India: Proposed Legislation Would Simplify Emigration Process and Increase Protections for Workers Seeking Employment Abroad
The Business Standard reports that India’s Parliament is expected to propose legislation that will increase criminal penalties for human smuggling in an effort to curb exploitation of Indian workers abroad by recruiting agencies and employers. The proposed legislation is also intended to make the emigration process simple and transparent. Under the new law, recruiting agencies will be required to register with the Emigration Management Authority (EMA), a new body that will replace the Protector General of Emigrants. Moreover, recruiting agencies will be subject to periodic performance reviews and rated by the government. In addition, foreign employers in certain countries favored by Indians seeking employment abroad will need to be accredited before they can hire Indian nationals.
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