Going abroad for studies? You may've to register with govt

NEW DELHI: Indians looking to study abroad may soon have to register with the government before they take that flight to their destination of choice.

The proposal is a part of the draft Emigration Bill 2019 which the ministry of external affairs will introduce in Parliament once it has completed the process of feedback which it is seeking from the public.

Official sources said, though, that the bill (out in the public domain since January 9) is not yet final and, depending on public feedback, several changes cou-ld be made. The process of registration/intimation by students is unlikely to be cumbersome as it will be done online, said officials familiar with the issue.

"The bill makes mandatory registration/intimat-ion of all categories of Indian nationals proceeding for overseas employment as well as students pursuing higher studies abroad. Registration/intimation is pr-oposed to be technology/digital platform driven so as to keep emigration a swift, efficient and hassle-free process without causing any inconvenience to our workforce and students pursuing higher studies abroad,'' says the proposed bill, adding that necessary provisions have been incorporated to exempt certain categories in this regard on a need basis.

India had earlier this year made similar registration mandatory for those seeking work in 18 countries - UAE, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, and Yemen. According to Indian officials, registration is not a tedious process and is only meant to protect the interests of Indian nationals.

According to the government, mandatory registration/intimation by students and Indian nationals working abroad is aimed at assisting them in times of distress and emergency and putting in place an "effective emigration management framework". The bill, it says, aims at optimum utilisation of existing resources and manpower rather than creating new elaborate structures.

The bill further makes mandatory registration of recruitment and student enrolment agencies and includes provision for their rating. "Sub-agents working with recruitment agencies have also been brought under the ambit of proposed bill,'' it says.

The government is loo-king to create with the bill an emigration management authority to ensure the overall welfare and protection of emigrants. The bill proposes that EMA be led by a secretary-level officer from MEA.