Achievements of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs during 2014-15
Achievements of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs during
2014-15
Year-end Review 2014
· The Ministry
has launched a software module for Transportation of Mortal Remains (TMR) of
Indian Workers in Emigration Check Required (ECR) Countries. This software
module can be accessed from the website of the Ministry www.moia.gov.in and
www.e-migrate.gov.in.
· The Ministry,
in coordination with other ministries/agencies prepared an action plan for
facilitating the departure of the stranded Indians in Iraq, Libya to their
respective destination. Repatriation of stranded Indian nationals in Iraq was
started in the month of July, 2014 and continued during August, 2014. A total
of 6,977 workers have been evacuated from Iraq and 3,200 workers have been
evacuated from Libya.
· From 1st April
to 31st November 2014, Emigration clearance was granted to 497424 emigrants
going for overseas employment to 18 Emigration Check Required countries.
· Overseas
Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) held two Diaspora Engagement Meets in 2014
one in Manama, Bahrain and other in London, United Kingdom
· OIFC signed
four MoUs - two with Bahrain and two with United Kingdom.
· UP has become
Partner State of OIFC.
· Plan Scheme on
Skill Development for overseas employment was introduced during this year.
Seven states namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab
and Tamil Nadu have been identified for implementation of the Plan Scheme.
· One Social
Security Agreement with Australia has been signed on 18th November, 2014 in
Canberra (Australia)
· Fresh registration certificate were issued to
24 Recruiting Agents under the Emigration Act, 1983,
· Emigration
clearance process had been completely computerized. Process of ISO
certification of all 10 offices of Protector of Emigrants is under way.
· Ministry of
Overseas India Affairs has rolled out eMigrate project in all 10 POE offices in
last six months in a phased manner. eMigrate is a comprehensive on-line
web-based system covering entire spectrum of emigration ecosystem,
i.e., Emigrants, MOIA, Indian Mission, OWRC, Recruiting Agents and
Foreign Employers. Till date more than 1.90 lakh Emigration Clearances have
been granted under eMigrate system.
DIASPORA SERVICES
The Diaspora
Services Division deals with all matters relating to Overseas Indians
comprising Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs),
Overseas Citizenship of India matters, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Pravasi
Bharatiya Samman Awards, Scholarships to NRI/PIO students in India and new
initiatives to promote interaction of overseas Indians with India in tourism,
media, youth affairs, education, culture among other areas.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)
To connect
India to its vast overseas diaspora and bring their knowledge, expertise and
skills on a common platform, the PBD Convention – the annual flagship event of
MOIA is organized from 7th-9th January every year since 2003.
Twelve PBDs
have been held earlier in various places of India so far since 2013.
The 12thedition of the Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas Convention was held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi in January, 2014 with the
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports as the Partner Ministry. The theme was ‘Engaging Diaspora: Connecting
Aacross Generations’. The 13th edition of PBD being held at Gandhinagar,
Gujarat from 7 January, 2015, coinciding with the 100th Anniversary of return
of the Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India.
Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD)
This
Ministry organizes Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD) to engage with the
Indian diaspora who are unable to attend annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in
India. So far, 8 successful RPBD have
been held at New York, Singapore, The Hague, Durban, Toronto, Mauritius, Sydney
and London respectively eliciting enthusiastic support from the Indian diaspora
and the local Government. 8th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD)
Convention was organized in London, in October, 2014. Compared with the past several RPBDs, RPBD
London marked a significant and positive departure in attendance and the
variety of subjects on which the Diaspora was engaged. The Government’s
initiatives – Mission to Clean Ganga, Smart Cities, Skill Development, Solid
Waste Management and overall infrastructure development were also discussed.
RPBD London has set the stage for enhancing the engagement to renew partnership
with the Diaspora.
Know India Programme (KIP)
The
objective of the Ministry`s Know India Programme is to help familiarize Indian
Diaspora youth, in the age group of 18-26 years, project the developments and
achievements made by the country and strengthening their bonds with their
homeland. KIP provides a unique forum
for students and young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share
their views, expectations and experiences and to know contemporary India. The
Ministry has conducted 29 editions of KIPs so far and a total of 903 overseas
Indian youth participated in these programmes. The 30th KIP was held in 2014.
