Migration Matters #42
Migration Reforms in the EU, Migrant Voting Rights in India, New Report on Why Migration, Indian Workers in Israel, Latest Report on Hunger, UK's Rwanda Bill, Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa, Haiti & More!
Dear Reader,
We are excited to bring you yet another exciting edition of Migration Matters. Expect nothing but the most relevant and insightful trends from the world of migration - the stories that matter, the events that made headlines and exciting resources you can check out. As always, don’t forget to check out our Good Finds section for some hidden gems!
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Must Read
European Parliament Approves Historic Migration and Asylum Reforms
After eight years of deadlock, the European Parliament approved a historic migration and asylum pact. The pact aims to address migration challenges within the EU by balancing solidarity and responsibility. It includes provisions for a common European asylum system, streamlined procedures, and enhanced cooperation among member states, emphasising the protection of migrants' rights. However, concerns about its impact on human rights and the practical implications of implementation persist.
India Emerges as Second-Largest Source for US Citizens: 66K Indians Take Oath of American Citizenship in 2022
India became the second-largest source country for new United States citizens in 2022, with 65,960 Indians getting US citizenship that year. This places India just behind Mexico, the leading source country for new American citizens. The data also indicates that as of 2023, the foreign-born American population from India totalled 2,831,330, making India the second-largest source of foreign-born Americans after Mexico. However, concerns exist regarding the eligibility of India-born foreign nationals to become US citizens, with approximately 42 per cent currently ineligible.
MIGNEX Report sheds new insights on the causes of migration
The report delves into migration causes across 26 communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, underscoring migration drivers' complexity and context-dependent nature. It reveals that most migration is short-distance, temporary and internal, as opposed to long-distance and international. However, transnational ties and migration experiences were also found to impact migration aspirations by reducing perceived risks. Factors like wealth, livelihood opportunities, and social norms were also found to shape migration desires differently across differing contexts, with corruption in the place of origin emerging as a major driver of out-migration.
India
Protecting Workers in Israel and Iran Amid Tensions and Labour Shortages
The Indian External Affairs Ministry has issued advisories regarding travel to Israel and Iran due to escalating tensions in the West Asian region. Amid this backdrop, more than 6,000 Indian workers are set to arrive in Israel during April and May 2024 to address the construction sector’s labour shortage following the conflict. These workers will be transported via an “air shuttle,” with charter flights being subsidised to facilitate their arrival. However, concerns remain about the safety of Indian workers in conflict zones. The lack of a coherent policy around Indian labour in such areas highlights the need for robust regulations and protective measures. While India has launched welfare protection schemes for overseas migrant workers, including an insurance cover of approximately $12,000, there is room for improvement in ensuring the safety and well-being of its workers abroad.Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers in Exercising Voting Rights
Migrant workers in India encounter significant challenges when it comes to participating in elections. With over 400 million migrants (the largest migrant population in the world), the number of ‘lost votes’ due to the absence of migrants was 30 crore in the 2019 elections (Election Commission of India). Factors such as unpaid leave, wage loss, travel expenses, and payment delays hinder many migrants from returning home to cast their votes. While the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet implemented remote voting for domestic migrants, addressing this issue is crucial to ensure democratic inclusion and active participation in the electoral process. You can check out one of IMN’s podcast episodes here to understand this issue better.India-Kuwait Relations Strengthened: Kuwait Launches First-Ever Hindi Radio Broadcast
Starting April 21 2024, the Hindi program is available on Kuwait Radio frequencies FM 93.3 and AM 96.3 every Sunday evening from 8:30 to 9 pm (local time). This step will further strengthen the cultural ties between India and Kuwait. With a 1 million-strong Indian diaspora community, Kuwait hosts the largest expatriate community in the country, comprising professionals, traders, and businesspeople. India and Kuwait share traditionally friendly relations, rooted in history and mutual respect.Over one million Highly Skilled Indians Await US Green Cards
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data reveals that many Indian professionals wait for decades to obtain permanent residency (commonly known as a green card). These prolonged waits not only disrupt individual lives but also hinder America’s ability to attract and retain top talent. Challenges arise from the annual limit on employment-based green cards (set at 140,000) and the per-country limit of 7%, disproportionately affecting professionals from countries like India, China, and the Philippines. Without intervention from Congress, the backlog is projected to escalate further, potentially taking nearly two centuries to clear.MEA Directive Eases OCI Application Process for Goans with Portuguese Citizenship
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a directive benefiting individuals from Goa and Daman & Diu whose Indian passports were revoked after acquiring Portuguese citizenship. They can now obtain a "revocation order" instead of a "surrender certificate," simplifying the process and granting them benefits such as visa-free travel and opportunities overseas with Portuguese passports. This change is expected to provide relief to many who were previously ineligible for OCI due to strict passport requirements. The OCI card allows foreign citizens of Indian origin to register as Overseas Citizens of India, granting them the right to live and work in India indefinitely.
