World Workforce Mobility Policy 2026 announced for Maharashtra

Mumbai, dated 21 (City News Mumbai)

The Maharashtra state government has announced the “Global Workforce Mobility Policy 2026” to provide international employment opportunities to the state’s youth. Taking into account the demand for skilled manpower in various countries, the government will focus on preparing country‑wise “Skill Passports”, updating training institute curricula, and developing safe and ethical recruitment mechanisms for overseas employment.

At a high‑level conference on international labor mobility organized at the Sahyadri Guest House, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave guidance. The conference was organized jointly 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).

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that demographic changes and rising ageing worldwide are driving a massive increase in demand for skilled manpower. Given the potential of India’s youth workforce, it is essential to align Maharashtra’s skills with global market demand. Hence, Maharashtra will play a crucial role in strengthening the concept of “Circular Mobility of Talent”.

**Agreements on labor mobility with 28 countries**

India has signed labor‑mobility agreements with about 28 countries. These countries have strong demand for skilled manpower in engineering, healthcare, construction and various technical fields.

According to the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2025”, by 2030 roughly 17 crore new jobs are expected globally, while about 9 crore 20 lakh jobs could be displaced. Against this backdrop, Chief Minister Fadnavis said Maharashtra will take initiative in the field of international workforce mobility.

He suggested using the experience of recruitment agencies to convey information about different countries’ manpower needs to training institutes. He also directed a blended approach of traditional, digital and on‑site training, fixed‑duration online language courses with minimum assessments, and the use of digital translation and interpretation tools.

The state policy prioritizes skill development, training aligned with global demand, language training, certification, documentation assistance and pre‑departure guidance. Emphasis will also be placed on linking returning skilled workers with Maharashtra’s industries.

**Harmony agreement for youth language training**

A harmony agreement has been signed between Digital India Bhashini, MITRA and MAHIMA to make overseas employment opportunities more accessible for Maharashtra’s youth and to remove language barriers. Through translation technology, candidates will receive free training in foreign and business‑specific languages.

Students of industrial training institutes and polytechnics will benefit from this pilot project.

Protocol Minister Jaykumar Rawal said that international labor mobility is not merely a process of manpower migration but an economic partnership that connects skills, investment, the Indian diaspora and the global market.

Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said that, besides skill and language training required for global employment, students will also be equipped to harmonize with the local culture of the destination country.

The conference was attended by commercial diplomats from various countries, officials of MITRA, officials of the Central Skill Development Department, representatives of the National Skill Board and representatives of international employment agencies.