The Maharashtra government has announced the Global Workforce Mobility Policy 2026, aimed at preparing the state’s skilled workforce for employment opportunities in international markets through country-specific training, language courses, certification and a more secure recruitment process.
A key feature of the policy is the proposed development of country-wise Skill Passports, which will map the manpower requirements and skill needs of different countries. Training institutions will use these requirements to align their curricula with overseas employment opportunities.
The state government has also directed industrial training institutes (ITIs) and other training institutions to update their courses in line with changing international job requirements.
The policy was announced at a conference jointly organised 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).
The initiative seeks to connect Maharashtra’s training ecosystem with global labour demand while creating safeguards for workers seeking employment abroad. It will focus on skill development, demand-aligned training, foreign-language courses, certification, documentation assistance and pre-departure guidance.
The government plans to combine classroom and digital learning for language training. The proposed framework includes fixed-duration courses, minimum- assessment requirements and the use of digital translation and interpretation tools.
The policy also emphasises coordination between recruitment agencies and training institutions so that information on overseas manpower requirements can be incorporated into training programmes.
Another focus is circular mobility of talent, including mechanisms to connect workers returning from overseas employment with industries in Maharashtra. The state government is also looking to strengthen coordination between foreign consulates in Mumbai, industries, universities and skill-development institutions.
The initiative comes as demographic changes and ageing populations in several countries are increasing demand for skilled workers. The state intends to align its skilling ecosystem with these emerging international requirements and facilitate safer pathways for workers seeking overseas employment.
The policy also places emphasis on secure recruitment mechanisms to help candidates navigate recruitment and documentation processes and reduce risks associated with overseas employment.
