New migration pathways, new challenges for India

Despite the global presence of Indian migrants, India lacks official documentation and a systematic mechanism to intervene and resolve issues.

The ordeal of 47 workers from Jharkhand who were stranded in Cameroon has highlighted the often overlooked risks of migration. Lured by agents with promises of a monthly salary of $450 (approximately Rs 40,000), the workers travelled to Cameroon in search of better opportunities. However, upon arrival, they faced exploitation as the company they worked for denied them wages and food allowances. Their ordeal worsened when they went on strike, leading to retaliatory actions from the company, including cutting off their water supply. 

Desperate for recourse, the workers recorded a video and circulated it on social media, which eventually garnered the attention of the Chief Minister’s Office in Jharkhand. The state government had to intervene, ensuring the safe return of the workers to their homeland. The recent Jharkhand Migration Survey 2023, implemented by the Policy Development Advisory Group and the International Institute of Migration and Development, Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development, estimates that around 13,407 persons are international migrants. 

The case of the workers in Jharkhand is illustrative of the changes we are seeing in the migration landscape of India. Increasingly, Indians are venturing beyond traditional destinations and migrating to unusual destinations like Cameroon in search of livelihood opportunities.  Distressed and confused, many are falling prey to exploitation, scams and disinformation. The death of a Keralite coerced to work with the Russian army on the Russia-Ukraine frontline is another recent example. These incidents underscore the urgent need for greater awareness, stronger safeguards and more robust governance to protect Indian emigrants from exploitation.

India’s Emigration Act of 1983 requires individuals holding Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports to obtain clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before migrating to the 18 POE-notified countries for work. The ECR passport is issued to those with educational qualifications of Class 10 or below, and the clearance process is primarily focused towards low-skilled workers and nurses. Data on emigration is captured through this system, with the number of ECR clearances updated on the government’s ‘e-Migrate’ portal. However, this system provides only a partial view of India’s vast emigration landscape and suffers from several limitations. 

First, the system excludes the majority of Indian emigrants, who hold non-ECR passports. Unlike ECR passport holders, this group does not require clearance, leaving their migration patterns undocumented. As a result, there is no mechanism to regulate or monitor their well-being. Second, the ECR framework is inherently discriminatory. Women under the age of 30 are barred from applying for ECR clearance as domestic workers, limiting their opportunities for overseas employment. Furthermore, ECR passport holders are subjected to additional scrutiny, although mandated otherwise, at airports, which often leads to unequal treatment and stigmatisation. 

Lastly, the system is outdated and inflexible, unable to keep pace with India’s dynamic migration trends. The list of 18 notified countries does not reflect the global presence of Indian migrants, who are found in nearly every country worldwide. Additionally, the list of notified professions under the POE system fails to capture the expanding diversity of occupations pursued by Indians abroad.

Migration trends from India are undergoing significant shifts, with the focus expanding beyond traditional destinations in West Asia and the global North to include newer regions, such as African countries and other emerging destinations. Africa, in particular, is becoming an increasingly important destination for Indian migrants.

According to data from the UN Population Division, based on migrant stock figures updated every five years and sourced from national censuses, the number of Indians living in Africa grew by 60% between 2000 and 2010. Additionally, an estimated 3 million people of Indian origin currently reside across various African nations. As many African countries continue to develop, the demand for a diverse labour pool is expected to rise significantly. This trend is likely to attract low-wage labourers from India.

Good governance needed

From a governance perspective, India is not adequately equipped to address the challenges posed by the new trends in migration. For instance, there was no official record of the 47 workers who migrated to Cameroon, as the country does not fall under the 18 Protector of Emigrants notified destinations.

Moreover, beyond the lack of official documentation, there is no systematic mechanism to intervene and resolve issues faced by Indian migrants while they are abroad. This is particularly disheartening given that India, as per the World Bank is the world’s largest recipient of remittances, $111.2 billion in 2022 — almost double the $61.1 billion received by Mexico, the second-highest recipient.

The lack of data on emigrants from India is deeply concerning. No estimates are available for the number of Indians in countries that are only emerging in terms of migration importance, making it difficult to fully grasp the scale of migration to these regions. The data gap stems from inadequate data collection methods at the destination and the source.

In developed countries with advanced data systems, it is often possible to gather information from their end. However, as Indian workers increasingly migrate to nations which lack robust data collection capabilities, tracking their numbers and conditions becomes nearly
impossible.

Since 1998, the Kerala model of migration surveys have been implemented in several states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Punjab, Goa, Odisha and Jharkhand. The initiation of an India Migration Survey by the Committee on External Affairs, Government of India could provide reliable data on migration.

Without accurate data on the number of emigrants, their destinations, and their conditions, it becomes challenging to frame effective migration policies and respond adequately to crises. Reliable data is crucial for identifying emerging migration patterns, addressing vulnerabilities, and ensuring that the welfare of migrants is prioritised, especially in unforeseen situations. 

Potential for solutions

In contrast to availability of institutional support, the advancement of digital technologies has given today’s migrants tools to document their experiences and seek redress. This was evident in the case of the stranded workers from Jharkhand in Cameroon, whose social media plea brought their plight to the attention of the authorities, ultimately leading to their rescue. Technology now offers a crucial lifeline for migrants to voice their struggles and demand accountability.

Indian governance can take inspiration from the Philippines’ successful emigration protection model. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) oversees and regulates recruitment agencies, offers pre-employment orientation, resolves complaints, and combats fraudulent recruitment and disinformation through awareness campaigns.

Complementing this, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) develops welfare programmes for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, supported by the OWWA fund. Both agencies now operate under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), ensuring cohesive governance. At the destination, embassy-led initiatives and migrant resource centres provide additional support, enhancing the protection and welfare of Filipino migrants. 

In light of the shifting dynamics of migration from India, it is clear that a more comprehensive and adaptive governance framework is urgently needed. India will need to not only regulate migration but also actively facilitate it, embracing a shift in mindset that views migration as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Strengthening institutional mechanisms, addressing data gaps, and implementing robust safeguards will be crucial in ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian migrants. A forward-thinking, inclusive and holistic emigration policy can no longer be delayed. 

(S Irudaya Rajan is Chair and Ajay P Karuvally is Research Fellow at the International Institute of Migration and Development, Kerala)