The participants are selected based on nominations received from Indian
Missions/Posts abroad. They are provided hospitality and reimbursed 90% of
their economy class return airfare from their respective countries to India.
Study India Programme (SIP)
Like KIP,
Study India Programme (SIP) connects with the youth of Indian diaspora through
educational institutions. Its enables Overseas Indian youth to undergo short
term courses in an Indian University to familiarize them with the history,
heritage, art, culture, socio-political, economic developments etc. of India.
The focus of the programme is on academic orientation and research. Cost of
boarding, lodging, local transportation, course fee during the programme and
90% of the cost of air-ticket by economy class is borne by Govt. of India.
Gratis Visas by Indian Missions are granted to the participants.
While this University the first (SIP) was organized in October,
2012 in Symbiosis University, Pune, Maharashtra with participation of 9 youths
of Indian origin from four countries like Trinidad & Tobago, Malaysia, Fiji
and South Africa. Conducted 2nd SIP in November, 2013, 14 youths of Indian
origin.
Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC)
Launched in
2006-07 the `Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC)` grants 100
scholarships upto US$ 4000 per annum to PIO and NRI students for undergraduate
courses. The scheme is being implemented by Educational Consultants India
Limited (Ed. CIL), a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Human
Resource Development. The scheme is open to NRIs / PIOs/OCIs from 40 countries.
A total of 760 candidates have availed the scholarship since the inception of
the scheme.
SPDC has
been modified to do away with the "Common Entrance Test (CET)" for
selecting PIO/OCI and NRI students for award of scholarships.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card Scheme
The Scheme
provides for issue of OCI documents consisting of OCI registration certificate
and universal visa sticker to PIOs. Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed
merger of PIO card and OCI card schemes. A Bill is likely to be introduced in
Parliament.
Voting Rights for NRIs
As per the
electoral roll data 2014 published by the Election Commission of India, the
total number of overseas Indian electors registered is 11,846.
Tracing the Roots
The Ministry
of Overseas Indian Affairs is running a scheme since October 2008 known as
"Tracing the Roots" to facilitate PIOs in tracing their roots in
India.
Scheme for
Legal/ Financial Assistance to Indian Women Deserted / Divorced by their NRI
Husbands
Issues
related to desertion of Indian women by their overseas spouses are complex and
sensitive. They also fall within the purview of private international law. To
address this issue Ministry is creating awareness amongst prospective brides
and their families regarding their rights and responsibilities and the
safeguards to be adopted while entering into matrimonial alliances with grooms
residing overseas.
Migration Management
Social Security Agreements (SSAs)
India has
signed 20 SSAs with 18 countries. These Agreements provide for avoidance of
payment of double social security contribution by Indian workers, totalization
of contribution and exportability of benefits.
Human Resource Mobility Partnership (HRMP)
A Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) on Human Resource Mobility partnership has been signed
with Denmark. Negotiation on HRMP with the Netherlands has been concluded and
it will be signed after the approval of PMO
India-EU Mobility Partnership:
An
International conference on India-EU partnership in mobility was organized by
the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in New Delhi from 21-23 February, 2009
to facilitate legal migration, combat irregular migration and proactively
pursue bilateral and multilateral cooperation for maximizing benefits and
minimizing risks from migration. To take the official engagement forward, EU
has proposed a Common Agenda on
Migration and Mobility (CAMM) with India. The draft CAMM is under examination
in consultation with Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs,
Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion and Department of Commerce.
Major activities during 2014
An Indian
delegation visited Tokyo (Japan) from 21-23 April, 2014 for the 5th round of
negotiation to finalize the Forms and procedure for implementation of Social
Security Agreement between India and Japan.
Social Security Agreements between India and Sweden; and
between India and Finland came into force with effect from 1st August, 2014.
While it came into force with effect from 1st September, 2014 between India and
the Czech Republic.
