Voices of Migration: Caritas India Observes International Migrants Day

Caritas India, through its Pravasi Bandhu Programme, observed International Migrants Day 2025 from 15th to 18th December across seven source and destination locations in collaboration with government stakeholders, Likeminded institutions, civil society organizations, and migrant communities. The events were organized by partner teams in Chhattisgarh (Bhandri Panchayat, Kunkuri), Delhi (Bawana and Jahangirpuri), Jharkhand (Kharwatoli, Kurdeg Block), Himachal Pradesh (Baddi), Gujarat (Gandhinagar), and Goa (Porvorim, Duler, Zuarinagar).

The celebrations aimed to raise awareness on safe migration, social security entitlements, decent working conditions, and prevention of human trafficking, while strengthening migrants’ access to government services. More than 800 migrant workers, including women, youth, returnee migrants, and daily wage labourers, actively participated.

The programmes included awareness sessions, video screenings, PPT presentations, cultural performances, sharing of migrant life stories, health camps, and community visits. Key government officials such as Labour Officers, ESI officials, Police representatives, and Panchayat leaders addressed the gatherings, providing practical information on migrant registration, e-Shram portal, labour cards, Ayushman Bharat, pensions, and legal documentation. Several locations facilitated on-the-spot registration, distribution of ABHA, e-Shram, Ayushman, and e-Nirman cards, along with dry ration support for vulnerable groups.

Special focus was given to human trafficking awareness, linking it with unsafe migration practices, and highlighting preventive measures, helplines, and local support systems. Cultural programmes by women, children, and tribal youth enriched the celebrations and reinforced messages of dignity, health, and unity.

A powerful moment emerged during the Jharkhand observance when a returnee migrant shared his life story, highlighting how lack of skills and documentation exposed him to exploitation. “If I had known about registration and safe migration earlier, my journey would have been different. Today I want others to migrate safely and with dignity,” he shared, resonating deeply with participants.

Cultural performances by women, children, and tribal youth enriched the events, reinforcing messages of dignity, unity, and well-being.

Overall, the observance significantly enhanced migrant awareness, promoted meaningful dialogue with government authorities, and reaffirmed the collective commitment of Caritas India and its Pravasi Bandhu partners Caritas Goa, Manav Vikas Samiti (Baddi, Himachal Pradesh), Nirmana and Chetnalaya (Delhi), Gramin Vikas Kendra (Chhattisgarh), Vikas Kendra (Jharkhand), and Sabarmati Samraddhi Sewa Sangh (Gujarat) to safeguarding migrant rights, preventing human trafficking, and promoting safe, informed, and dignified migration across India.