21 September,2026 06:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra government launches policy to equip skilled workers for jobs abroad (Pic/Special arrangement)
The Maharashtra government on Monday, September 21, announced the Global Workforce Mobility Policy 2026. The initiative aims at preparing the state's skilled workforce for employment opportunities abroad through country-specific training, language courses, certification and a more secure recruitment process.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the state would develop country-wise 'Skill Passports' by identifying the manpower requirements of different countries.
Fadnavis also directed industrial training institutes (ITIs) and other training institutions to update their curricula in line with changing international job requirements.
The conference was jointly organised by the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), the Department of Protocol, the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility and Advancement (MAHIMA).
As per the official statement, the policy is aimed at matching Maharashtra's skilled workforce with demand in overseas markets while creating safeguards for workers seeking employment abroad.
Fadnavis further said that demographic changes and ageing populations in several countries were increasing demand for skilled workers.
He also added that Maharashtra should align its training ecosystem with these changing requirements and strengthen the concept of "Circular Mobility of Talent", including mechanisms to connect workers returning from overseas employment with industries in the state.
The proposed Skill Passports will identify the skills and qualifications required in individual countries, allowing training institutions to tailor their courses accordingly, as per the official statement from the Maharashtra Government.
The Chief Minister also called for greater coordination between recruitment agencies and training institutes so that information on overseas manpower requirements can be incorporated into training programmes.
The government plans to combine digital and classroom-based training. For language courses, Fadnavis directed officials to introduce fixed-duration programmes, minimum assessment requirements and digital translation and interpretation tools.
As per the officials, "The draft policy gives priority to skill development, training aligned with global demand, foreign-language training, certification, documentation assistance and pre-departure guidance, according to the state government."
A key component will be the development of a secure recruitment mechanism for people seeking jobs overseas. The policy is intended to help candidates navigate recruitment and documentation while reducing risks associated with overseas employment.
India already has various labour mobility, migration and welfare arrangements with foreign countries. The Ministry of External Affairs lists labour mobility agreements with countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Japan, Kuwait, Portugal, Mauritius, Israel and Taiwan, among others.
Minister of State for Protocol Jayakumar Rawal said international labour mobility should be viewed as an economic partnership connecting skills, investment, the Indian diaspora and global markets. He said Maharashtra would work to coordinate the network of foreign consulates in Mumbai with industries, universities and skill-development institutions.
Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said, "Overseas workers would also need to understand the local culture and working environment of the countries where they are employed. He added that workers from Maharashtra could contribute to strengthening ties between the state and their host countries."
Representatives from foreign consulates, skill-development organisations, government departments and international employment organisations attended the conference.
