Srinagar, Aug. 9 -- The figures show a steep rise in 2022 and 2023 compared to the COVID-hit years of 2020 and 2021. In 2020, 1,095 workers from the Union Territory were granted ECs, dropping slightly to 992 in 2021. The trend reversed in 2022 with 4,868 clearances, peaking at 5,264 in 2023, before easing to 4,322 in 2024 and 2,411 in the first half of 2025.

ECs are required mainly for holders of Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports, typically workers headed to Gulf and other overseas labour markets. For women in this category, the minimum age for overseas employment is 30 years to prevent exploitation.

Officials also underlined the role of the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), which is used by Indian missions abroad to assist ...