ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the institutional framework at the level of the Government of India. Institutional support for emigration from India is provided, or at least expected to be provided, essentially at two levels. The basic and crucial institutional support is provided by the central government through the 'emigration authorities' under the provisions of the Emigration Act, 1983. The Emigration Act, 1983 was conceived as a replacement to the Indian Emigration Act, 1922, which had become ineffective in regulating emigration of Indian citizens even in the eyes of the Supreme Court of India. Though the central government has not yet been able to introduce a new emigration bill in Parliament, it has used executive authority to launch many new initiatives. The Central Passport Organization (CPO) of the Ministry of External Affairs provides passport and consular services to Indian citizens. The CPO functions under the provisions of the Passports Act, 1967 and the Passport Rules, 1980.
