what is eMigrate project?

Prelims : Current events of national and international importance.
Mains : GS 2 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

It is aimed at protecting the rights of Indian workers in the Gulf eMigrate project is a transformational initiative of the Overseas Employment Division of MEA, Government of India, to automate the current emigration processes and eco-system. This e-governance program aims to transform emigration into a simple, transparent, orderly and humane process. The eMigrate system fully automates the operations of various offices and all key stakeholders in the emigration lifecycle Through the e-migrate system instant action against recruiting agents whenever they break rules.

The key highlights of eMIGRATE system

    Public website for the general public to access the services offered by Overseas Employment Division of MEA. Apart from this Prospective Recruiting Agents (RA) can apply for registration, Prospective Employers and Project Exporters (PE) can     apply for accreditation through this website. Emigrant can also apply for direct Emigrant registration through this public website. In addition Emigrant grievance and Information about an Emigrant eventuality can be submitted on this website. Restricted Website for all the Internal Users (PoE offices PGoE office, Indian Missions, Consulates, OWRC) and Partners (Registered Recruiting Agents, Project Exporters and Foreign Employers). Integration with Passport System for validation of Emigrant’s passport details Online payment of application processing fee, if applicable Integration with Insurance Companies Systems for validation of Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojna (PBBY) policy details Use of Digital Signatures for ensuring source authentication, data integrity and ensuring non-repudiation of     digitally signed documents Electronic Emigration Clearance Integration with Bureau of Immigation (BoI) system for validation of Emigrant’s Emigration Clearance status at International Airport Helpline to provide support to various users

Why eMigrate system was introduced?

    Videos on social media showing hardships of workers, reports regarding domestic abuse of Indian and other south Asian workers and of violation of workers’ rights and salary denial in some of the major countries in the Gulf region prompted government to introduce a system to take care of the needs of Indian diaspora. e-migrate system was being geared up to prevent workers from landing in financial difficulties.

Prelims perspective

Model questions

With reference to ‘e-migrate project ‘, sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/are correct?

    The project aims to automate the current emigration processes and eco-system.
It is aimed at protecting the rights of Indian workers in the Gulf
It will help in taking instant action against recruiting agents whenever they break rules.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a) 1 only

b) All the above

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1 and 3 only

Mains Perspective

Model questions

Write a short analytical note on Indian Diaspora. How is the “New Diaspora” different from the “Old Diaspora”? [UPSC Mains 2012]

Sources: The Hindu eMigrate