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India mulls better security for nationals working abroad
India strengthens protections for emigrant workers with new social security agreements and initiatives.
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Representative image of Indian flag / Pexels
The Indian government has strengthened its commitment to protecting the interests of its nationals abroad by signing bilateral Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with 19 countries.
On Feb. 13, Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs, reaffirmed the Indian government’s dedication to the safety, security, and well-being of Indian emigrants. Addressing a media briefing session in the Rajya Sabha, Singh emphasized, “The Government accords the highest priority to the safety, security, and well-being of Indian nationals, including emigrant workers abroad.”
To further this goal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has signed several Migration and Mobility Partnerships with countries like France (2018), the UK (2021), Germany (2022), and others including Italy, Australia, Austria (2023), and Denmark (2024). These partnerships aim to enhance work opportunities, facilitate mobility, and promote the welfare of Indian nationals abroad.
Singh further stated, “In pursuance of this objective, the Ministry of External Affairs has entered into Migration and Mobility Partnerships which are aimed at fostering mobility, expanding work opportunities, and promoting the welfare of emigrant Indian nationals.”
Singh also highlighted that “SSA provides an exemption from making double social security contributions.” India has operationalized these agreements with countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Sweden, with agreements with Argentina and Poland in progress.
These agreements provide Indian professionals and skilled workers with exemptions from double social security contributions, ensuring better social security protection for them while working overseas.
Despite these efforts, a troubling rise in discrimination and hate crimes against Indian-origin individuals worldwide has emerged. Political tensions, particularly around the H-1B visa program, have exacerbated anti-Indian sentiments, contributing to an increase in hate speech and discrimination.
In the U.S., the appointment of Indian-American tech expert Sriram Krishnan as White House AI policy advisor in December 2024 prompted a wave of racist backlash from some political factions, raising concerns over the safety of Indian immigrants. These issues, compounded by broader geopolitical tensions and cultural misunderstandings, highlight the urgent need for stronger protections and inclusive policies.
In response, the Indian government has taken an active role in global forums like the International Migration Review Forum and the Colombo Process, which promote safe and regular labor migration.
“Last year, India also assumed the chair of the Colombo Process,” Singh added, underscoring India’s leadership in shaping international migration policies. Additionally, India has signed labor agreements with GCC countries to protect domestic workers, including protocols with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE.
The Indian government also runs several initiatives to support emigrant workers. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) provides skill development and upskilling opportunities for workers both domestically and abroad. The Pre-departure Orientation Training (PDOT) prepares workers for employment abroad by equipping them with critical information on cultural, legal, and occupational matters.
For Indian nationals in distress abroad, the government has established multiple grievance redressal mechanisms. Singh highlighted that “Indian emigrant workers can contact the Missions/Posts through various channels like walk-in, email, multilingual 24x7 emergency numbers, grievance redressal portals like MADAD, CPGRAMS, eMigrate.” Through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), the government provides vital services, including emergency medical care, legal assistance, and transportation of mortal remains for distressed nationals.
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