Over 20,000 emigration clearances issued to J&K workers since 2021: Centre

New Delhi, Feb 6: More than 20,000 emigration clearances have been issued to workers from Jammu and Kashmir for overseas employment during the past five years, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
In a written reply, the Ministry of External Affairs said that 20,128 Emigration Clearances (ECs) were granted to passport holders from Jammu and Kashmir between 2021 and 2025, mainly for employment in Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait .
The Ministry said that complaints related to non-payment of wages, harassment and contract violations from Indian migrant workers abroad are monitored through Indian Missions and Posts, and grievances are addressed via the e-Migrate portal.
It said that workers from Jammu and Kashmir are sensitised about their rights and safety through the Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) programme, while action against illegal recruitment agents is taken in coordination with State police and other enforcement agencies. (KNO)