It is often rare when one follows the urge of his heart to extend a helping hand to the needy, at a place away from his homeland where we are bound by yet another set of law and order. Thomas Mathew Kadavil is one such name familiar to the Indian expatriate community in Kuwait. Having more than two decades of selfless service in public interest in his accolades, he stands apart by his commitment towards society. Long back, when there was no window for the expatriate Indians even at our Embassy in Kuwait, he had that moral fiber to be the voice of unfortunate working class, which resulted in having a complaint box, separate labour section and a proper shelter system for the destitute Indian expatriate, at the Indian Embassy Kuwait.

Being part of a socially committed group for the Malayalam channel program ‘Kairali Pravasalokam’, he was able to kindle the hope of many families who lost contact with their loved ones in this part of the world. It was his dedication and sincerity that bestowed him a prominent place as a media person and a social activist in Kuwait. The invitation he is receiving even from the international organizations like UNHRC to attend various human right conferences and discussions worldwide, recent one he attended being the 8th GFMD summit in Turkey last month representing Indian diaspora, indicates the trust of our authorities on his ability to identify the issues and contribute for the betterment of our workforce abroad.

In a country like India, where the migrant population plays a major role in social, cultural and economic scenario, the endeavors of someone like Mr. Thomas Mathew gains importance. “When the migrant population of India is in such a volume of about 30million, be it those migrating from India, or those who migrate to India, or be it those who migrate through India, our Government should take necessary action to have a proper documentation and channel for the purpose. Migration should be a choice, not a forced one or a necessity”, he said to IIK.

Mr. Thomas shared his concern on this matter when lots of incidents on fraudulent job offers are being reported. “The migration should be done with a common platform where the employee, recruiter and the foreign employer along with the governments of the country of origin and destination are at the winning position. Now the situation is that, even after spending lot of money on getting placement in a foreign country, neither the employee nor the employer is benefitting from it. This should change. The primary attempt should be made for an ethical migration, with zero expense for the employee. The foreign employer, whether it is in private sector or public sector, should bear the expenses incurred by the concerned employee for joining the firm at the country of destination”, he added.

“Similar is the issue of contract substitution. Measures should be taken to ensure that, apart from the usual clause on job designation, basic salary and perks, the contract signed by the employee should contain the job description, his rights and responsibilities, indemnity if any etc. and all the provisions which comply with human rights pertaining to the respective country of destination. There should be measures to assure that the signed contract is not being substituted with another version and clause, after getting signed by the employee.”

He is very much hopeful at the recent launch of e-Migrant system by the Indian Government. “e-Migrant system is a positive step forward in this matter by the Government, which should be encouraged and supported. This will provide a common platform for the job seekers as well as the foreign employers. The registered members include jobseekers, foreign employers and even the recruitment agencies at the country of origin and destination. Moreover, this will assist a balanced, transparent and effective harmony of labour ‘demand’ and ‘supply’. Those who seek job outside India should make use of this system so that their whereabouts could be properly tracked. Furthermore, the inflow volume of financial remittance made by these migrants could be properly channelized for various development projects in India. This will in turn benefit the individual and the country as a whole.”

He expects initial snags and shortfalls in this system when such an idea is being implemented on a national basis for the first time. He took the opportunity of the conversation with IIK for an appeal to our people to take part in productive discussions in this regard and assures that such a combined effort from our part is necessary to see that it is perfectly operational. “My opinion is that the Government should have a communication with the community leaders, leaders of expatriate welfare associations in respective countries and social activist, who really know and takes effort to handle various issues arising regarding the Indian workforce.

They should have discussions and initiate an action for formulating proper guideline. Even the recruiters should be included in the discussions for an effective planning.”

“Authorities should consider the fact that it is not a commodity that is being shifted, but a human life with expectations and emotions. They have the right to know where they are going to work, what is their scope of job, what are their rights and duties, the Dos and Don’ts in the country where they are being employed etc. and they have the right to get proper guidance and protection from their country of origin. We cannot deny the fact that our Migration Act, 1983 is outdated and is not enough to tackle the present day migration pattern in India. What I suggest is to have a permanent migration commission in India to have a comprehensive study on the contribution of each migrant to the Indian society and economy, on the issues and problems of migrant employees, and then to ensure the implementation of rules and regulations pertaining to any migration, to handle the rehabilitation issues of a returning migrant etc. When the migrant community contributes a major share of the economy of India, the concerned Government has the responsibility in turn to have a better welfare plan for them.”

The involvement of Mr. Thomas Mathew as a media person, in various issues in the expatriate society, helped him in drafting a 10 page handbook, upon request of ILO Delhi, on the prevailing migration status, rules, regulations and the human rights framework, for the migrants from India to other countries. “If one is well educated on those facts which he has to abide while migrating and being in a country of destination, to a certain extent, we can avoid the issues that arise after arrival. We are sure that most of the common workers from a low income segment will never read these 10 pages of information before signing the contract, if there is one. Again, there lies the importance of the implementing a platform likes e-migrant for the proper guidance for such people.”

The issues and problems of migrants are now discussed worldwide. Migrants are part and parcel of the sustainable development goal 2030 put forward by UN. Migrants should have a real role to play in both their country of origin and country of destination. Without inclusive of migrants we cannot achieve the goal of sustainable development goal 2030. The recently held Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) underlined this. It is of course the collective responsibility of the society to put an end for the distressing experience of migrant workers, both skilled and unskilled labour force in any country. Let the efforts of Mr.Thomas Kadavil be an inspiration for us to be the torch bearers of a better society.

IIK wishes him all the very best in all his endeavors.