India To Amend Emigration Act 1983 To Align With Global Workforce Needs, Promote Legal Mobility: S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday (6 May) announced that India is set to amend the Emigration Act of 1983 to better align with the demands of the modern global workforce, the Hindustan Times reported. 

Jaishankar described the current Emigration Act as outdated, noting it was created to address the needs of a specific geography in a different era. “Times have changed, and our vistas have expanded,” he said, underscoring the necessity of reform to meet today’s dynamic international labour requirements.

Speaking at the launch of the Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) foundation in New Delhi, he pointed to a range of government initiatives, such as skill development, vocational training, and professional preparation efforts, aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian workers. 

He stressed the need to promote legal migration and discourage irregular or illegal movement abroad. “Conceptually, it is vital that we promote legal mobility and strongly discourage, I would argue even prohibit, non-legal ones,” he said, citing challenges posed by the black economy and national security concerns.

India has signed migration and mobility agreements with 22 countries, ranging from Germany to Malaysia, offering pathways for both skilled professionals and blue-collar workers, while also addressing illegal migration.

He mentioned that countries such as Japan and Malaysia are expanding opportunities for Indian workers, while economies like Australia and Germany have seen significant increases in Indian workforce participation.

In a more interdependent and tech-driven world, he said, foreign investment, global collaboration, and emerging sectors like AI and digital services will rely increasingly on India’s skilled labour force.