Dubai: MFI hosted the five-day international convention BizCon 2025 from September 16 to 20 at the Hyatt Regency, bringing together key relocation and logistics leaders from India and the United Arab Emirates. Organized by the Movers Federation of India (MFI), the conference focused on the crucial issue of regularizing India’s packers and movers sector to ensure sustainable growth and enhanced professionalism in an industry that is rapidly expanding but remains largely unorganized. Sponsored by ISS Relocations and supported by leading industry partners, BizCon 2025 served as a pivotal platform to strengthen India–UAE business ties and position India’s relocation industry within the global mobility framework.
The event carried the theme “Connecting Movers and Relocation Experts Across India and the UAE,” reflecting MFI’s vision to integrate professionalism, ethics, and innovation in one of India’s fastest-growing yet least regulated sectors. Over five days, delegates shared insights, identified challenges, and discussed strategies to transform a fragmented industry into a formalized, globally competitive business ecosystem.
Industry Growth Amid Persistent Fragmentation
India’s packers and movers industry is estimated to be worth approximately ₹20,000 crore (roughly USD 2.4 billion), with an expected annual growth rate between 12 and 15 percent. Despite these impressive figures, more than 65 percent of the market operates without formal organization, licensing, or adherence to standardized norms. The lack of regulatory oversight has contributed to inconsistent pricing, unreliable service quality, and limited consumer protection, issues that have long plagued customers relying on these services for what should be seamless relocations.
At the inaugural session, Abhilash Naiyyar, representing ISS Relocations Dubai, emphasized the importance of industry-wide collaboration to elevate operational standards and strengthen the global image of Indian movers. “The future of the relocation business depends on how well we align innovation, ethics, and service delivery and India’s movers and logistics professionals must adopt a unified approach if we want to compete internationally.” Naiyyar said.
Building Trust Through Structure
For many households, relocating remains a daunting and aggravating experience. Technology adoption has improved some facets, but hidden fees, delays, unverified providers, and damage to goods still contribute to dissatisfaction.
According to an internal 2024 MFI survey, over 70 percent of consumer complaints are linked to unregistered operators, signaling a significant gap in industry regulation. Furthermore, nearly one in three customers in India’s major metropolitan areas reported being overcharged or experiencing damage to their belongings.
Alok Bhargava, President of the Movers Federation of India, stressed the urgent need to establish certification, training programs, and legal accountability mechanisms to rebuild customer trust. “Relocation should be a smooth and safe experience, not a gamble. Our mission is to ensure that every moving company operates under a uniform code of conduct and that consumer interests are safeguarded.” Bhargava said.
MFI’s Push for Standards
The Movers Federation of India has positioned itself as the leading advocate for reform within the relocation sector. Over the years, MFI has worked to promote ethical business practices, member verification, and the creation of service benchmarks. Through workshops, training, national conferences, and digital integration initiatives, it has provided members with tools to enhance both customer experience and operational efficiency. However, challenges remain, particularly among small and mid-sized movers that lack easy access to financing, technology solutions, and modern warehousing infrastructure.
Ajit Sharma, Chairperson of MFI, pointed out that the relocation industry is often misunderstood and treated as a fragmented business rather than a vital component of India’s overall logistics chain. “Through platforms like BizCon 2025 and ongoing policy dialogues, we are striving to change this perception and elevate the industry’s status,” Sharma said.
Aligning with India’s National Logistics Goals
Significant government initiatives have been introduced to reshape India’s logistics ecosystem. The National Logistics Policy (NLP), launched in 2022, targets a reduction of logistics costs from around 14 to 15 percent of the country’s GDP down to under 10 percent, aiming to boost economic efficiency and competitiveness. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan complements this by promoting infrastructure integration and digital tracking across multiple modes of transport, including road, rail, air, and waterways.
A key strategy involves the establishment of 35 Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) nationwide, designed to streamline warehousing, transport connectivity, and last-mile delivery. States such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have introduced progressive policies and incentives to encourage private investment in logistics and warehousing infrastructure.
Despite these advances, the relocation business remains largely excluded from these strategic frameworks. Anoop Mishra, Secretary General of MFI, highlighted the disconnect. “Millions of households rely on professional movers each year and To truly advance India’s logistics reforms, relocation services must be formally recognized as an integral part of the logistics infrastructure.” Mishra explained.
Perspectives from Global Industry Leaders
BizCon 2025 attracted prominent voices from both India and the UAE, including Amanda Fernandes of DTD Worldwide and Shamshir Sheikh of Sparkle Relocation. These leaders shared insights into global best practices and emphasized the growing importance of sustainability within international mobility and logistics. Both underscored the benefits of adopting digital tools, enforcing ethical business standards, and deploying standardized workforce training tailored to India’s unique market conditions.
Fernandes remarked, “Collaboration between India and the UAE presents an opportunity to redefine service excellence in the relocation sector. Joint efforts in digital tracking, quality certification, and skill development can position Indian movers as credible players on the global stage.”
Sheikh noted, “India’s relocation industry holds immense potential, but it requires enhanced structure, accountability, and government-backed support to realize sustainable growth.”
Consensus on Professionalization and Regulation
Discussions throughout the convention converged on the understanding that regulation and transparency can no longer be postponed. The formalization of India’s movers and packers sector was identified as essential for consumer protection, fostering fair competition, and generating employment opportunities.
Experts highlighted that regularization would enable businesses to access financing channels, benefit from logistics incentives, and integrate more effectively into India’s multimodal warehousing and transport systems. These improvements would, in turn, bolster service reliability and increase investor confidence within the sector.
Expert’s Opinion -The Road Ahead
India’s relocation and logistics industry stands at a decisive moment. Impressive growth rates and market size present opportunities but also expose vulnerabilities stemming from the sector’s fragmented and largely informal nature. The Movers Federation of India, through initiatives like BizCon 2025 Dubai, has reiterated the urgency and inevitability of reform and professionalization.
“Achieving this transformation will require the combined efforts of government agencies, industry stakeholders, and federations such as MFI to implement supportive policies, uphold ethical standards, and embrace innovation. With these elements in place, the sector is poised to evolve into a more orderly, trusted, and internationally competitive industry capable of driving economic mobility for millions of Indian households.”– said Pawan Jindal.
“This landmark event in Dubai heralds a new chapter for Indian relocation services, one where professionalism and structure replace fragmentation, setting the stage for long-term growth and global recognition. The reform journey is well underway, and the time to act is now.” Jindal Noted.
The message from Dubai was clear and unanimous: regularization of the packers and movers industry is essential not only to protect consumers and improve service quality but also for India to establish itself as a respected and sustainable player in the global mobility landscape.
