Isnap

• India is interested in diversifying the migration of its skilled workers from the Gulf region to European countries, - conference chairman and joint secretary in the ministry, Mr G Gurucharan.
• Migrant workers fill labour supply gaps that often cannot do or do not want to be met by local workers," Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Vayalar Ravi.
• Central government will soon enact the Immigration Management Act, which will provide for a safe environment for migration - OIA secretary, Mr K Mohandas **

A new Immigration Management Act and a focus on change in direction of the migration of skilled workers from the Gulf to Europe were some pertinent points made at the 8th ASEM (8TH ASIA-EUROPE MEETING) conference on migration and development at Canacona today.
This, the 8th ASEM conference, is host to 30 delegates from 12 Asian countries and 30 delegates from 18 European countries saw the Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Vayalar Ravi, in his inaugural address, point out that irregular migration had increasing social and security ramifications which were "well beyond mere law enforcement" and migrant workers from countries like India fill labour supply gaps that cannot be met by the local workforce.
Arguing that governments which adopt protectionist immigration policies could end up deepening the negative impact of the economic crisis, Mr Ravi said the global economic downturn had unfortunately "resulted in populist policies that immigration is bad, or worse still, that immigrants are the cause of rising domestic unemployment.”

The tale of pressure and coercion - subtle or direct - coupled with the fact that the code of conduct and service rules governing relationship between teachers and students was not being strictly followed is not a new story, say university sources.

However, it has hit public eye only now, they say and inform that at least three people have stopped attending lectures alleging harassment in the past one year in one department itself.