Government to Help Indians Find Jobs Abroad
India is rapidly moving towards becoming not only a major exporter of goods but also a key provider of human resources. The country’s young population, which is not fully absorbed into the local job market, is being prepared to fill labor shortages in developed countries.
Several countries in Europe, the Gulf, and Asia are experiencing population decline and severe labor shortages. India, with millions of skilled and semi-skilled youth, is ready to provide fresh energy to the global workforce. To leverage this opportunity, the Indian government is taking steps to facilitate overseas employment for its skilled and semi-skilled workers.
On October 9, the Ministry of External Affairs introduced the draft Overseas Mobility Bill, which will replace the outdated 1983 Immigration Act. This bill aims to connect Indian citizens with the global job market while ensuring their safe departure, return, and reintegration. Over the past six years, India has signed labor agreements with more than 20 countries, including Japan, Germany, Finland, Taiwan, and Gulf countries, enabling direct employment opportunities for Indian youth.
Experts believe that India is entering a new era, emerging not just as a consumer in the global market but as a provider of labor for the world economy. If the labor export model succeeds, it could elevate India’s economic position and transform the future of millions of young people.
Challenges for Host Countries
The biggest challenge is convincing host countries that Indian workers will not settle permanently. Many countries perceive a political risk that foreign nationals might occupy local jobs permanently. The “return and reintegration” model after temporary migration has not been fully tested, and migrants often attempt to settle abroad for better life and income opportunities.
Global Labor Crisis
According to a Boston Consulting Group study, the world will face a shortage of 50 million workers by 2030 — more than the total workforce of the UK. The Global Access to Talent from India Foundation believes that India should prepare its workforce not just for itself but for the world. Arnab Bhattacharya, CEO of the Foundation, estimates that India can increase its current annual labor export of 700,000 workers to 1.5 million by 2030.
Political Challenges and Global Environment
Migration is facing increasing political resistance in countries like the USA, Germany, and Japan. The US has introduced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas and tightened deportation policies. Europe is also becoming stricter. Despite these challenges, agreements with India continue because these countries have no alternative to address labor shortages.