ABSTRACT
International migration of people for employment purposes is a conscious move to enhance one's economic and social well-being. This chapter aims to identify specific features of determinants, processes and implications of international migration of women with special reference to Indian emigration to the Gulf. It analyses Indian policy on emigration and suggests gender-specific measures to address the concerns of Indian women migrant workers. The entire emigration process or cycle can be divided into four stages: pre-recruitment, recruitment and emigration, work and living in the destination, and return and resettlement in the origin. Return and resettlement is also an important stage of the migration cycle. The chapter outlines the key policy initiatives of the government of India and several state governments governing emigration processes and practices with reference to the emigration of women. The main purpose of the emigration check required (ECR) regulation was to protect the interests of the most vulnerable categories of workers abroad.
