Hyderabad: A Telangana delegation began studying the Philippines’ migration and migrant welfare systems to identify practices for the proposed Telangana Gulf workers policy.
The Telangana NRI Advisory Committee delegation undertook a three-day study tour of the Philippines. Government Whip and MLA Aadi Srinivas led the delegation.
Committee Chairman Dr. B.M. Vinod Kumar and Vice-Chairman Mandha Bheem Reddy joined the visit. MLA Dr. R. Bhoopathi Reddy and other committee members also participated.
During a high-level meeting in Manila, the delegation examined the Philippines’ labour migration governance framework and migrant welfare mechanisms.
The team also studied civil society participation and the role of trade unions in migrant welfare. In addition, members examined international migration practices followed by the Philippines.
Telangana Gulf workers policy examines migration framework
The delegation observed that the Philippines had developed one of the world’s successful migration policy frameworks. Therefore, Telangana planned to examine suitable practices from that system while preparing its proposed Gulf and overseas workers welfare policy.
The Telangana Gulf workers policy initiative formed part of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s plans for a dedicated state framework for overseas workers. The government envisioned a dedicated Telangana Gulf NRI Policy. It also proposed establishing a “Gulf and other Overseas Workers Welfare Board.”
The proposed framework aimed to improve institutional support for Telangana residents working in Gulf countries and other overseas destinations. Following the study tour, the delegation was expected to prepare a comprehensive report based on the Philippines experience.
The report would examine measures that Telangana could adopt to strengthen protection, welfare and support systems for overseas workers. According to the information provided, nearly 15 lakh workers from Telangana were employed in Gulf countries and other overseas destinations.
The Telangana Gulf workers policy would seek to address the welfare requirements of this large migrant workforce. The three-day Philippines visit focused on understanding how government institutions, civil society organisations and trade unions could contribute to migrant welfare.
The delegation would use its observations from the Philippines while preparing recommendations for the Telangana government’s proposed policy and welfare board.