Jeddah: The central government is preparing to introduce the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025, designed to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians working and living abroad. The draft bill, open for public feedback until November 9, seeks to replace the four-decade-old Emigration Act of 1983 with a modern and comprehensive legal framework for overseas migration.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the bill’s objectives include establishing a regulatory system for safe and organized migration, formulating welfare-oriented policies and protecting vulnerable groups seeking employment overseas.
To improve coordination among ministries, the bill proposes the creation of an Overseas Mobility and Welfare Council. This body will oversee policy matters related to migration, promote foreign employment opportunities and ensure safeguards for workers, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.
A data-driven approach will guide the new system, with the government planning to establish mechanisms to manage and monitor international agreements related to migration and mobility. Data collection and analysis will help formulate policies based on labor trends and inter-ministerial coordination.
If passed, the bill will introduce several institutional changes. Mobility Resource Centres will be set up in India and abroad to offer guidance on employment opportunities, safe migration procedures, documentation and training. These centres are expected to be particularly useful for Indians migrating to Gulf countries.
A Director General of Overseas Mobility will be appointed to oversee implementation, manage migrant welfare programs and supervise the resource centres. Regional Overseas Mobility Officers will operate at local levels to assist in enforcement and migrant support.
The bill includes strict provisions to curb exploitation by illegal recruitment agencies. Overseas placement agencies violating regulations could face fines between ₹500,000 and ₹2 million. Officials say this will help reduce fraudulent recruitment and protect workers from exploitation.
The legislation also introduces provisions for returning migrants. Individuals who have worked abroad for at least 182 days will be categorized as “returnees” and will be eligible for special welfare assistance.
Public comments on the draft can be submitted by email to us1.epw@mea.gov.in, consultant4.epw@mea.gov.in, or so2oia1@mea.gov.in until November 9, 2025. After considering feedback, the government plans to table the bill in Parliament for approval.
The full draft of the Overseas Mobility Bill, 2025 is available on the Ministry of External Affairs website at https://www.mea.gov.in/overseasmobilitybill2025.htm