Indian migrant workers to get Smart card from June 01, 2009

The smart card for migrant Indian workers announced by the Prime Minister at the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas today will be operational from 1st June this year. This was disclosed by the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Mr. Vayalar Ravi while summing up the first day's proceedings of the mega-event that is being held in Chennai.

He explained that those who migrate from India to other countries to work would be issued smart cards by the government, incorporating all the crucial information like passport details, address, contact persons in case of emergency, insurance particulars etc.

The Minister said that the Centre has decided to permit overseas citizens cardholders, having professional qualifications in specialized areas such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, law etc. to practice in India. The legal framework to implement the order is being worked out by the respective regulatory agencies such as the Medical Council of India, Bar Council of India etc. Referring to the Global Indian Knowledge Network launched by the Prime Minister, he said, this would in effect serve as a knowledge bank for the vast network of People of Indian Origin who can get their specific questions answered with the help of professionals all around the world.

Mr. Ravi said that members of the diaspora who come forward to work in elementary education, healthcare and empowerment of rural women will be facilitated through a dedicated non-profit oriented foundation.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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