International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launches Project PRAYAS

The Project PRAYAS (Promoting Regular Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals), was launched in partnership with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the year 2023-24.

source: Internet

Objective of Project PRAYAS

Objective: To facilitating safe, orderly, and regular migration for aspiring Indian migrant workers and students in collaboration with MEA, NITI Aayog, and State Governments.

Project PRAYAS  will promote dissemination of communication materials on safe and orderly migration pathways.
♦ India has a large diaspora with over 32 million spread across the globe (2021 Dec).
♦ Also, India is the world’s largest recipient of remittances.

This International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Development Fund assisted Project envisages development of a roadmap for improved coordination between Central and State Governments to encourage sharing of best practices between States and enhanced engagement with the MEA on matters related to the international migration cycle.

The project is a joint collaboration between the IOM India and Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).

Project PRAYAS not only aligns with Goverment of India’s prioities for the promotion of safe and orderly migration, but also aligns with Goal 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people.

The project also adheres to the objectives of Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Migration Governance Framework (MiGOF).

Problems faced by Indian diaspora abroad

• Wage insecurity, casual work arrangements, lack of social protection and skills gap.
• Poor working conditions, absence of a proper grievance redress mechanisms, and access to a transparent judicial system etc.

Steps taken by India for diaspora

• Pre-Departure Orientation Training is imparted to workers before they migrate.
• Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) for assisting Overseas Indians in times of distress.
• MADAD Portal addresses grievances related to Indians in distress abroad.
• Know India Programme to expose India’s young diaspora to various aspects of contemporary India.