As India’s population of skilled workers continues to grow, the government is ramping up efforts to assist these workers in finding employment opportunities abroad. With an increasing number of Indian nationals living overseas, which has surged from 18 million in 2020 to 32 million today, the demand for skilled workers on a global scale is rising. The Indian government’s initiatives are designed to ensure its citizens are prepared for international employment in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, IT, agriculture, and financial services.
In this article, we’ll delve into the various Indian government measures to help skilled workers secure jobs abroad and explore how these programs contribute to building a talented global workforce.
India’s Growing Population of Skilled Workers
India’s young workforce is a key asset for the country’s global employment strategies. With 65% of the population under the age of 35, India has a median age of just 28, making it one of the youngest populations worldwide. This offers immense potential for India to become a global talent hub, provided the right skill sets are nurtured to meet international standards.
Given the rise in demand for skilled workers globally, India is focusing on providing training, resources, and platforms to help workers access better job prospects abroad. Here are some key initiatives by the government:
Skill India International Centres (SIICs)
One of the government’s flagship initiatives to support skilled workers is the Skill India International Centres (SIICs). These centers aim to provide training, support, and job placement assistance to individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
Currently, two SIICs are operational in Varanasi and Bhubaneswar, with five more in progress. These centers not only focus on skills development but also offer guidance on how to navigate the job market in various international locations. They also help workers understand the cultural, legal, and social nuances of working abroad, ensuring they are well-prepared to succeed in their new environments.
Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT)
The Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) program is another vital step in preparing Indian workers for international employment. Launched in 2018, the PDOT program is a free, 8-hour course that helps migrant workers understand the cultural, legal, and welfare systems of the countries they are moving to.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the PDOT program is conducted across multiple locations, including Chennai, Gorakhpur, and Chandigarh. This training ensures workers are mentally and emotionally prepared to face the challenges of living and working abroad.
The e-Migrate Platform: A Digital Solution for Migrants
India’s e-Migrate platform is another transformative step in the government’s strategy to help skilled workers secure jobs abroad. The platform facilitates a digital connection between job seekers, recruiters, and employers, making the migration process smoother and more transparent.
With over 2,100 recruiting agents and more than 280,000 employers listed on the platform, the e-Migrate system provides a one-stop solution for online registration, grievance support, and employment verification. By automating the emigration check process, e-Migrate integrates with various government services such as Passport Sewa and the Bureau of Immigration. This ensures that all relevant stakeholders, including Indian missions, foreign employers, and recruiting agents, are on the same platform.
The platform’s integration with the Passport Sewa Project and the Ministry of External Affairs ensures that immigration clearance is granted only to eligible workers, reducing the risks of exploitation and fraud.
The Importance of Emigration Clearance
For the protection of low-skilled and blue-collar workers, the Emigration Check Required (ECR) process is vital. Under this system, only workers who have received an Emigration Clearance are allowed to travel abroad for employment. This clearance is verified at the airport or check-post by immigration officers, ensuring that all migrant workers meet the required standards.
This system safeguards Indian workers from possible exploitation, helping them take up jobs in countries that ensure fair wages, working conditions, and overall safety.
Government’s Long-Term Vision for Skilled Workers Abroad
Looking ahead, the Indian government plans to regularly analyze global job market trends to align India’s skill development programs with international demands. By focusing on key sectors, such as IT, healthcare, construction, and finance, the government aims to enhance India’s position as a global leader in skilled labor.
The 2025 Indian budget showcases the government’s commitment to empowering Indian youth with the skills necessary to thrive in a globalized world. This is achieved by expanding educational opportunities, increasing seats in premier institutions, and fostering innovation through initiatives like Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Piyush Kumar, Regional Director of IDP Education, aptly summarized the government’s approach: “The 2025 budget showcases the government’s commitment to empowering Indian youth with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a globalized world.”
Summary of Key Indian Government Measures
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Skill India International Centres | Training centers providing job placement support for workers seeking overseas employment. |
| Pre-Departure Orientation Training | A free 8-hour program to help migrant workers understand cultural, legal, and welfare systems. |
| e-Migrate Platform | A digital platform connecting job seekers, recruiters, and employers for a smoother migration process. |
| Emigration Clearance Process | Ensures workers are protected by requiring Emigration Clearance before traveling for work abroad. |
Empowering India’s Skilled Workforce
With a young, ambitious, and growing workforce, India has the potential to become a global leader in skilled labor. The government’s measures, such as Skill India International Centres, Pre-Departure Orientation Training, and the e-Migrate platform, are vital in equipping Indian workers with the skills and knowledge needed for international employment.
As the global demand for skilled labor continues to rise, these initiatives ensure that Indian workers are well-prepared to seize opportunities abroad, contributing to both India’s growth and the global labor market.
