Author: PTI
Publication: The Hindu
Date: September 15, 2006
URL: http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200609151131.htm
Warning against illegal immigrants being used for cross-border terrorism and creating social tensions in the host country, India has asked the international community to take coordinated and concerted action against this scourge.
"A similar firm resolve is required to tackle the scourge of people smuggling and trafficking, especially of women and children," Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed told the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.
The Minister called for a non-discriminatory and orderly process of migration in a way that helps both originating and recipient countries.
Stressing the benefits of migration, Ahamed said it allows the rich country to get specialists in various disciplines which they lack and remittances from their diaspora helps the poor to strengthen their economic standing.
"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," said Ahamed, who comes from Kerala from which thousands of workers have gone overseas, especially to Gulf countries.
"We believe that counties of origin benefit from the return of migrants with skills or capital acquired that they would not have at home," he said, stressing as a result the brain drain can be translated into overall gain for the countries from which skilled labour migrates to richer nations.
Addressing a high-level session of the Assembly on "International Migration and Development," Ahamed said cooperative international effort should result in comprehensive and mutually beneficial solutions that are based on the best practices in 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 effort should focus on promoting teamwork amongst nations, to maximize the benefits of international migration while reducing negative effects," he added.
Warning against creating artificial barriers, Ahamed urged both the sending and receiving countries to reinforce the positive aspects of migration and work together in a cooperative atmosphere while being sensitive to each other's concerns.