Workshop on Safe Migration Held at Catholic Charities, Jatni, Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, March 12, 2026: A two-day workshop addressing issues of safe migration, human trafficking and bonded labour was organised on March 11–12 at Catholic Charities Jatni, bringing together about 50 participants from dioceses, religious congregations and social organisations across the region.

The programme opened with a prayer and blessing led by Fr. Edwardo Gabriel, setting the tone for discussions on the Church’s role in safeguarding migrant workers and vulnerable communities.

The workshop was supported by the Commission for Migrants of the Odisha Region and coordinated by its secretary, Dr. Kumuda Badaseth. Through a series of presentations and discussions, participants examined the complex challenges faced by migrant workers, including unsafe migration, exploitation by middlemen, human trafficking and bonded labour.

Addressing Migration Challenges

On the first day, resource persons including Fr. Prasanna Kumar Singh, Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Fr. Dr. Edwardo Gabriel, Dr. Pragnya Jena, Mr. Mahindra Parida, Sr. Adv. Sujatha Jena and Mr. Kuldeep delivered sessions focusing on migration-related risks and preventive measures.

Speakers highlighted the importance of creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, promoting skill development and ensuring access to government welfare schemes to reduce distress migration. They noted that the use of labour cards and effective implementation of welfare schemes can provide security to migrant workers and their families.

Participants emphasised that migration should remain a matter of free choice and must take place in safe and dignified conditions.

Role of Faith-Based Organisations

Discussions also underlined the crucial role of faith-based organisations in promoting safe migration. Such organisations can help raise awareness among vulnerable communities, encourage migrants to register with local Gram Panchayats and labour offices before leaving their villages, and maintain pastoral connections with host parishes and dioceses in destination areas.

Participants noted that faith-based groups can collaborate with civil society organisations and trade unions to respond to emergencies, report illegal recruitment agents and combat trafficking and forced labour practices.

The workshop also addressed the challenges migrants face in accessing social entitlements. Participants observed that when people migrate, they often struggle to exercise rights such as voting or enrolling in welfare schemes. Strengthening awareness and support systems for migrant families was therefore seen as essential.

Bishop Calls for Greater Church Involvement

On the second day, bp Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar, addressed the gathering and emphasised the Church’s responsibility to accompany migrants.

Reflecting on the biblical narrative of the Exodus, Bishop Ranasingh recalled how God journeyed with the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land, guiding them through hardship. He said the Church must likewise stand with migrants who leave their homes in search of livelihood and dignity.

The bishop also shared that a bishop in Kerala had requested priests from Odisha to serve the Odia migrant community in his diocese. While acknowledging the willingness of the Church in destination areas to support migrant workers, he stressed that the Church in Odisha must strengthen its pastoral ministry for migrants as well.

Sharing Experiences and Future Plans

The second day included discussions on best practices and challenges in migrant ministry. Participants from various dioceses and congregations shared field experiences and initiatives aimed at protecting migrant workers.

Among those who contributed were Fr. Ajay Singh, Fr. Rasal SVD, Adv. Sr. Sophy, Fr. Noel, Mr. Praful, Fr. Blasius, Fr. Francis, Sr. Prabha and Sr. Vimla.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants resolved to form a core committee comprising representatives from dioceses and religious congregations to enhance coordination and strengthen safe migration initiatives across the region.

The gathering also congratulated Mr. Amit Dev on his election as President of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM).

Organisers expressed hope that the workshop would deepen collaboration among Church institutions and civil society groups, enabling more effective efforts to protect migrants from trafficking, bonded labour and exploitation while promoting safe and dignified migration.

Workshop on Safe Migration Held at Catholic Charities, Jatni, Bhubaneswar

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