In News:

The Government of India is launching the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) to streamline immigration at seven major airports.

Key Highlights:

• The initiative, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aims to enhance the travel experience for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.
• This comes seven months after the programme was first introduced at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi. The airports included in this initial phase are: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad

Objectives of FTI-TTP

• Provide seamless and secure immigration services.
• Reduce human intervention using automated e-gates.
• Align with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision for modern infrastructure.

How the Programme Works

The FTI-TTP simplifies immigration with automated e-gates. Travellers must complete a one-time online registration to enroll. The process involves:

• Online Registration: Submit personal details and upload necessary documents via the official portal (https://ftittp.mha.gov.in).
• Biometric Submission: Fingerprints and facial images must be submitted at an airport or Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
• Immigration Clearance via E-Gates:
  • Passengers scan their boarding passes and passports at e-gates.
  • Biometrics are automatically verified.
  • Upon authentication, the e-gate opens, granting clearance.

Validity: Registration is valid for five years or until the registered passport expires, whichever comes first.

Who is Eligible?

The first phase of the FTI-TTP is open to:

• Indian nationals.
• OCI cardholders aged between 12 and 70 years.
• Children aged 12-18 can register using their parents’ email/phone number.
• ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport holders are not eligible.

Documents Required for Registration

• Passport-sized photograph (as per Indian passport specifications).
• Scanned copy of passport (front and back pages).
• Proof of current address.
• OCI card details (if applicable).

Key Points to Note

• Registration may take up to a month due to verification by field agencies.
• Applications with incorrect or outdated information may be rejected.
• In case of passport loss or expiry, travellers must reapply and submit fresh biometrics.
• Passports must have at least six months’ validity at the time of applying.
• For support, travellers can reach out via email at india.ftittp-boi@mha.gov.in.

Implementation Phases

The FTI-TTP will be implemented in two phases:

• Phase 1: Covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.
• Phase 2: Will extend to foreign travellers.
• The programme will be expanded to 21 major airports across the country.

Comparison with Similar Global Programmes

Several countries have implemented similar fast-track immigration systems:

United States: Global Entry

• Introduced in 2008.
• Offers self-service kiosks for pre-approved travellers.
• Requires background checks and in-person interviews.

United Kingdom: Registered Traveller Service

• Launched in 2015.
• Allows frequent visitors from select countries, including India, to use e-gates.
• Requires visa eligibility or multiple prior visits.

European Union: Smart Borders Initiative

• Implemented in 2016, with full deployment expected by 2024.
• Pre-registers biometric data for faster processing at Schengen Area borders.

Australia: SmartGate

• Started in 2007 for Australian and New Zealand passport holders.
• Uses automated kiosks for identity verification via passport scans and photos.

Saudi Arabia: Smart Travel System

• Launched in 2019.
• Uses automated e-gates for faster immigration clearance.
• Expanding as part of Vision 2030 to improve travel experience, particularly for Hajj pilgrims.

In News:

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held from January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Key Highlights:

• Theme 2025:
  • The theme is "Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat", highlighting the vital role of the Indian diaspora in India's development into a prosperous and developed nation.
• Exhibitions:
  • The convention will feature four major themed exhibitions:
    • Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana: Showcasing the Ramayana’s influence through traditional and contemporary art forms.
    • Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat: Highlighting the global technological impact of the Indian diaspora.
    • Spread and Evolution of the Indian Diaspora: Focused on the migration of Indians from Mandvi (Gujarat) to Muscat (Oman).
    • Heritage and Culture of Odisha: A look into Odisha’s rich cultural traditions.
• Key Initiatives:
  • Pravasi Bharatiya Express: PM Modi will flag off this special tourist train for the diaspora, covering key religious and tourist sites in India under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
  • Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA): Recognizing significant contributions by members of the Indian diaspora in various fields.

About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD):

• Origins:
  • Celebrated on January 9 each year, marking Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa in 1915, symbolizing the contributions of migrants.
  • First held in 2003, the event became biennial in 2015.
• Objectives:
  • Recognizes the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s growth.
  • Fosters engagement between India and its global diaspora.
  • Strengthens India’s relations with host countries and promotes understanding of India’s culture and achievements.

Contributions of the Indian Diaspora to a Viksit Bharat:

• Economic Growth:
  • The diaspora plays a pivotal role through remittances, investments, and connecting Indian businesses to global markets.
  • Example: The development of a thorium-based fuel by a U.S.-based NRI is a significant step toward clean nuclear energy in India.
• Global Trade Linkages:
  • Facilitating partnerships, investments, and knowledge exchange to expand India’s trade base and global market presence.
• Supporting Innovation: Diaspora-driven collaborations in emerging markets boost India’s entry into high-growth sectors, enhancing the country's development prospects.
• Cultural Contributions: Indian diaspora members serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting Indian traditions, art, and heritage globally (e.g., Diwali recognized as a public holiday in several U.S. states).

Challenges Faced by the Indian Diaspora:

• Cultural Integration: Struggles with balancing cultural identity and integrating into host societies can lead to alienation.
• Political and Religious Issues: Increasing politicization and religious biases, especially against Hindus and Sikhs, in countries like the USA and Europe.
• Legal and Citizenship Issues: Complicated visa statuses, restrictive immigration laws, and issues like the H-1B visa challenge the diaspora, despite their significant contributions.
• Remittance Challenges: Economic instability, exchange rate fluctuations, and banking hurdles affect the regular flow of remittances to India, impacting families dependent on them.

Government Initiatives for the Diaspora:

• National Pension Scheme for NRIs
• Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card Scheme
• Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra
• Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)

In News:

Recently, the Union Ministers for External Affairs and Labour and Employment launched the upgraded e-Migrate portal and mobile app, aimed at enhancing the migration experience for Indian workers seeking employment abroad. This initiative reflects the Indian government's commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of its migrant workforce, aligning with global migration goals under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

About e-Migrate Portal

The e-Migrate portal is an online platform designed to facilitate and manage the migration of Indian workers. It promotes safe and legal mobility channels by providing a transparent framework for migrant workers, including:

• Information Access: Comprehensive resources to help migrants understand the migration process.
• Documentation Support: Tools to assist with necessary paperwork.
• Helpline Support: A 24/7 multilingual helpline that addresses issues faced by workers, particularly in the Gulf region.
• Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives to educate workers about their rights and responsibilities abroad.

The upgraded version of the portal, launched in October 2024, features enhanced functionality to better serve Indian migrants.

Key Features of e-Migrate v2.0

1. Multilingual Helpline: Offers real-time support in multiple languages, ensuring that urgent issues are resolved efficiently.
2. Integration with Digilocker: Facilitates secure, paperless submission of essential documents, such as passports and employment contracts.
3. Social Security Net: Enhances social security measures for migrants, including insurance policies and partnerships with the State Bank of India for fee-free digital payment services.
4. Mobile App: Introduced for the first time, this app provides easy access to services, including a job search marketplace for overseas employment opportunities.
5. Rural Accessibility: Collaboration with Common Service Centres (CSCs) aims to expand immigration services to rural areas in local languages, making the platform more accessible to diverse populations.

Significance

The e-Migrate portal aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 10, which promotes orderly and responsible migration. By fostering safe migration practices, this initiative seeks to empower Indian workers and protect their rights while contributing to the country's international workforce.