131 job-substitution complaints filed by Indian workers abroad, MEA says

The question asked the Ministry of External Affairs to state whether Indian workers abroad are engaged in jobs different from those specified in their contracts, and if the government has legal provisions and mechanisms to prevent this and assist workers. The Ministry of External Affairs provided the official response.

Asked and answered by: Asked by: Shri Brijendra Singh Ola (MP); Answered by: Ministry of External Affairs (Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar).

What the government said

• 131 complaints of job substitution were registered on the eMigrate portal between 2021 and 2026.
• 157 grievances were settled during the same period.
• Registration Certificates of 9 Recruiting Agents (RAs) were suspended under the Emigration Act, 1983.
• 58 Foreign Employers (FEs) were placed under the Prior Approval Category to restrict their demand for workers without clearance.
• Emigration Clearance is mandatory for ECR passport holders and is facilitated via the eMigrate portal.
• An employment contract signed between the employer, worker, and recruiter is an essential requirement for clearance.
• Women migrants must be at least 30 years old (except nurses) and employers must deposit a US$ 2,500 financial guarantee with Indian Missions.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) insurance is mandatory for ECR workers, covering INR 10 Lakhs for accidental death/disability at a premium of INR 275 (2 years) or INR 375 (3 years).
• 87,10,423 PBBY policies have been issued from 2006 to March 2026.
• MoUs/Agreements on labour mobility and welfare have been signed with GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) and Jordan.
• Indian nationals are encouraged to voluntarily register with their jurisdictional Indian Mission/Post.

Also in the document

• The answer states that registration with Indian Missions is 'encouraged' and described as 'voluntary,' rather than 'mandatory' as proposed in part (c) of the question.
• The answer notes that data privacy laws vary by country, which influences the mechanisms for voluntary registration.