MEA Invites Comments on Draft Overseas Mobility Bill, 2025

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

In News

• The External Affairs Ministry has sought comments and suggestions on the draft Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025.

About

• The proposed Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025 envisages comprehensive emigration management, institutes regulatory mechanisms by developing a regime for safe and orderly migration governing overseas employment of Indian nationals. 
• It also establishes a framework which creates policies and schemes for incentivizing policy actions for protection and promotion of welfare of emigrants.
• It will replace the existing Emigration Act, 1983.

Salient Features of the Bill

• Establishment of Overseas Mobility and Welfare Council: To be constituted as the apex body for emigration governance, headed by the Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs as ex-officio Chairperson.
  • The council will exercise powers, oversee implementation, and ensure coordination between multiple ministries and stakeholders.
• Balanced Approach: Encourages mobility opportunities abroad while safeguarding vulnerable emigrant categories (especially low-skilled workers in GCC and Southeast Asia). It will emphasize ethical recruitment and fair labour practices.
• Mobility Resource Centres (MRCs): To be established across India to provide information, resources, counselling, and pre-departure training to potential emigrants.
  • Aim to enhance awareness, skill alignment, and preparedness of workers before going abroad.
• Data-Driven Policy Management: Focuses on creating a National Emigrant Database to monitor recruitment trends, grievances, and welfare outcomes.
• Accreditation and Regulation of Overseas Placement Agencies: All placement agencies to be accredited by the Competent Authority.
• Penalties and Enforcement: Strict penalties for violations for Overseas Placement Agencies contravening orders of the Competent Authority, fines not less than ₹5 lakh per violation.

Source: PIB