Emigration Act to be tightened shortly

New Delhi, Jul 8 (UNI) Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi today said the government had finalised amendments to the Emigration Act and the changes would be in place shortly.

Addressing a Consultation Meeting with the State Governments on issues relating to the Overseas Indian Community, he said the law would now provide for stringent action against those indulging in 'human smuggling'.

He hoped that India would soon have a labour agreement with Saudi Arabia for protection and welfare of Indian workers in the region.

Such agreements have already been concluded with UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Malaysia.

Mr Ravi called for effective enforcement of the Emigration Act at the state level to prevent illegal recruitment and exploitation of workers. He wanted the state agencies to take up a drive to prosecute unscrupulous middlemen and stop illegal migration.

Expressing concern over the plight of women emigrant workers, particularly in the household sector, the Minister asked State Governments to strengthen exit controls so that women do not leave the country on visit visas.

Advocating a human and orderly migration process, the Minister said, the Centre is working to establish an Overseas Workers Resource Center in Kerala. Such centers in the states will provide information and assistance to potential emigrants.

Besides emigration, the two-day consultation will deal with issues relating to Diaspora and Investments. Specific programmes taken up by various states for benefit of Overseas Indians are being reviewed at the meeting.

UNI SH AKJ AS2019