Hyderabad, India – In a significant move aimed at enhancing the welfare of Indian emigrants, the Pravasi Mitra Labour Union has called for crucial amendments to the Emigration Act of 1983. The union is advocating for the inclusion of natural deaths under the Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana (PBBY), ensuring that all emigrants working abroad are covered in the event of natural demise. The demand was made during a three-day international review of migrant worker conditions, attended by representatives from Nepal and India, held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, from November 8 to 10. Swadesh Parikipandla, the Nizamabad district coordinator of the union, highlighted that Indian workers are now emigrating to a broader range of countries, including Germany, Poland, Japan, Italy, Malta, and Israel, expanding beyond the traditional Gulf nations.
Parikipandla noted the steps taken by the Telangana state government to support Gulf emigrant workers, which include announcing a compensation package of Rs 5 lakh for the families of Gulf emigrants who lose their lives due to workplace accidents. Additionally, the government has established an advisory committee to address the specific issues faced by Gulf emigrants and set up a dedicated counter at Prajavani in Praja Bhavan to resolve the concerns of these workers every Tuesday and Friday. Moreover, he emphasized the state government's decision to implement a quota for the children of Gulf workers in government welfare residential schools, aiming to support the education of the next generation.
The conclave, held at Hotel Ganga Ratan, centered around the theme "A Just Transition," focusing on the challenges faced by Gulf workers, particularly those in the construction industry, in light of climate change. Workers' union representatives from various states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, participated in the discussions, sharing insights and experiences about the plight of migrant laborers. As the call for amendments to the Emigration Act gains momentum, the Pravasi Mitra Labour Union remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Indian emigrants, ensuring they receive the support and protection they deserve while working abroad.
