The consultation was inaugurated by Fr. Casmir, Director of Don Bosco Anbu Illam, who outlined the dual objectives of the meeting: to tackle emergencies, accidents, and fatalities affecting migrant workers, and to foster collaboration among organizations to ensure labor rights are upheld. His address emphasized the urgency of these issues and set the tone for the day’s discussions.

Key figures in migrant welfare lent their expertise to the forum. Fr. Packiaraj, Director of Jesuit Migrant Service, highlighted the need for collective action and robust networks to support distressed migrant communities. Adding a broader perspective, Fr. Prakash Louis provided a detailed analysis of the migrant crisis, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the vital role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in emergency support and advocacy.

Strategic Initiatives and Advocacy Goals

Participants collaborated to propose actionable initiatives, focusing on immediate relief and systemic change. Key proposals included:

• Training Programs: Enhancing the capacity of social workers and NGOs to manage emergencies effectively.
• Compulsory Registration: Advocating for mandatory registration of migrant workers with trade unions and the labor department to formalize their status and ensure protections.
• Education and Welfare: Promoting education for migrant children in their native languages up to Grade 5 and improving welfare for women and children.
• Mapping and Legal Support: Identifying workplaces with high migrant populations and providing legal assistance for those in distress.
• Infrastructure for Assistance: Establishing migrant help desks at railway stations and bus stands.

Fr. Francis Bosco, Director of Don Bosco for Migrants, India, outlined an advocacy roadmap aimed at ensuring the registration of migrant workers, creating Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between source and host states, and establishing dedicated transportation services for migrants.

Formation of the Salem Initiative for Migrants

The consultation culminated in the creation of the Salem Initiative for Migrants, a dedicated coordination group comprising 10 initiators. Their responsibilities include:

• Establishing migrant help desks at transportation hubs.
• Raising awareness of migrant helplines.
• Disseminating information on relevant policies and welfare schemes.

A WhatsApp group was set up to facilitate real-time communication and updates among stakeholders, ensuring swift and coordinated action.

The event ended on a high note with a networking lunch, providing participants an opportunity to build relationships and strengthen collaborative efforts. The consultation marked a pivotal moment in the region’s approach to migrant welfare, laying the groundwork for long-term solutions to systemic challenges.

The Salem Initiative for Migrants now embarks on its mission to improve the lives of migrant workers, focusing on their safety, rights, and overall well-being. As this initiative takes shape, it promises to serve as a model for collective action and community-driven change in Tamil Nadu.

Stay tuned for further updates and learn how you can contribute to this critical cause. Together, we can make a difference for the countless migrant workers who form the backbone of our communities.