SRINAGAR: Over 1.33 million Indian students are currently pursuing higher education abroad, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. This figure, based on inputs collected by Indian Missions and Consulates as of January 2024, underscores the growing global aspirations of Indian students seeking educational opportunities overseas.
The data was shared in response to a question in the Lok Sabha, shedding light on the government’s efforts to monitor and support the increasing number of Indians emigrating for both studies and employment.
The Ministry gathers information on students abroad through voluntary registrations on the websites of Indian Missions and Consulates worldwide. Alongside this, the government maintains a robust database for Indian workers, particularly those with Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports, emigrating for employment to 18 notified ECR countries. For instance, in 2024 alone, 3,55,851 emigration clearances were issued, reflecting a significant increase from 94,145 in 2020, showcasing the recovery of overseas opportunities following the pandemic.
To prepare emigrants for their journeys abroad, the government has implemented the Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) Programme under the Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY). Launched in 2018, this initiative focuses on equipping Indian workers with essential knowledge about the legal, cultural, and social dynamics of their destination countries. The programme is particularly targeted at workers heading to Gulf nations and other ECR countries, offering them one-day free-of-cost training sessions.
Through PDOT, emigrants are sensitised about the laws and traditions of their host countries, as well as the benefits of safe and legal migration pathways. The programme also introduces participants to various welfare initiatives, including the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), the Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojna (PBBY), and the MADAD portal, which provides a platform for resolving grievances faced by Indians abroad.
The government’s efforts aim not only to facilitate the aspirations of Indian students and workers but also to ensure their safety and well-being in foreign lands. As Indian students continue to make their mark globally and workers explore international opportunities, such programmes and policies are critical in fostering a sense of preparedness and security among those venturing abroad.
