Prominent international organisations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and YuWaah (UNICEF) have welcomed the Government of India’s announcement on 21st November 2025 to bring the four Labour Codes into effect.  Recognising the reforms as a major step towards strengthening social protection, enhancing minimum wage frameworks and building institutional capacity, these global bodies highlighted that India’s efforts contribute significantly to the wider international discourse on inclusive and modern labour systems. Their remarks further underscore India’s growing leadership in shaping global labour and social security standards.

ISSA Welcomes India’s Labour Codes

ISSA, in its post on social media platform ‘X’, stated: “India’s Labour Codes add momentum to global efforts for stronger, more inclusive social security systems. ISSA welcomes this milestone and encourages sustained investment in coverage, protection and institutional capacity.”

UNICEF’s YuWaah Highlights Potential of Labour Codes to transform lives of Women and Youth

YuWaah (UNICEF), in its post, said, “India’s new Labour Codes signal an opportunity to strengthen workplace safety, protections for women & support for families. Continued focus on inclusive implementation & accountability is key to enabling young people's access to decent & equitable livelihoods.”

ILO Director-General Appreciates India’s Labour Reforms

The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), in his post, stated: “Following with interest developments of India’s new Labour Codes announced today, including on social protection & minimum wages. Social dialogue among govt, employers & workers will remain essential as reforms are implemented to ensure they're positive for workers and business.”

These statements by key international organisations reflect the positive international response to India’s Labour Codes, particularly in advancing fair wages, expanding social protection coverage and promoting greater formalisation of the workforce. The Ministry of Labour & Employment has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained collaboration with global institutions and domestic stakeholders to further strengthen India’s labour ecosystem and ensure effective implementation of the reforms.

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Rini Choudhury/Anjelina Alexander