In a significant move to support Bharat workers and students in their international journeys, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched Project PRAYAS. This initiative, named Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals, was introduced in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, marking a milestone in fostering safe, orderly, and regular migration.
With its inception in 1951, IOM has been a dedicated UN agency working towards promoting humane and well-organized migration. PRAYAS is designed to consolidate state-level efforts for international migration, setting the stage for improved coordination between state and central governments. The project aims to encourage the sharing of best practices among states and enhance collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs on matters related to the international migration cycle.
Muktesh K Pardeshi, Secretary CPV and OIA at the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the project’s goal of fostering better coordination between state and central governments in managing international migration practices. He emphasized that Bharat’s working-age population is set to reach 68.9% of the total population by 2030, making it crucial to streamline migration processes.
Acknowledging Bharat’s significant role in international migration, Pardeshi noted that over 32 million Indians and people of Bharat origin currently reside abroad. The PRAYAS project, therefore, becomes a strategic effort to strengthen international migration governance, ensuring the well-being of aspiring Bharat migrant workers and students.
The project outlines a roadmap for improved coordination and collaboration between state and central governments. IOM India plans to conduct a comprehensive study capturing key migration trends, migrants’ needs and aspirations, and major international migration initiatives. The findings will be shared with the Ministry of External Affairs, laying the groundwork for informed policy recommendations.
Sanjay Awasthi, Head of IOM Bharat, shared insights into PRAYAS’s focus areas, highlighting the intention to raise awareness among aspiring migrants about safe, orderly, and regular migration processes. Through collaborative approaches, the project aims to launch initiatives that contribute to a more informed and secure migration experience for Bharat workers and students.
As the PRAYAS project unfolds, it represents a significant step towards shaping the future of international migration for Bharat, aligning policies, and fostering cooperation at both state and central levels.
Comments