India Revisits Emigration Act to Align with 21st-Century Global Mobility Needs
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, announced that the government is studying the Emigration Act of 1983 to better address the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by Indian emigrants. The study aims to modernize the legislation to meet the realities of international mobility in the 21st century and safeguard the interests of Indian citizens seeking employment abroad.
At the inauguration of the Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) Foundation in Delhi on May 6, 2025, Jaishankar emphasized the need for Indians to seek out employment opportunities that match their skills and talents. He noted that while the government supports legal mobility, it will “strongly discourage” non-legal means of international migration.
“The Emigration Act of 1983 was designed for a different time, a particular geography, and the post-oil boom period, when many Indians sought work in Gulf economies,” Jaishankar explained. “The landscape has changed, and we must adapt by promoting new opportunities for our citizens while protecting the vulnerable.”
The Emigration Act was originally created to regulate Indian citizens’ emigration, particularly to the Gulf, for both blue-collar and white-collar jobs. However, over time, illegal recruitment practices have emerged, threatening the safety of Indian emigrants. Additionally, the profile of Indian emigrants has changed, with growing interest from countries beyond the Gulf, such as Italy, Japan, Malaysia, and Israel, seeking Indian professionals across various sectors.
Jaishankar highlighted that global demand for Indian talent is on the rise, with countries eager to tap into India’s human resources. He referred to these emerging opportunities as “the tip of the iceberg,” adding that several foreign ministers from Europe have expressed interest in leveraging India’s talent pool.
While acknowledging India’s demographic advantage, particularly in contrast to aging workforces in the West, Jaishankar stressed that India must continue to focus on upskilling its workforce to compete globally. He pointed to a recent KPMG report, which noted India’s potential to export talent, but also cautioned about increasing global restrictions on mobility. To remain competitive, India will need to invest in reskilling initiatives to meet global demand.
The government’s ongoing review of the Emigration Act is expected to result in a new framework that better supports Indian emigrants and adapts to the contemporary global job market.
