Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana – Insurance for Emigrant Workers

Overview

Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) is a mandatory insurance scheme for Indian emigrant workers going to ECR (Emigration Check Required) countries on employment visas. It is administered by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The scheme protects workers who travel abroad for low-wage employment by providing insurance cover against death, disability, and other contingencies.

Objective

The objective is to protect the interests of Indian workers going to ECR countries. It ensures that workers and their families receive financial support in case of death, injury, or other adversities occurring during the period of overseas employment.

Benefits

• Life insurance cover of Rs. 10 lakh in case of death
• Disability cover of up to Rs. 10 lakh
• Maternity benefit for women workers
• Repatriation costs in case of death or serious injury
• Legal assistance for disputes with foreign employers

Eligibility

• Indian citizens holding an ECR passport category
• Workers going to ECR countries on an employment visa
• Must be registered with the emigration system before departure
• Age as per the employment contract requirements
• Coverage period is for the duration of the employment contract (usually 2 years)

Exclusions

• Workers traveling to non-ECR countries on employment visas
• ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport holders
• Self-employed individuals going abroad on business visas
• Deaths or injuries caused by self-harm or illegal activity

Application Process

1. Obtain an ECR passport if you do not already have one
2. Register on the eMigrate system before departure
3. Pay the PBBY insurance premium during eMigrate registration
4. Insurance is activated upon successful registration
5. Policy certificate is available via the eMigrate portal

Documents Required

• ECR passport
• Employment contract from the foreign employer
• Visa copy
• Aadhaar card
• Nominee declaration
• Passport-size photographs