Madam President,
International Migration is a subject of much global interest at
present. It involves people and has differing impact on sending,
receiving and transit countries, including on their economies and
societies. I am therefore glad that international migration is being
discussed at the United Nations. I would like to thank the
Secretary-General for the detailed report as well as the events
organized as part of the preparatory process for this High Level
Dialogue.
Madam President,
India is a major country of origin, destination and transit of
migrants, with a long history of attracting and sending people to
other lands. It is estimated that around 20 million people of Indian
origin live in other countries while another 20 million migrants,
including a large number of irregular migrants are in India today.
Overseas Indians, through sheer dint of effort, very often in trying
circumstances, have significantly contributed to the countries of
their destination while, at the same time, playing a positive role
in building a bridge with India. Recognizing this, every year we
celebrate their achievement with a “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” or “Day
of the Indian Migrant” and have taken several innovative investment
and policy initiatives including the “Overseas Citizenship of
India”.
Madam President,
In the context of globalization there is need to recognize the
inevitability of international migration. This presents challenges
and opportunities, including the increased demand for specialists in
developed countries to strengthen their international
competitiveness. In fact, the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects
2006 notes that a rise in migration from developing countries raises
incomes of natives in high-income countries. The developed countries
would therefore benefit by a greater openness than hitherto in
allowing movement of natural persons across national frontiers and
through greater political will and determination for a successful
conclusion of the GATS MODE 4 negotiations.
High income countries must address the legitimate needs of migrants,
including receiving back their pension benefits and social security
contributions, especially in cases of migration of shorter
durations. The lack of appropriate or matching structures in the
country of origin should not be made an excuse for the denial of a
migrant’s legitimate pension benefits. Efforts, especially in the
case of short duration migrants, also need to be made to reduce the
cost of remittances.
Madam President,
Coming from Kerala, which is one of the largest places of origin of
many of our workers overseas, I can personally testify to the
importance of remittances, which are often the most important source
of livelihood for the families of the migrant workers, and support
not just one but many persons.
Madam President,
There is no restriction in India on migrating overseas. We favour a
regular, non-discriminatory and orderly process, whether for
permanent or shorter-term migration. In this context, artificial
barriers to migration by high-income countries should not be created
and that receiving as well as sending countries act to reinforce the
positives from migration and work together in a cooperative
atmosphere while being sensitive to each other’s concerns.
We
also believe that countries of origin benefit from the return of
migrants with skills or capital that they would not have acquired at
home. The existence of reliable domestic institutions encourages the
involvement by migrants in the development of their countries of
origin. ‘Brain drain’ as a result of migration of skilled and highly
trained people can also be translated into an overall gain.
Madam President,
As we speak about international migration today, we also need to
note the problematic facet of irregular migration, which is a cause
of concern for our collective well-being. Moreover, there are
serious security implications, including the use of irregular
migrants as an instrument for cross-border terrorism and for
creating social tension in the host country. This needs to be
tackled with a firm resolve. Its no longer the concern only of
domestic law enforcement, but is a matter of global priority
requiring coordinated and concerted action. A similar firm resolve
is required to tackle the scourge of people smuggling and
trafficking, especially of women and children.
Madam President,
Cooperative international efforts should result in comprehensive,
mutually beneficial solutions that are based on the best practices
dealing with international migration. We recognize that
international migration solutions and approaches relevant for a
particular country or region may not be appropriate for others. Our
efforts should focus on promoting teamwork amongst nations, to
maximize the benefits of international migration while reducing its
negative effects. We also believe that regular interaction among
countries, including at the UN, could result in a win-win situation
for all.
Thank you, Madam President.
New York
September 14, 2006
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