India has the world’s largest overseas migrant population at 18.5 million and is the biggest recipient of remittances. The scale creates an opportunity to reshape labour mobility
Overseas placements remain concentrated in lower-skilled jobs, with construction accounting for 71.3% of NSDC International-facilitated placements
India needs to diversify its migration profile
Ageing populations are tightening labour markets across advanced economies
Demand is rising for workers in healthcare, digital services, logistics, green industries and skilled construction
High intermediary fees and poor information can reduce migrants’ earnings and well-being
Better counselling, certification, documentation and grievance mechanisms can make migration more equitable
Migration dashboards, foreign-language training, global certification and employer partnerships can connect Indian workers with overseas shortages
Mobility-resource centres can provide vital last-mile support
India must pursue a dual strategy: expand productive jobs at home while enabling skilled global mobility
Migration should become a choice based on opportunity, not economic necessity