Global
UK Passes Bill to Send Asylum Seekers to Rwanda: Legal Battles Expected
The Rwanda deportation bill, championed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, has successfully passed in the UK Parliament after weeks of parliamentary back-and-forth. The legislation aims to deport asylum seekers who arrive in the UK by irregular means to Kigali, Rwanda. While the bill is set to become law, legal challenges are anticipated as lawyers prepare to represent individual asylum seekers. The Home Office has already identified a group of asylum seekers with weak legal claims to remain in the UK who will be part of the first tranche to be sent to East Africa in July. Critics and UN leaders argue that sending refugees to Rwanda is an ineffective and unnecessarily cruel approach, urging the government to focus on more humane and orderly immigration systems at home.282 million People Faced Acute Hunger in 2023, with the Worst Famine in Gaza: UN
The Global Report on Food Crises released by the United Nations highlights the severity of acute hunger worldwide. In 2023, nearly 282 million people across 59 countries suffered from acute hunger, with the Gaza Strip facing a famine affecting the largest number of people. 24 million more people experienced an acute lack of food compared to 2022, primarily due to deteriorating food security conditions in regions like Gaza and Sudan. Over 80% of those facing imminent famine, 577,000 people were in Gaza, while other countries such as South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Mali faced catastrophic hunger. The report emphasises the urgent need for global action to address this humanitarian crisis.Migrants in Tunisia Bide Their Time, Awaiting Passage to Europe
Thousands of sub-Saharan migrants find themselves in makeshift camps in Tunisian olive groves, enduring harsh conditions as they await their chance to reach Europe. These migrants, primarily from countries like Cameroon, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, have congregated near El Amra and Jebeniana, north of the port city of Sfax. Sfax serves as one of Tunisia’s main departure points for irregular migration to Europe by boat. Despite anti-immigrant sentiment, limited aid, and police raids, these individuals rely on solidarity and perseverance, hoping to make the dangerous crossing to Europe.US Deports Dozens to Haiti Amid Unrest: Rights Advocates Demand End to Forced Returns
The United States deported around 74 Haitian citizens to Haiti despite a surge in deadly gang violence and widespread instability in the country. Haiti has been grappling with widespread gang violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, creating a power vacuum. The situation escalated further in late February when armed groups attacked prisons, police stations, and other state institutions in the capital, Port-au-Prince.Biden Extends Immigrant Work Permits, Potentially Saving Jobs
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will automatically extend the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from 180 to 540 days. This means eligible immigrants whose EADs have expired since October 27 will remain eligible to work for at least another 360 days while their EAD renewals are processed. Asylum-seekers and foreign nationals in the process of changing their status to permanent residency will benefit from this extension. In total, up to 800,000 immigrants were at risk of losing their work permits without this new rule. USCIS will also benefit from improved processing capacity, allowing quicker decisions on applications.Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa: Work Remotely in Italy and Bring Your Family
Eligible applicants include highly skilled workers from non-EU states. The aim is to attract professionals seeking a flexible work environment.To qualify, individuals must have an annual income of at least three times the minimum level required for exemption from healthcare costs (approximately €28,000). Plus, robust health insurance and proof of suitable accommodation. Applicants must also have prior experience as digital nomads or remote workers elsewhere for at least six months. Notably, the visa allows holders to bring their immediate family members (spouses and children under 18) with them to Italy.
New Zealand tightens its work visa rules in response to ‘unsustainable’ migration
According to the new regulations, low-skilled applicants must now meet English-language requirements and can only stay for three years, down from five. These adjustments come amidst a surge in migration since 2022, with a record 173,000 arrivals in 2023. Prime Minister Luxon has expressed concerns over the current immigration system's sustainability, noting a need to attract highly skilled migrants while safeguarding local job opportunities and managing net migration.
Good Finds
Open-Access Book: Migration in Southeast Asia: IMISCOE Regional Reader
This book delves into the intricate relationship between political concepts and migration in Southeast Asia, particularly in the context of COVID-19. It examines migrants' vulnerabilities and resilience, analysing how issues like borders, citizenship, and migrants' rights intersect with agency and resilience. Check it out!The Migration Oxford Podcast
Deep dive into one of the most compelling human stories: why and how people move. This podcast brings together migration researchers from across the globe to cover diverse topics, such as the unique role of diaspora in development and humanitarian initiatives, the intersection of art and activism in promoting diversity, and the concept of emptiness in understanding migration. If you’re interested in these themes, we recommend giving it a listen!Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life
This survival drama film tells the story of Najeeb, a Malyali migrant worker forced to work as a goatherd in Saudi Arabia. It is based on Benyamin's 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel of the same name.Skinship by Yoon Choi
This debut book explores the Korean immigrant experience in America through short stories on family history and cultural identity.
Thank you. We will see you again next month!
Best Wishes,
The IMN Team
Research and Drafting: Pranoti Makarand Awalekar & Mihika Samant
Editorial Support: Pooja Bhatia
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