Delegations from Japan, Norweg, Canada and Quebec visited
India in 2014regarding social security issue.
Social Security Agreement between India and Australia was
signed on 18 November, 2014 in Canberra (Australia).
India Centre for Migration
India Centre
for Migration (ICM) was set up as the Centre for Promotion of Overseas
Employment (CPOE) and later rechristened as the Indian Council for Overseas
Employment (ICOE). ICM is a ‘not for profit’ society established by the
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) in July, 2008 to serve as a “think
tank” on all matters relating to international migration.
The India – EU II Project (Developing Evidence-based
Management and Operations (DEMO) in the India-EU Migration Partnership) is
currently under implementation. ICM organised a national workshop on
international migration trade: Linkages & implications for India – EU Migrate
in December, 2014 as part of the Project.
Annual Conference of the Heads of Missions (HoMs)
The 8th
Annual Conference of the Heads of Missions of Emigration Check Required
countries was held on 10th January, 2014 in New Delhi.
Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana
The Ministry
had introduced a Pension and Life Insurance Fund scheme called “Mahatma Gandhi
Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) for Overseas Indian workers having Emigration
Check Required (ECR) passports. Launched in UAE on 27th October, 2013 to
encourage and enable overseas Indian workers and by giving government
contribution to save for their Return and Resettlement (R&R), save for
their old age, the scheme obtains a Life Insurance cover against natural death during
the period of coverage.
e-Migrate Project
The Ministry
is implementing a comprehensive e-governance project on migration “e-Migrate”
which aims to transform emigration into a simple, transparent, orderly and
humane process. The Project is aimed at improving the quality of services to
emigrant workers and will help reduce the access cost of service.
Bilateral Memoranda of Understanding on Labour
Since the
largest number of Indian expatriates are working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
an Agreement on Labour Co-operation for Domestic Service Workers (DSWs)
Recruitment between the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and the Ministry of
Labour of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has been signed on 2nd January,
2014. The Agreement paves the way for a comprehensive MOU on manpower.
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
Overseas
Indian Workers are estimated at over 6 million. The Indian Community Welfare
Fund was set up in the year 2009 and is applicable to all Indian missions. The
fund aims to provide the following services on means tested basis in deserving
cases:
· Boarding and
lodging for distressed Overseas Indian workers in Household / domestic sectors
and unskilled labourers;
· Extending
emergency medical care to the Overseas Indians in need;
· Providing air
passage to stranded Overseas Indians in need;
· Providing
initial legal assistance to the Overseas Indians in deserving cases;
· Expenditure on
incidentals and for airlifting the mortal remains to India or local
cremation/burial of the deceased Overseas Indians in such cases where the
sponsor is unable or unwilling to do so as per the contract and the family is
unable to meet the cost;
· Providing the payment of penalties in
respect of Indian nationals for illegal stay in the host country where prima
facie the worker is not at fault;
· Providing the
payment of small fines/penalties for the release of Indian nationals in
jail/detention centre;
· Providing
support to local Overseas Indian Associations to establish Overseas Indian
Community Centers in countries that have population of Overseas Indians exceeding 1,00,000; and
· Providing
support to start and run overseas Indian Community-based student welfare
centers in Countries that have more than 20,000 Indian students’ presence.
The funds are also available for any other purpose considered
necessary with prior approval of the
Ministry. The Ministry is in the process of further amending the ICWF
guidelines keeping in view the needs of the Missions.
Information Dissemination on Legal Migration
The
intending emigrants face the difficulty in accessing authentic and timely
information relating to overseas employment, role of Recruiting Agencies and
emigration procedures etc.
Non-availability of such information makes the emigrants vulnerable to
exploitation.
Ministry launched the Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC)
to provide information and assistance to intending emigrants, overseas workers
as well as their family members relating to all aspects of overseas
employment. The OWRC is operating round
the clock a toll free helpline (1800 11 3090) to provide need-based information
to emigrants and their families. Helpline from anywhere in the world at
+91-11-40503090 in eleven languages is also available. To extend the services
to support the Indian emigrants, an international toll-free line (8 000 911
913) has been established for calls from UAE. The total calls attended during
2014 (upto 8th December, 2014) is 1,27,216.
