Vayalar Ravi: Migration process to be upgraded

NEW DELHI: Government today said it will transform the migration process into a fully transparent mechanism within a year under which all stakeholders like Indian Missions and emigration authorities will be linked through an online portal for providing seamless services to those wanting to go abroad for jobs.

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, addressing a conference of heads of missions of Gulf region, said the migration process is being upgraded to ensure orderly migration and check unscrupulous agents who often dupe Indians promising greener pastures abroad.

"Within 52 weeks, we would be able to to provide a common electronic platform for all concerned in the process of migration. This system would link the e-passport system, migration system, Proctor of Emigration offices and Indian Missions abroad to provide a seamless service of migration clearance," he said.

Ravi said government has already prepared a draft of a new immigration law which will transform the migration process into a simple and transparent mechanism.

Expressing serious concern over incidents of harassment and exploitation of Indians in the Gulf region, he said the government was determined to ensure safety, security and welfare of the diaspora community.

"The safety, security and welfare of Indian workers is of primary importance. Mostly concentrated in the Gulf, they are often exploited in India and abroad. Their living conditions abroad are not very good. We have a great responsibility to address their needs and concerns," he said.

The Gulf region has been a preferred destination for Indians. As per official estimate, nearly five million workers are currently living in the Gulf region which accounts for an average of 27 per cent of the total remittance inflows to India, with major source countries being the UAE and Saudi Arabia.