Sikkim implements mandatory labour cards for migrant workers from February 10

The Sikkim government has intensified efforts to regulate the influx of migrant workers, aiming to curb illegal immigration and unverified employment across the state. As part of this initiative, all migrant laborers must register with the Labour Department and obtain a mandatory Labour Card by February 10, 2025.

The directive follows a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay, where it was emphasized that landlords, employers, and citizens must ensure compliance with mandatory tenant verification. Gangtok District Senior Superintendent of Police Tenzing Loden Lepcha confirmed that strict enforcement measures will begin immediately after the deadline.

Labour Department Secretary Ragul K announced that thousands of skilled and unskilled workers migrate to Sikkim from various Indian states for employment in construction, hospitality, retail, and other sectors. However, many fail to undergo proper police verification, raising concerns that individuals with criminal backgrounds may use Sikkim as a hideout.

To address this, the Sikkim Labour Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services Act (2021) mandates that:

All workers must register with the Labour Department and obtain a Labour Card before employment.
Employers must verify their workforce and submit labour data monthly.
Unregistered workers will face detention and deportation, while non-compliant employers will face legal action.

Failure to comply with these regulations will result in a penalty of Rs 2,500 per unregistered worker.

ID Requirements & Labour Card Validity
To obtain a Labour Card, migrant workers must submit the following documents:

Voter ID or Aadhaar Card (for identification)
A passport-size photograph
Registration fee of Rs 200 per person
The Labour Card is valid for one financial year and must be renewed upon expiry.

Authorities have launched flying squads to conduct surprise inspections across the state, ensuring strict enforcement of the new regulations. Additionally, a dedicated website and mobile application will soon be launched, allowing migrant workers to self-register online.

While some labourers expressed concern over the tight February 10 deadline, many welcomed the move, acknowledging that proper registration would enhance job security and welfare benefits.

As of January 2025, a total of 18,995 labourers have been registered, with 16,000 new registrations recorded since September 2024. The government maintains that a centralized labour database will be beneficial, particularly during natural disasters and pandemics, ensuring that registered workers receive necessary assistance.

From February 10 onwards, enforcement teams will conduct checks, and unauthorized workers will be penalized or removed from the state. Migrant workers can register at Labour Department offices in all districts and designated entry points to Sikkim.