The central government plans to introduce the "Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill 2025" to make sure that Indian citizens who travel to different parts of the world in pursuit of employment do not experience harassment. This bill might be introduced during the next winter session of Parliament, according to sources.
Through this, the government is also considering making several changes to the Immigration Act of 1983. Additionally, the formation of an 'Overseas Mobility and Welfare Council' in the country has been planned to ensure the protection and overall security of Indians working in various parts of the world. According to government sources, the Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs will head this council. It will include ten senior officials from the Ministries of Labour, Skill Development, and External Affairs.
This council will create a comprehensive database of Indians working in various parts of the world. If any Indian citizen falls into trouble while working abroad, assistance will be extended immediately. Opinions have been sought from all relevant quarters regarding the draft of this bill.
Once these opinions are received, the bill will be presented for approval by the Union Cabinet. After receiving the green signal from the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bill may be presented in the winter session of Parliament for clearance by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
It is noteworthy that after the 'Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill 2025' is passed in Parliament, the central government is also considering recognizing several placement agencies in the country and abroad through the resulting law. To ensure that Indian citizens do not lose everything by falling prey to fraudulent agencies when going abroad for work, the government is considering recognizing several placement agencies spread across India and various parts of the world, according to sources.
Government officials believe this step will make it easier to create a proper understanding of which agencies Indians should contact for getting jobs abroad. If any recognized agency violates the law or commits fraud with any Indian, the proposed bill also considers taking legal action against them, along with a minimum financial penalty of ₹20 lakh.
The Ministry of External Affairs has planned to monitor the entire process through the 'Director General of Overseas Mobility' (DGOM), who will be one of the principal members of the 'Overseas Mobility and Welfare Council' established in India.
A section of officials claims that the 'Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill' will also help curb illegal Indian infiltration abroad. This will not only secure the future of Indians going abroad but also ensure that the global image of the Indian government does not suffer due to the deportation of illegal Indian infiltrators.
