Action Taken Report on Indian Diaspora Overseas

• The Action Taken Report on the Sixth Report of the Committee on External Affairs titled “Indian Diaspora Overseas” has been released.
• The report presents the Committee’s observations and recommendations on the welfare of the Indian Diaspora overseas.
• The report covers diverse categories including NRIs, PIOs, OCIs, and migrant workers.

About Indian Diaspora

• The Indian Diaspora refers to people who migrated from territories within the present-day Republic of India.
• The term also includes the descendants of Indian migrants settled abroad.
• The Indian Diaspora includes Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
  • NRIs are Indian citizens residing outside India for employment, education, or other purposes.
• The Diaspora also includes Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
  • PIOs are foreign citizens who trace their ancestry to India.
• The Diaspora further includes Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).
  • OCI is a form of permanent residency available to people of Indian origin abroad.
• Migrant workers form a significant component of the Indian Diaspora.
• The total Indian Diaspora population was about 35.42 million as of January 2024.

Committee on External Affairs: Key Issues and Recommendations (2025–26)

Issue 1: Data Gaps on Non-ECR Migrants

• The Committee observed major data gaps in migration information related to non-ECR migrants.
• Current migration data is limited to workers going to 18 ECR countries.
  • ECR (Emigration Check Required) countries are destinations where Indian workers need government clearance before migration.
• The data excludes skilled professionals, students, and migrants in non-ECR destinations.
• The Committee recommended developing a comprehensive Labour Market Information (LMI) database.
  • LMI database refers to a system that provides real-time information on jobs, skills, and labour demand.
• The database should cover all migrant categories, including NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs.

Issue 2: Absence of a Codified Diaspora Policy

• The Committee noted the absence of a formal and codified diaspora policy.
• India currently follows an informal “4Cs” framework for diaspora engagement.

• The 4Cs framework stands for Care, Connect, Celebrate, and Contribute.
• The Committee observed that the 4Cs framework lacks strategic direction.

• The Committee recommended formulating a specific policy document for the Indian Diaspora.
• This policy should guide structured engagement with the Diaspora.
• The policy should also address diaspora needs and aspirations.

Issue 3: Vulnerability of Student Migrants

• The Committee observed that student migrants form a large segment of overseas Indians.
• Student migrants are currently excluded from the Emigration Bill.
• This exclusion exposes students to fraud by agents and educational institutions.
• The Committee recommended including student welfare in the Emigration Bill.
• It also recommended regulating recruitment and placement agencies.
• The Committee suggested mandating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Missions.
  • SOPs are uniform guidelines for consistent implementation of policies.
• These SOPs should guide student outreach by Indian Missions abroad.

Issue 4: Exploitation by Private Recruiters

• The Committee observed widespread exploitation of migrants by private recruiters.
• Migrants often face high recruitment costs and unethical practices.
• State-run recruitment agencies are currently underutilised.
• The Committee recommended prioritising State-run recruitment agencies.
• It also recommended including at least one State-run agency in future Bilateral Labour Agreements.
  • Bilateral Labour Agreements are treaties between countries to regulate labour migration.

Issue 5: Lack of Support for Returnee Migrants

• The Committee noted that about 6 lakh emigrants returned to India between 2019 and 2024.
• The reintegration of returnees is currently treated as a State-only responsibility.
• The Committee recommended Central financial support for reintegration efforts.
• It suggested providing Central grants to States.
• It also recommended offering soft loans, which are loans with low interest and flexible terms.
• These measures aim at sustainable economic reintegration of returnees.

Issue 6: Delays in Transporting Mortal Remains

• The Committee observed inhumane delays in transporting mortal remains of deceased migrants.
• These delays are caused by lengthy administrative clearances.
• The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) remains underutilised.
  • ICWF is a fund meant to assist distressed Indian nationals abroad.
• The Committee recommended simplifying ICWF procedures.
• It also recommended granting discretionary powers to Indian Missions.
• Missions should be allowed to arrange immediate transport of mortal remains.
• This should be done without prior Headquarters approval.