New Delhi, May 6: Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, emphasized the need for expanding partnerships to enhance the safety and rights of migrants. He stated that India has established 27 migration and mobility agreements with 23 countries so far.
Singh made these remarks at the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) held on Tuesday. This forum serves as a quadrennial review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, adopted by the United Nations in 2018.
He noted that these agreements promote organized and skills-based migration, focusing on worker welfare, social security, and fair recruitment processes. “We believe that strengthening and expanding these partnerships is essential for protecting the rights of Indian citizens living abroad,” Singh remarked.
He highlighted recent significant agreements with the European Union in January, the United Kingdom last July, and New Zealand last month.
Singh pointed out that developing the skills of individuals wishing to migrate internationally is a key pillar of India’s migration policy. He mentioned that the ‘Skill India International Centre’ and digital platforms are preparing Indian workers to meet global standards, and work is underway for mutual recognition of skills with partner countries.
Additionally, he noted that the Indian government conducts pre-departure orientation programs to better prepare individuals for working abroad.
Emphasizing the role of digital public infrastructure, he stated that platforms like the e-Migrate system, National Career Service portal, and Skill India Digital Hub have played a crucial role in ensuring transparency in recruitment and deployment processes, as well as safeguarding migrant workers.
Singh affirmed that the welfare of Indians living abroad is a government priority. Initiatives like the Indian Community Welfare Fund and the MADAD portal have been implemented for this purpose. Through the MADAD portal, Indian migrants can register their issues online and track their progress.
He also mentioned that India’s consular services provide timely legal, financial, and insurance assistance to Indians overseas.
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