Patna: The number of skilled workers from Bihar seeking employment overseas has been rising steadily, reaching its highest level in seven years. After a sharp decline during the Covid-19 pandemic, the figure has rebounded, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by nearly 13,000.
In 2018, a total of 59,182 skilled workers from Bihar migrated abroad for work. By 2024, this number had risen to 72,945. The lowest point came in 2020, when just 13,915 workers left due to global travel restrictions and economic downturns. The following year, in 2021, the number increased to 24,526 before surging in subsequent years.
Bihar accounts for a fifth of India’s migrant workforce
According to data from the Protection of Emigration (PoE), a unit under the Ministry of External Affairs, 389,319 Indian workers moved abroad in 2023. Of these, nearly 73,000—approximately one-fifth—were from Bihar.
The United Arab Emirates remains the most popular destination, with 29,191 Bihari workers heading there in 2024. Saudi Arabia follows closely with 28,293, while Qatar ranks third with 5,829. Oman (3,884) and Bahrain (1,801) complete the top five.
Bihari workers in demand in nine countries
The Ministry of External Affairs allows Indian skilled workers to migrate to 18 countries for employment. These include Afghanistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Yemen, Libya, and South Sudan, among others.
However, workers from Bihar predominantly move to nine key destinations where demand is highest: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Malaysia, Jordan, and Iraq.
Low-educated workers dominate migration, face risks
Most of Bihar’s migrant workforce consists of non-matriculated skilled labourers, who travel abroad through the PoE system, designed to safeguard their rights and ensure their safety. However, due to a lack of awareness about the PoE office and its provisions, many workers rely on illegal agents.
This has led to cases of exploitation, including human trafficking and cyber slavery in countries within the Golden Triangle region. Some workers have reportedly been taken abroad and sold.
The PoE office, located at Shram Bhawan near Income Tax Golambar in Patna, provides assistance to workers. A helpline is also available for support. In contrast, educated professionals and students follow a different visa process to secure employment or study opportunities abroad.
