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| New bill to make immigration process simpler |
| Press Trust of India / New Delhi Oct 02, 2009, 15:15 IST |
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It is good news for those wanting to go abroad for greener pastures as the proposed immigration bill, which is likely to be tabled in the next session of Parliament, seeks to transform the process into a simple and hassle-free exercise.
Although the proposed law, which will replace the existing one, will make immigration transparent, it also aims to tighten noose against those unscrupulous agents who often dupe people seeking to go abroad.
"The objective of the proposed new law is to transform immigration into a simple, transparent process while it will have stricter penal provision against unscrupulous agents," a top official of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs said.
The official said, under the new law, an Emigration Management Authority (EMA) is proposed to be created replacing the existing Protector General of Emigrants and EMA will create a user-friendly online system to ensure hassle-free emigration.
He said as per the new bill, all the recruiting agencies will be regulated and registration of agencies made mandatory based on specific criteria.
"Human smuggling and exploitation of emigrants are being criminalised with stringent penalties for offences," he said.
The new bill also provides for periodic review of performance of the recruiting agencies and based on their services, government will give them rating.
The proposed law also seeks to regulate employers in certain countries which are favourite destinations of Indians.
"The employers would be regulated in respect of certain notified countries. Employers' accreditation and other details will be verified before allowing Indians to take up jobs," he said.
"Specific duties of employers will be laid for better protection and welfare measures for Indian emigrants," he said.
The official said the draft of the new bill has been prepared by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and it has been sent to Ministry of Home, External Affairs and Ministry of Law for their comments.
The draft was prepared after a need was felt to have a new immigration regulation law in the wake of changing global circumstances and growing incidents of Indians being exploited in the absence of a more regulative legislation with strict penal provisions.
Noting that there has not been a single case of conviction against unscrupulous agents under the existing Immigration Act, he said the new bill provides for more power to police to deal with unscrupulous agents.
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