Over 20,000 Emigration Clearances Issued to Jammu Kashmir Workers in Five Years: Centre | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday that more than 20,000 emigration clearances have been granted to workers from Jammu and Kashmir for overseas employment in the past five years.

In a written reply, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that 20,128 emigration clearances were issued to passport holders from the Union Territory between 2021 and 2025, primarily for jobs in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.

The Ministry said complaints related to non-payment of wages, harassment, and contract violations by Indian migrant workers abroad are monitored by Indian Missions and Posts. Grievances are addressed through the e-Migrate portal.

It added that workers from Jammu and Kashmir are made aware of their rights and safety through the Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) programme, while action against illegal recruitment agents is coordinated with state police and other enforcement agencies.