New Delhi:
In the wake of a recent US deportation flight that brought over 100 Indian migrants back to their homeland, the Indian government is actively working on a new legislative framework to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens seeking overseas employment. This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to address the growing concerns over illegal immigration and the mistreatment of Indian nationals abroad.
The proposed “Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024” aims to modernize India’s migration policies, replacing the outdated Emigration Act of 1983. This move is particularly timely given the recent deportation of Indian migrants from the US, which included women and minors, and was criticized for its aggressive handling.
The idea for the new bill emerged from a report presented by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. The report highlights the need for a comprehensive legislative overhaul to align with contemporary global migration trends. The current Emigration Act of 1983 is seen as inadequate, failing to provide structured overseas employment opportunities and leaving Indian workers vulnerable to exploitation.
The US deportation flight, which landed in Amritsar, Punjab, carried 104 Indian nationals, including 19 women and 13 minors, some as young as four and seven years old. This incident is part of a larger crackdown on illegal immigration by US authorities, with over 1,100 Indians deported last year under the Biden administration.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring the welfare of Indian students and migrants abroad, noting that contingency plans are in place to handle situations of tension. However, Shashi Tharoor criticized the aggressive manner in which the US handled the recent deportations, highlighting the need for more humane and orderly migration processes.
The US deportations occur against a backdrop of tightening immigration policies, with many Indian nationals resorting to high-risk routes through Mexico and Central America in search of better opportunities. To address this, India and the US are cooperating to deter illegal migration and ensure that legal migration channels remain open for Indian nationals.
The Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024, is designed to combat fraudulent recruiting agencies, ensure transparency in overseas job placements, and provide legal assistance and repatriation support for distressed workers abroad. Indian embassies and consulates will play a crucial role in conducting awareness campaigns and addressing grievances of Indian workers abroad.
The bill will also strengthen the role of the Protector of Emigrants (PoE), who will collaborate closely with Indian embassies and consulates to ensure the welfare of Indian workers, address grievances, and resolve employment disputes. Public consultations and inter-ministerial reviews are underway, with the bill expected to be enacted within a year.
