New Delhi: Indian workers seeking overseas employment are reportedly facing significant hardship due to prolonged delays in emigration clearance at certain offices of the Protector of Emigrants (POE), functioning under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Several MEA-approved Recruiting Agents (RAs) have raised concerns over the situation, stating that routine clearance, ordinarily expected to take approximately three working days in normal cases, is reportedly taking 15–20 days and, in some instances, up to a month.
The delay is creating uncertainty and financial distress among Indian workers who have already secured overseas employment. Many candidates are worried about missing their joining dates, losing employment opportunities and facing additional financial burdens.Indian migrant workers are not only supporting their families through overseas employment but are also making a significant contribution to the Indian economy by sending valuable foreign exchange through remittances. Their contribution strengthens India’s foreign exchange reserves and supports millions of households across the country.
Recruiting Agents have urged the Ministry of External Affairs to take immediate cognisance of the issue and streamline the clearance process. They have called for a transparent mechanism ensuring that complete applications are processed within three working days, subject to applicable verification requirements.
Industry representatives believe that timely emigration clearance is essential for protecting migrant workers, maintaining India’s credibility in the international recruitment sector and strengthening India’s position in the global mobility market.
Recruiting Agents are seeking urgent intervention from the Ministry of External Affairs and senior POE authorities to ensure that administrative delays do not become an obstacle to overseas employment, workers’ livelihoods and India’s foreign exchange contribution.
