New Delhi,14 May:The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is examining a proposal to establish an Overseas Workers’ Welfare Fund which will seek to provide on site, off site and return and resettlement services.
There are instances of small numbers of illegal workers who are from time to time deported under amnesty schemes of the host governments. When such amnesty schemes are announced, efforts are made by the Indian Missions concerned to regularize the stay, residence and employment of such workers. In cases where it is not possible to do so, some workers are deported through issuance of emergency certificates. The Mission renders the necessary assistance for the return of such workers. As a policy, the Government of India discourages illegal migration and has taken several steps to curb the same. These include a national awareness campaign through electronic and print media to educate potential migrants about the risks of illegal migration. The regulatory mechanism is being made transparent to address the problem. There are an estimated 4.5 million Overseas Indian workers in the gulf.