Minister Mandaviya Engages Indian Diaspora in Malaysia, Reaffirms Commitment to Worker Welfare
Kuala Lumpur / New Delhi,16 TH OCTOBER 2025 – The Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, recently held a significant interaction with members of the Indian workers’ diaspora in Malaysia. The engagement served as a platform to acknowledge their contributions and outline the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to protect and empower its overseas workforce.
Addressing the community, which forms the third-largest Indian diaspora globally with over 2.9 million people, Dr. Mandaviya underscored their dual role in both nations’ progress. He highlighted their pivotal contribution to strengthening India’s development trajectory and their instrumental part in realising the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The Minister commended the community for preserving its rich cultural heritage while achieving excellence across diverse sectors, thereby bolstering Malaysia’s socio-economic progress and strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Economic Partnership and Employment Generation
The Minister emphasized the robust economic partnership between India and Malaysia, which serves as a significant source of employment. He noted that this synergy is evidenced by the presence of more than 150 Indian companies, including three public sector undertakings, operating in Malaysia. Conversely, nearly 70 Malaysian companies are actively engaged in India across critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, telecommunications, oil and gas, power, and tourism, creating a reciprocal flow of investment and opportunity.
Landmark MoU and Social Security for Workers
A central focus of the interaction was the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and rights of Indian workers abroad. Dr. Mandaviya specifically cited the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Recruitment, Employment, and Repatriation of Workers, signed with Malaysia in August 2024, as a landmark policy step designed to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure ethical and transparent employment practices.
Further, the Minister urged all overseas Indian workers to enroll in the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY), a comprehensive insurance scheme that provides a critical safety net. The PBBY offers coverage for accidental death, permanent or partial disability, medical treatment for injuries, and even repatriation in case of emergencies, ensuring that workers and their families are protected against unforeseen adversities.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Mandaviya assured the diaspora of the government’s steadfast support. “We are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected, your voices are heard, and your families back home remain secure,” he stated, reinforcing the administration’s proactive and worker-centric approach to diaspora engagement.
This dialogue marks a continued effort by the Ministry of Labour & Employment to directly connect with the global Indian workforce, addressing their concerns and integrating their welfare into the framework of India’s international economic partnerships.