Imagine a journey where thousands of migrant workers leave behind the comfort of their homes in search of better opportunities, only to face uncertainty and vulnerability at every step. Yet, amidst these challenges, Caritas India’s Pravasi Bandhu program, supported by Misereor, is making a profound difference. Recently, this pioneering initiative convened its Annual Review Meeting, bringing together nine partner organizations and 25 participants to evaluate its impact across nine Indian states, where it has directly benefited over 50,000 migrants. The meeting highlighted remarkable achievements, including providing shelter to 178 migrants, educating 7,747 on safe migration practices, and supporting 124 migrant children with educational resources.

At the heart of Caritas India’s work with migrants lies a deep commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of the most vulnerable. We believe that every individual deserves to live with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. This conviction drives our mission to support migrant communities and rebuild the lives of migrant workers. By addressing critical concerns and promoting dignity among the most vulnerable sections of society, we aim to create a more inclusive and compassionate world. The Pravasi Bandhu program is a testament to this vision, as it seeks to establish safe migration channels, educate migrants about safe working conditions, encourage financial inclusion, and provide livelihood support.

The program has made significant strides in addressing the critical needs of migrant workers. It has reached 8,836 migrants through Migrant Resource Centres and an additional 2,896 through help desks, demonstrating its commitment to providing necessary support. Providing shelter to 178 migrants across three states—Delhi, Gandhinagar, and Goa—highlights the importance of safe spaces for those in need. Moreover, health and welfare interventions have been crucial, with 834 migrants receiving health sessions, while 7,747 were informed about safe migration, occupational safety, and legal rights—key interventions for improving well-being.

The program has also supported the long-term stability and opportunities for migrant families. For example, it has provided educational support to 124 children in multiple locations, recognizing education’s vital role in securing better futures for migrant families. Additionally, the program has offered career guidance to 236 migrants and skill training to 112 adolescents and youth, reflecting a strong emphasis on empowering individuals to secure better employment opportunities. Furthermore, 5,335 migrants received entitlements like BOCW cards, E-shram Cards, Ayushman, and Abha cards, ensuring access to social welfare schemes and health services.

The meeting was structured over two days, with the first day focusing on critically evaluating each partner’s presentation. The discussions culminated in constructive feedback from Fr. Anil Crasta, emphasizing the importance of creating effective impact stories, addressing challenges, and resource mobilization. On the second day, Fr. Ravi Sagar led a session on integrating domestic workers into society, highlighting relevant laws and challenges faced by unorganized sectors. Key recommendations included using video storytelling to raise awareness and designing accessible educational materials, such as safe migration pamphlets, to empower individuals with limited literacy or language barriers.

The Pravasi Bandhu program is driven by a deep belief in the inherent dignity of every human being. By working tirelessly to ensure safe migration pathways and access to social welfare schemes, we are not just supporting migrants; we are upholding the values of justice, equality, and compassion that guide our mission. As the program moves forward, it will leverage video storytelling, accessible educational materials, and community engagement to amplify its impact and inspire broader support from corporates and embassies alike.

Pravasi Bandhu aims to create a ripple effect that enhances the safety, social protection, and dignity of migrant workers across India and beyond. This approach invites like-minded organizations to join this journey of empowerment, ensuring that the rights and dignity of migrant workers are upheld and their living conditions are improved. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those who contribute significantly to our economies and societies. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to a world where everyone can live with dignity and respect.