Synopsis
On February 5, 2024, the MEA is considering a new law titled 'Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024', aiming to replace the Emigration Act 1983, as reported by the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs.Key Takeaways
- New legislation proposed by MEA.
- Intended to replace Emigration Act 1983.
- Consultations with Ministries underway.
- Involves public engagement.
- Targeted implementation within one year.
New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is seriously contemplating the introduction of a new legislation provisionally named 'Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024', aimed at superseding the outdated stipulations of the Emigration Act 1983, as highlighted in the fourth report of the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs presented to the Lok Sabha on Monday.
"Considering the current global migration trends and the requirements of Indian citizens, the Committee has consistently emphasized the urgent necessity for a thorough legislative revision to replace the outdated provisions of the Emigration Act 1983. After considerable delays, the Ministry is now actively exploring the enactment of a new law provisionally named 'Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024'," the report from the Committee, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, states.
It further notes: "The Ministry has communicated to the Committee that the draft proposal is currently undergoing consultations with relevant Ministries and will subsequently be opened for public review. The Committee insists that it should be consulted regarding the key aspects of the Bill, and that the enactment of a revised act reflecting the evolving global migration realities should occur within a specifiable timeframe, ideally within one year."
In response to a query in the Lok Sabha on November 11 of the previous year regarding compensation for Indian migrant workers, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that approximately 15 million Indian nationals are residing abroad, including unskilled, skilled workers, and professionals.
"The Ministry maintains data concerning Indian workers who hold Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports and seek overseas employment through the e-Migrate portal for any of the 18 notified ECR category countries," he said.
The report further elaborates that the Ministry has noted a noticeable improvement in India's global stature as a power, with advancements in the economic, scientific, and technological sectors.
"There is an increasing global interest in collaborating with India. This trend has led to an expansion of India's diplomatic efforts, evidenced by India taking the lead in regional groupings, an increase in high-level exchanges, the signing of bilateral agreements and MOUs, growth in economic and developmental cooperation, and initiatives spearheaded by India on the international front such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
The government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fostered a supportive environment for India's growth and development through partnerships with friendly nations over the past decade.
