has informed the committee that the draft is currently under consultation with relevant ministries and will subsequently be opened for public consultation.
Progress report on migration bill in 3 months
The committee has expressed its desire to be consulted on the key aspects of the Bill and has stressed that the revised legislation should be enacted on time, ideally within a year. Additionally, it has requested an update on the progress of the Bill to be submitted to the House panel within three months.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also informed the parliamentary panel that the Protector of Emigrants works closely with Indian embassies and consulates to support Indian emigrants by ensuring their welfare, addressing grievances, and handling issues related to overseas employment.
What is the new immigration bill about
Indian missions and consulates actively raise awareness among immigrants by issuing advisories and disseminating information on safe migration practices. These efforts help prospective emigrants stay informed about registered recruiting agents, legitimate foreign employment opportunities, and how to avoid fraudulent recruiters.
Additionally, the ministry stated that Indian missions and consulates address grievances raised by emigrants, including concerns about mistreatment, contract discrepancies, non-payment of wages by foreign employers, and fraudulent activities by registered recruiting agents.
