Illegal migration from Bangladesh, China matter of concern: Ravi

Panaji, Dec 1 : Illegal immigration by Bangladeshi and Chinese nationals is a cause for concern, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said here Tuesday.

Ravi was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the 8th ASEM conference on migration and development at The Lalit resort in Goa.

When asked to articulate the concerns of his ministry on illegal migration from Bangladesh into India, Ravi said: "Illegal migration from China and Bangladesh is a good number. Bangladeshis are more". He did not elaborate.

Ravi said the government was coming up with new legislation to curb illegal migration and take stringent action against illegal and fraudulent job recruiting agents.

"Some of the recruiting agents create a problem because of the illegal migration which they encourage. When we get complaints we first suspend their licence immediately, but even today the law is not that strong to prosecute and put them behind bars," Ravi said.

"The new law will protect the rights of the immigrant who wishes to go abroad," the minister added.

Ravi said the proposed legislation was aimed at simplifying procedures of going abroad.

"We want to make sure that people travel abroad without being harassed by agents," he said.