NEW DELHI: As part of annual observances of International Migrants Day, India today launched an ambitious scheme for Promoting Regular And Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals, abbreviated as PRAYAS.

The majority of India’s overseas migrants are in the Gulf region.

Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said ‘PRAYAS envisages bringing together Central and State governments and other stakeholders for greater coordination, sharing of best practices, policy recommendations and disseminating timely information on matters related to international migration.’

International Migrants Day is an initiative of the United Nations, which is observed on 18th December. Countries around the world commemorate the occasion during the week of 18th December.

The theme of this commemoration in 2023 is ‘Act Today’. The UN said, ‘On this day we reflect on and celebrate the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide.’

UN Secretary General António Guterres said, ‘On Internati
onal Migrants Day, we highlight the urgent need for safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights.’

In the spirit of the call by Guterres, India has executed PRAYAS jointly by the Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi’s oldest international relations think tank and the International Organisation for Migration, a UN body.

The aim of the project is to ‘promote safe and orderly migration.’
Source:Emirates News Agency