City is an opportunity to rural poor for making a living in the urban areas. People are pursuing migration as a way of survival strategy among others to create livelihoods in the urban informal sectors. In this context, the increasing interstate migration, increase in the informal sector activities and the impacts on people’s livelihood in the urban areas gain significant. The situation is linked to urban conflict and displacement leading to the miseries of migrants.

Tamil Nadu attracts large numbers of migrants from the North and North Eastern States of India like, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Odisha,  Bihar, and West Bengal. They are seen as big communities living in and around Chennai engaged in construction, textile, manufacturing, brick kilns, street vending and hospitality sectors. The data on interstate in-migration in Tamil Nadu shows that Chennai and Thiruvallur districts have over five percent of their population from other states.

The quality of life of migrant workers is not satisfactory. They are subjected to multifarious exploitation. Their contribution to the economic prosperity of both the host stated and the origin states is conveniently ignored.

Since 2014,  Jesuit Migration Service (JMS), Loyola College is working for the welfare and rights of these migrants living in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur Districts.

On the 9th December, 2018, a one day event celebrating International Human Rights Day, Migrants Day and Christmas Sharing was organized by Fr.Sebastian Crossian, Director of JMS. This event organized at St.Joseph’s School, Maraimalai Nagar, Kancheepuram District paved way for co-ordination among JMS, Chengalpattu Diocese and Caritas India.

More than 400 migrant workers from 11 Parishes mainly from Minjur, Gummidipoondi, Perambur, Ambattur, Sriperumbudur, etc., participated.

Fr. Boniface SJ, spoke on the theme “Protect, Promote and Integrate” highlighting the indigenous communities identity, human rights, entitlements of migrant workers and the need to enhance skills.

In his presidential address, the Chief Guest Most. Rev. Neethinathan, Bishop of Chengalpattu  said, “It is everyone’s duty, but especially that of Christians to work with energy for the establishment of universal brotherhood, the indispensable basis for authentic justice and the condition for enduring peace.” He continued saying that in the true encounter with migrants, we are recognizing Jesus Christ who is asking to be welcomed, protected, promoted and integrated. Therefore it is our responsibility to  protect the lives of migrants, promote their human rights and get them  integrated in our society.

Dr.John Arokiaraj, Caritas India Manager, in his special address said that the day became more meaningful as the birth of Jesus who was championing the cause of human rights is celebrated at the backdrop of human rights and migrants welfare. He said that Jesus himself was a migrant and because of his continued journey, the values of Christianity have taken roots all over the world. He mentioned that Caritas India has established a thematic desk on migration and it will be a very good opportunity for JMS, Caritas India and Diocesan Social Service Societies to work for the welfare of the migrant workers with a unified approach so as to create synergy. Clear framework with terms of reference for co-ordination will be worked out.

The event was marked by a celebration of  bilingual holy mass, cultural events highlighting the traditions of different communities and a shared meal.