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK)
To
commemorate the trials and tribulations as well as the subsequent evolution and
achievements of the Indian Diaspora, Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) is being
established at Chankayapuri, New Delhi, at an estimated cost of Rs.94 crore.
The Kendra, over time, is expected to become the focal point for social,
cultural and economic interaction with and among all Overseas Indians. It will
also serve as a research and documentation centre and host a permanent
exhibition.
The project started in, 2011, It is likely to be completed by
early 2015. The Ministry is in the process of establishing a society which will
be responsible for the day to day functioning of the Kendra.
Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of Overseas Indians
(PMGAC-OI)
The Ministry
has constituted the Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of People of
Indian Origin (PMGAC-OI) to draw upon the experience and knowledge of eminent
people of Indian origin in diverse fields from across the world. The Council is chaired by the Prime
Minister. The advice of the council is
recommendatory in nature and serves as a valuable input for policy formulation
and programme planning.
Prime
Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh presided over the fifth meeting of the Global
Advisory Council of Overseas Indian on January 8, 2014 at New Delhi.
Protector General of Emigrants (PGE)
Operational
matters relating to emigration, the provision of emigration services to
emigrants and the enforcement of Emigration Act, 1983 are under the Protector
General of Emigrants (PGE). The PGE is the statutory authority under the
Emigration Act who is responsible for the welfare and protection of emigrant
workers. He also oversees the ten field offices of the Protectors of Emigrants.
Registration of Recruiting Agents
The
Emigration Act, 1983 (Section 10) requires that those who wish to recruit
Indian citizens for employment abroad shall register themselves with the
registering authority, i.e. the Protector General of Emigration (PGE). As on
30-10-2014, there were 1347 existing recruiting agents.
Trends in Emigration
There are
about five million overseas Indian workers all over the world, more than 90% of
whom are in the Gulf countries and South East Asia. There are 10 POE Offices
working in the country including Rae Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), which was inaugurated
on 15th May, 2013. POE, Office at Guwahati will be operationalize as soon as
the Government of Assam provides office space.
Enforcement and Grievance Redressal
During the
last three years, 85 Registration Certificates were suspended and 77
Registration Certificate had been cancelled. Prosecution sanctions were issued
in 05 and 08 cases in 2013 and 2014 respectively based on police reports.
Prosecution sanction from the Central Government is not required if the
complaint against the unregistered agent is by an emigrant/intending emigrant
or his relatives. 510 foreign employers have been blacklisted till date.
Simplification of Procedures
Emigration
clearance process had been computerized. During the year one POE office Kolkata,
was declared ISO certified Six POE offices at Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai,
Hyderabad, Cochin and Chandigarh have already been ISO certified. Permission
has been granted for ISO certificates for the office of Jaipur, Trivandrum and
Rae Bareilly during the current year.
Protection and Welfare of Emigrants
Joint
Working Group (JWG) meeting with Kuwait and Oman for welfare and safeguarding
the interest of emigrants were held during the year 2014.
A total of 6977 Workers from Iraq and 3200 Workers from Libya
have been evacuated during 2014.
The Swarnapravas Yojana – New Plan Scheme
The Plan
scheme of MOIA, namely the Swarnapravas
Yojana will adhere to the broad objectives of skill development in India, as
envisioned by the National Skill Development Policy 2009 and achieve the target
of training 5 Million people by 2022 as laid down under this policy. The total
project cost envisaged is Rs137 crore. A new budget head for the scheme has
been introduced with a provision of Rs.20 crore for 2014-15.
The main
objective is to position India as a preferred source country for skilled and
trained workers in select sectors that face skill shortages in the
international labour market, and in which India enjoys competitive advantage.
While
emigration to other countries occurs from all parts of India, ten major states
have been identified as origin of migrant workers. These are Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil
Nadu and West Bengal. These ten states will be covered under the Swarnapravas
Yojana during the 12thPlan period.
Post a Comment