Maharashtra launches 'Global Workforce Mobility Policy 2026' to prepare skilled workers for employment

The Maharashtra government on Monday September 21 announced the Global Workforce Mobility Policy 2026 The initiative aims at preparing the states skilled workforce for employment opportunities abroad through countryspecific training language courses certification and a more secure recruitment processMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the state would develop countrywise Skill Passports by identifying the manpower requirements of different countriesFadnavis also directed industrial training institutes ITIs and other training institutions to update their curricula in line with changing international job requirementsThe 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 MAHIMAAs per the official statement the policy is aimed at matching Maharashtras skilled workforce with demand in overseas markets while creating safeguards for workers seeking employment abroadInitiative focuses on countryspecific skillsFadnavis further said that demographic changes and ageing populations in several countries were increasing demand for skilled workersHe 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 stateThe 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 GovernmentThe 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 programmesThe government plans to combine digital and classroombased training For language courses Fadnavis directed officials to introduce fixedduration programmes minimum assessment requirements and digital translation and interpretation toolsPolicy to cover training certification and recruitmentAs per the officials ldquoThe draft policy gives priority to skill development training aligned with global demand foreignlanguage training certification documentation assistance and predeparture guidance according to the state governmentrdquoA 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 employmentIndia 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 othersInternational labour mobility should be viewed as opportunity RawalMinister 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 skilldevelopment institutionsSkill Employment Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said ldquoOverseas 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 countriesrdquoRepresentatives from foreign consulates skilldevelopment organisations government departments and international employment organisations attended the conference