India Proposed Overseas Mobility Bill 2024

Why in the NEWS?

• The Indian government is considering a new law to promote safe and regular migration for employment abroad.

Key Points:

• Recently the United States deported more than 100 Indian citizens, which intensified the debate on illegal immigration.
• This bill is considered important in view of the increase in illegal migration and inhuman treatment of migrants.

What will you read next in this topic?

1. What is the Emigration Act, 1983?
2. Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024
3. US deportation and strict immigration policies
4. Major Reasons for Illegal Migration
5. Indian Government's response

What is the Emigration Act, 1983?

• The Government of India enacted the Emigration Act, 1983 with the aim of regulating the safety and migration of citizens going abroad to work.
• This law was made to protect workers going out of India from illegal human trafficking, exploitation and fraud.
• Under this, arrangements were made to ensure the safety of unskilled and semi-skilled workers going abroad, prevent exploitation by employers and agents and control safe migration through the immigration clearance system.
• Indian citizens going to work in some countries were made mandatory to obtain clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE), so that it could be ensured that the migrants do not fall into the trap of any illegal agent.
• Only agencies recognized by the government were allowed to get jobs abroad, there was a provision of strict punishment and financial penalty for illegal recruitment.

Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024

• The Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024 aims to encourage safe, organised and legal migration for Indian workers and professionals.
• This new law will replace the Emigration Act of 1983 and will focus on providing new protection provisions for emigrants, simplifying legal processes and protecting citizens going abroad to work from fraud.
• The bill comes after the recent deportation of over 100 Indian nationals by the United States, necessitating a structured policy for migration.

Objective:

• To prevent illegal immigration and promote legal migration.
• To ensure the welfare and safety of migrant workers.
• To create an organised and transparent migration system.

Key provisions:

• Pre-approved migration routes for workers going abroad.
• Provision of security, insurance and legal aid for migrants.
• Strict rules to prevent human trafficking and fraud.
• Emphasis on ensuring humane treatment of illegal migrants.

US deportation and strict immigration policies

Illegal migration and deportation in the US

• The number of Indian citizens illegally entering the US has increased rapidly in recent years.
• Between 2019 and 2023, more than 1,49,000 Indian nationals were detained while trying to enter the US illegally.
• The US has started taking strict action against illegal entrants under stringent immigration laws.
• Recently more than 100 Indian citizens were deported from the US.

Official statement of the US Embassy:

• "We are committed to strictly enforcing our immigration laws. This is essential for national and public security."
• The US has adopted a strategy of strict action against 'inadmissible and removable foreigners'.
• Strict enforcement operations are being conducted against illegal entrants to control migration.

Attempts to go to the US through dangerous routes

• In search of better employment and living standards, Indian citizens are resorting to dangerous routes through Mexico and Central America.
• The number of those passing through risky routes like the Darien Gap (Panama-Colombia border) is increasing.
• Despite the US adopting strict immigration policies, the trend of illegal migration continues.

Darien Gap: What is this area?

• The Darien Gap is a dense jungle about 66 miles (106 km) long located between Panama and Colombia.
• This is the most dangerous route used by migrants to reach the United States.
• This area is extremely inaccessible, mountainous and surrounded by dense forests, where there is no road.

Major Reasons for Illegal Migration

• Unemployment and economic instability: 
  • Limited employment opportunities in India are pushing people to go abroad.
• Aspiration for better living standards: 
  • High salaries, better facilities and social security in the US are attracting Indian citizens.
• Role of illegal agents and human trafficking gangs: 
  • Many people resort to illegal routes after falling prey to fraudulent brokers.
• Difficult legal procedures: 
  • Due to difficult visa procedures and legal hurdles, people are trying to go to the US through illegal means.

Indian Government's response

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's statement in Parliament:

• The Indian government is in constant dialogue with the US to ensure humane treatment of deported Indian nationals.
• The deportation process takes place regularly, and the Indian government is vigilant to prevent any abuses during this period.
• The government is committed to ensuring the safety of Indian nationals living abroad, especially students and migrant workers.
• The government has full preparedness for emergency flights and assistance plans in case of a crisis (as was done during the Ukraine war).