The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with the Overseas Employment and Protector General of Emigrants (OE & PGE) Division, launched a one-day conclave on March 11, 2025, to promote safe migration and address concerns raised by recruiting agents. The event was presided over by Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh.
The conclave brought together representatives from fourteen registered Recruiting Agents Associations, thirteen state-run RAs, sixteen Protector of Emigrants, senior officers from the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and Resident Commissioners of State Governments/UTs. The event aimed to foster greater synergies with the RA fraternity for effective implementation of the Emigration Act 1983 and minimize space for illegal recruitment.
In his keynote address, Minister Singh acknowledged the crucial role played by recruiting agents in the emigration process and highlighted various initiatives, including skilling human resources and leveraging cutting-edge information technology to streamline emigration. He urged the RA fraternity to do more in promoting safe and legal mobility of migrant workers abroad.
As part of the Ministry's efforts to generate awareness about safe and legal migration, Minister Singh launched a Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra WhatsApp Channel, which will be used to disseminate information on legal and safe mobility. The channel aims to make information easily understandable by the masses.
The conclave featured three thematic panel discussions focusing on Skill Development, streamlining Foreign Employer Registration, and Grievance Redressal. Additionally, a Q&A Session was held with the Joint Secretary (OE & PGE). These sessions provided an opportunity for participants to discuss various facets of the emigration process, upcoming opportunities, and work process-related challenges on the e-Migrate portal.
The event aimed to address concerns raised by recruiting agents and promote safe migration practices. Minister Singh's emphasis on the importance of RA fraternity in promoting safe and legal mobility of migrant workers abroad will likely have a positive impact on the emigration industry, ensuring that workers are protected while also encouraging economic growth through remittances.