AP, Telangana Join Hands to Strengthen Protection for Gulf Migrant Workers

In a significant step towards strengthening support systems for overseas Telugu communities, a high-level delegation from the Telangana Government’s NRI Advisory Committee visited Andhra Pradesh to study the state’s migrant welfare and emergency response mechanisms for workers abroad, particularly those employed in Gulf nations.

The visit highlighted growing cooperation between the two Telugu states on issues concerning Gulf migrant workers , many of whom continue to face challenges such as labour exploitation, delayed wages, unsafe working conditions, and fraudulent recruitment practices. Andhra Pradesh officials showcased several initiatives designed to provide faster assistance and institutional support to distressed workers and their families.

Speaking during the visit, AP CID Director General of Police A. Ravishankar said the primary objective was to exchange ideas and understand the strategic systems developed by Andhra Pradesh for protecting overseas Telugu citizens. He noted that migration to Gulf countries remains a major livelihood source for thousands of families from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, making coordinated welfare policies increasingly important.

The 14-member Telangana delegation toured the offices of the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) and the Overseas Manpower Company Andhra Pradesh Limited (OMCAP) , two agencies that play a key role in migrant support and overseas employment facilitation. The team also visited the AP CID’s dedicated NRI Cell , where officials demonstrated how complaints related to illegal agents, wage disputes, missing persons, and emergency rescue requests are handled.

During a detailed review meeting with Minister for NRI Affairs K. Srinivas and senior police officials, discussions focused on safe migration systems , emergency evacuation procedures, grievance redressal mechanisms, and legal support for Telugu workers stranded abroad. Officials explained how the state coordinates with Indian embassies and foreign authorities during crisis situations involving migrant workers.

The Telangana delegation was led by NRI Advisory Committee Chairman B.M. Vinod Kumar , along with Vice Chairman Manda Bhim Reddy and other committee members. Representatives from both states also discussed the need for stronger awareness campaigns to educate workers about legal migration channels and the risks posed by unregistered recruitment agents.

Officials pointed out that thousands of Telugu workers migrate to countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar every year in search of employment. However, many workers continue to encounter issues ranging from passport confiscation and contract violations to salary non-payment and human rights concerns.

Calling the interaction “highly productive,” DGP A. Ravishankar expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana would continue collaborating closely on migrant welfare initiatives. He said the exchange of best practices between the two states could help build a more effective support network for overseas Telugu workers and improve protection systems for vulnerable migrants in Gulf countries.