For decades, the dream of working abroad has been a goal for millions of Indians seeking better wages, global exposure, and improved quality of life. Today, this dream is no longer restricted to a few privileged individuals. Government partnerships at the national and state levels are actively creating structured pathways to place skilled Indians in international jobs across healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, and engineering sectors.
But what exactly are these partnerships, and how are they shaping the future of overseas employment for Indian youth?
1. Government-to-Government Agreements
One of the most significant ways overseas jobs are becoming accessible is through formal Government-to-Government (G2G) agreements. These agreements between India and destination countries ensure ethical recruitment, fair wages, and legal protections for migrant workers. For example, the India-Japan Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) enables Indian youth to work in Japan for up to five years while gaining advanced skills. Similarly, agreements with countries in the Gulf ensure streamlined recruitment for healthcare and domestic worker roles under monitored conditions, protecting candidates from fraudulent intermediaries.
2. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Initiatives
The MEA plays a pivotal role in facilitating safe and legal overseas employment. Its Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) focuses on skill development of potential emigrant workers in line with international standards. The eMigrate platform by MEA ensures transparent recruitment processes by registered recruitment agencies, eliminating exploitative practices and middlemen that have historically plagued migration pathways.
3. Role of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
The NSDC, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has been instrumental in bridging the skill gap for overseas jobs. Through Skill India International Centres, NSDC collaborates with global employers to identify skill requirements, design country-specific training programs (including language and soft skills), and certify candidates before placement. For instance, the NSDC International division works with healthcare employers in Germany and Japan to train Indian nurses and caregivers with B1/B2 level language proficiency, meeting employer requirements comprehensively.
4. State Government Initiatives
Several proactive state governments are partnering with training and placement organisations to enable overseas employment. States like Telangana, Kerala, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have launched skill missions focusing on global placements. Kerala’s NORKA-Roots program supports emigrants with pre-departure orientation, welfare schemes, and reintegration support on return. Telangana’s Overseas Manpower Company (TOMCOM) facilitates safe migration by partnering with accredited agencies and sector councils to train and place candidates abroad.
5. Sector Skill Councils and International Standards
Under NSDC, sector skill councils work closely with international employers to align Indian training standards with global benchmarks. For example, the Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC) designs programs based on WHO and destination country norms for caregivers and nurses. Such alignment ensures that Indian candidates are job-ready on arrival, increasing employability and retention.
6. Boosting Rural and Semi-Urban Opportunities
These government partnerships are not limited to urban centres. By integrating overseas placement with skill development programs in rural and semi-urban regions, the government is creating pathways for youth who may otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. For instance, farm workers and greenhouse technicians trained under agriculture skilling programs are finding placements in countries like Israel, Canada, and Australia, transforming the economic landscape of their families and communities.
