New Delhi, Nov 13 (NationPress) The Government's proposed Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025 has the potential to secure a more favorable arrangement for India's skilled workforce and professionals while also encouraging them to return to their homeland after completing their international assignments. This initiative aims to bolster the acceptance of Indian workers abroad amidst the rising resistance to immigration in developed nations like the US.

An article in The Diplomat states, “The new Bill is India's initiative to redefine labor mobility as a key element of economic diplomacy.”

“This new legislation marks a significant shift. Instead of passively observing the dispersion of its workforce, India is now proactively negotiating the terms of their mobility. Since 2014, New Delhi has entered into labor mobility agreements with more than 20 nations across Europe, Asia, and the Persian Gulf.

The proposed law aims to replace the obsolete Emigration Act of 1983 with a detailed framework that not only facilitates overseas employment but also guarantees the safe and orderly return of workers and their reintegration,” the article explains.

“This acknowledges a stark reality: while developed countries face declining populations and labor shortages, nations like India maintain stable populations but lack sufficient job opportunities. Migration, which once appeared to be a viable solution, is now constrained by the political repercussions of immigration backlash. India's approach is to export labor under defined timelines,” the article further elaborates.

India's demographic advantage lies in having over 600 million individuals under the age of 25, whereas developed nations encounter significant labor shortages due to aging populations. A study from the Boston Consulting Group predicts a global workforce deficit of 45-50 million by 2030, a substantial increase from the estimated 5 million in 2023, as mentioned in the article.

It also points to Germany and Japan actively recruiting Indian professionals.

Furthermore, the article notes that the Indian government is diligently negotiating agreements with host countries to enhance national advantages. For instance, the India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) exempts Indian workers temporarily stationed in the UK from contributing to British social security for up to three years, resulting in projected savings of Rs 4,000 crore annually for Indian companies.

The new Bill aims to foster collaboration between various governments, establish mechanisms to supervise international migration agreements, and create data-driven policy management. Most notably, it emphasizes developing frameworks to promote and safeguard the welfare of emigrants,” it concludes.