response to the recent deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the United States, the Indian government is considering enacting new legislation to better manage the emigration process and ensure the welfare of its citizens working abroad. proposed law, tentatively titled the "Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024," aims to replace the outdated Emigration Act of 1983. The initiative seeks to facilitate the circular mobility of individuals intending to work overseas and to address the contemporary global migration dynamics.Â
The deportation incident has sparked significant political debate within India. Opposition lawmakers have tested the alleged mistreatment of the deported individuals, claiming they were shackled and handcuffed during the flight. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed these concerns in Rajya Sabha, stating that using restraints is part of the U.S. standard operating procedure for such deportations. He assured that the Indian government is engaging with U.S. authorities to ensure that returning deportees are not mistreated in any manner.Â
This development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Washington for talks with President Donald Trump. The timing of the deportions has added a lot of complexity to the diplomatic discussions, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to address illegal immigration and the welfare of Indian nationals abroad.
The proposed "Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024" is expected to create a framework for managing overseas employment and ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian workers abroad. The bill underscores the pressing need for a legislative overhaul to replace the outdated provisions of the Emigration Act of 1983, aligning with the current global migration dynamics and the needs of Indian citizens.Â
