Laws to protect rights of Indian workers abroad
But few of them likely to be impressed by assurance
Amendments have been made to the emigration laws as part of a range of measures to protect Indian workers from exploitation by their employers abroad.
While that is very impressive as an ongoing exercise little has been said about the huge exploitation that goes on in the name of ‘protection’ in the country itself, long before the poor labourer leaves its shores.
The new government aims to put in place what it calls a robust mechanism to save job-seeking emigrants from exploitation by recruitment agencies. That should make for a dramatic change seeing as how no agent, however unscrupulous has been punished in a fashion that would serve as an example to the rest of the bloodsucking tribe that is usually in cahoots with the authorities.
Laws to protect rights of Indian workers abroad
But few of them likely to be impressed by assurance
Amendments have been made to the emigration laws as part of a range of measures to protect Indian workers from exploitation by their employers abroad.
While that is very impressive as an ongoing exercise little has been said about the huge exploitation that goes on in the name of ‘protection’ in the country itself, long before the poor labourer leaves its shores.
The new government aims to put in place what it calls a robust mechanism to save job-seeking emigrants from exploitation by recruitment agencies. That should make for a dramatic change seeing as how no agent, however unscrupulous has been punished in a fashion that would serve as an example to the rest of the bloodsucking tribe that is usually in cahoots with the authorities.
Every year, thousands of Indians sell gold, land, homes, take loans and semi-destroy themselves in their desire to find a living in the Gulf. And every year thousands of Indians get taken to the cleaners even till they reach the aircraft.
Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi has now told an economic editors’ conference yesterday that the proposed amendments to the 1983 Emigration Act seek to fix roles and responsibilities of both the centre and state governments, Indian missions, the Protector General of Emigrants and recruiting agencies in this regard.
Agencies add: The ministry also receives complaints about misuse of the emigration check required status for seeking employment abroad. That Emigration itself needs to be policed is a point that NRIs hope will receive attention.
Ravi also spoke about moves to protect women workers’ from harassment by their employers abroad.
India, he said, also seeks to have social security agreements with EU countries and the United States. “We have recently signed a social security (pact) with Belgium. We intend to finalise similar agreements with other EU countries,” he said.
The Minister, however, said such a pact was not possible with countries in the Gulf. But the ministry, he added, has initiated process for labour agreements/MoUs with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Malaysia.
But little will be accomplished if the spring cleaning does not start at home first.
Also, there were plans to expand the internship programme for diaspora youth (IPDY) to enable them to learn more about India, he added. “My endeavour has been to establish an institutional framework to reach out to and connect with the Indian diaspora across the globe,” he said.
Ravi, whose ministry seeks to bring in amendments soon in the voters’ list to allow voting rights to Indian nationals with Indian passports abroad, spoke about plans to establish an overseas Indian investment facilitation centre, in partnership with apex industry associations and states, to serve as the first and single point window for prospective Indian investors.
Fully operationalising electronic remittance and investment advisory services for overseas Indians is another priority area for the ministry, he added. Also, the ministry is collaborating with state governments for upgradation programmes aimed at enhancing job skills in demand in foreign countries. Besides, state governments have been requested to expedite applications for birth certification from Indians living abroad.
The government, he said, also proposed to set up a PIO university in partnership with private players.
Article from: Bahrain Tribune Newspaper- www.BahrainTribune.com