The Government of India has expressed concern over the living and working conditions of its overseas workers in some countries, stating that it would moot special agreements to overcome the existing problems.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh told the tenth annual conference of the Indian Diaspora (Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or PBD 2012) in Jaipur on January 8 that it was time to take appropriate steps to address the relevant issues.
“We are acutely conscious of the safety and security of Indians living abroad, particularly in regions characterised by instability,” he said, citing the developments in Egypt and Libya over the past year.
“There are over six million Indians living in the Gulf and West Asia. We need to be alert to the unfolding developments in this part of the world. Following the upheaval in Libya last year, the Government undertook ‘Operation Safe Homecoming’ to evacuate more than 16,000 people from the strife torn areas through special flights, passenger and naval vessels,” he said.
Dr Singh said his government had taken similar measures, albeit on a lower scale, in Egypt and Yemen, which had witnessed political upheaval.
He said India was negotiating the so-called ‘Labour Mobility Partnership Agreement’ with a number of countries including Australian, France, Netherlands and a few others in Europe.
Although there is ambiguity relating to the scope, extent, terms and conditions of the Agreement, sources in Delhi told Indian Newslink the main objective was to ensure greater mobility for overseas Indian workers, enabling them to switch jobs without cumbersome immigration and labour department procedures. Such transfers are sticky in the Arab Gulf countries where the ‘free visa’ system continues to lure Indians, they said.
“More importantly, the Indian government is concerned over the misuse and ill-treatment of workers going overseas on work permits. They are often overworked, underpaid and live and work in abominable conditions. India’s skilled labour is in great demand all over the world and hence the government can afford to talk tough,” the sources said.
Organised transfers
However, according to officials in Delhi, the objective of such agreements and Memoranda of Understanding mulled with some countries was to facilitate safe and legal migration.
The growing demand for skilled and trained workers in countries like Denmark (with which an agreement is due to be signed soon) has witnessed increased recruitment of Indian workers. There is therefore a need to prevent illegal migration and smuggling of people for financial benefits,” they said.
Typically, the agreement will encourage labour market expansion, employment facilitation, organised immigration and exchange of information.
The NZ connection
There is no indication yet that such an agreement would eventuate in New Zealand but some officials said that a ‘Human Resource Mobility Partnership Agreement’ may come as a part of the Free Trade deal this year.
“The Overseas Indian Affairs ministry is aware of the problems faced by Indians on work permit and those lured into the country by unscrupulous immigration agents and employers. The government will seek a better deal for its workers soon,” they said.
Dr Singh said that the scope of the Labour Mobility Partnership Agreement would expand to cover not only skilled workers but also students, academics and professionals.
With hundreds of thousands of Indians going overseas every year for higher studies, the Indian export education is one of the most potent and promising sectors, valued at billions of dollars. The New Zealand government would therefore be receptive to any scheme that enhances prospects.
Pension & Insurance
Dr Singh announced the launch of a Pension and Life Insurance Fund for overseas Indian workers, those officially recognised as ‘Non-Resident Indians’ with Indian passports.
“The scheme will encourage, enable and assist overseas workers to voluntarily save for their return and resettlement at their old age. It will also provide a low-cost life insurance cover against natural death. This scheme fulfils a long pending demand of our workers abroad,” he said.
Photo :
Picture by Press Information Bureau, Government of India
