The MOIA also plans to cover job migration of even those with Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR) passports under the new system. Seventeen classes of people—including taxpayers, professional degree or diploma holders and those going on managerial jobs—are currently exempt from getting clearance from the PoE for employment abroad.

While shunning the recruiting agents in emigration clearance, the MOIA has separately proposed strict eligibility criteria for these job providers to weed out the fly-by-night operators who attempt human trafficking or harass and fleece the illiterate Indian labour. “A large remittance by emigrant workers ($12 billion each year) proves that they play a vital role in the development of the country and therefore they need to be treated with respect and dignity,” argues the ministry.