Workshop on Practical & Legal Training to Handle Migrant Issues Effectively
Department of labour Migration (ISI), Bengaluru, headed by Fr. Samir Minj S J organised a three-day national workshop on “Practical & Legal Training to Handle Migrant Issues Effectively” from 11–13 September 2024. The workshop brought together 46 participants from different source and destination states who work closely with migrant communities, equipping them with legal knowledge, crisis response skills, and practical tools to support migrants in distress.
The workshop began with a keynote address by Dr. Fr. Denzil Fernandes, S.J., who highlighted migration as both a challenge and an opportunity, calling for justice, dignity, and inclusive policies for migrant workers.
The sessions covered a wide range of themes including role of labour contractors in the migration process, distress management, migrant deaths and accidents, documentation rights, labour disputes, women and child protection, prevention of human trafficking, and wage theft. Experts such as Dr. Fr. Prakash Louis SJ, Dr. Fr. Ashok Ohol, S.J., Adv. Rosey, Adv. Nelson P. Raj, Adv. Lilavathi, and Dr. Fr. Martin enriched the discussions with their insights. Interactive case studies, group presentations, and feedback sessions kept the workshop lively and practical.
At the valedictory, Fr. Selvaraj, Director of ISI Bengaluru, and Fr. Antony Das, Superior, applauded the participants’ enthusiasm and stressed the need for networking, collaboration, and organizing migrants into federations for stronger advocacy. Participants expressed that the workshop was “very helpful, interactive, and empowering,” and suggested including labour officers and field visits in future programs.
The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates, leaving participants inspired and better prepared to stand with migrants, protect their rights, and ensure justice and dignity.