Migrant & Domestic Workers' Rights
Tens of millions of Indians work far from home — as inter-state migrant labourers or as domestic help — often with weaker bargaining power. Specific laws protect them, even though enforcement remains a real challenge.
Right to registration and portable benefits
The e-Shram portal registers unorganised and migrant workers nationally, making them eligible for social security schemes even when they move between states.
Right to timely wages and safe transport
Inter-state migrant worker protections require proper wages, displacement allowance, and safe conditions for workers recruited from another state.
Right to be free from bonded or forced labour
No employer can trap a worker through debt bondage or withhold wages/documents to prevent them from leaving — this is a serious criminal offence.
Domestic workers have specific state-level protections
Several states have Domestic Workers Welfare Boards providing minimum wage guidance, registration, and grievance redressal specifically for domestic help.
What actually happens, and what to do
Click a scenario to see the law, the exact steps, and who to call.
01
I moved to another state for work and my employer isn't paying properly or providing safe conditions
An inter-state migrant worker facing wage issues or unsafe conditions.
Provisions carried forward from the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act require the contractor/employer who recruits a worker from another state to ensure proper wages (at least equal to a local worker doing similar work), a displacement allowance, and suitable accommodation/conditions.
- Register on the e-Shram portal if you haven't already — this creates an official record of your worker status and can support your claim.
- File a complaint with the Labour Commissioner's office in the state where you're currently working, not just your home state.
- Contact the migrant helpline your state government runs, if one exists — several states set these up during and after the COVID migration crisis.
e-Shram Helpline
Registration support and worker helpline.
State Labour Commissioner
File wage/condition complaints where you currently work.
02
I'm a domestic worker and my employer isn't paying minimum wage or is mistreating me
Wage theft, excessive hours, or mistreatment in domestic employment.
Domestic work isn't yet covered by a single comprehensive national law, but several states have Domestic Workers Welfare Boards, minimum wage notifications specifically for domestic work, and registration schemes; general labour protections and criminal law (for abuse, wage theft, or confinement) apply regardless.
- Check if your state has a Domestic Workers Welfare Board and register with it if so — this often comes with minimum wage guidance and a grievance mechanism.
- For serious mistreatment (confinement, physical abuse, wage withholding to trap you), this can be a criminal matter — contact police or the Women Helpline (181) if you're a woman facing abuse.
- NGOs specialising in domestic worker rights in many cities can provide immediate support and mediation.
Women Helpline
24x7 support for women facing abuse.
03
I suspect someone is being trapped in bonded labour
A worker being held through debt bondage or forced labour, unable to leave.
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 completely abolishes bonded labour and frees anyone held in it, cancelling any debt used to justify the bondage — also a criminal offence under BNS provisions on forced labour and trafficking.
- Report immediately to the local police or District Magistrate — bonded labour cases require urgent rescue action.
- Contact the National Human Rights Commission or a specialised anti-trafficking NGO if local response is slow.
- Rescued bonded labourers are entitled to a rehabilitation package under government schemes.
National Human Rights Commission
For urgent bonded labour rescue cases.
04
I want to access welfare benefits as an unorganised sector or migrant worker
Getting registered so you're eligible for insurance, pension, and disaster relief schemes wherever you work.
- Register on the e-Shram portal (e-shram.gov.in) to get a Universal Account Number.
- This makes you discoverable for various central and state welfare schemes regardless of which state you're currently working in.
The legal basis, in plain terms
Key provisions that apply here
Incorporates inter-state migrant worker protections.
Abolishes bonded labour and frees anyone held in it.
National database and portable benefits for unorganised workers.
Vary by state — minimum wage and grievance mechanisms for domestic work.
Court rulings that shaped this right
The precedents behind the plain-language explanations above.
Quick answers
What is e-Shram and do I need to register?
Can my employer keep my identity documents to prevent me from leaving?
Do domestic workers have a legal right to a weekly day off?
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Ask AdhikarThis page explains general Indian law for information purposes and is not legal advice. Laws, portal names, fees and helpline numbers change — please verify current details on the official government website linked above before taking action, and consult a qualified advocate for advice on your specific case.