Indian Diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago, gain more knowledge

The PM declared that sixth generation citizens of Indian descent in Trinidad and Tobago will soon obtain the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card.

The announcement represents India's initial outreach to the Caribbean nation, which is commemorating the 180th anniversary of the Girmitiyas' arrival in 2025.

Girmitiya Community: The term “Girmitiyas” refers to Indian workers who departed from India during the mid to late 19th century to labor in British territories, where numerous individuals ultimately made their homes.

The word “Girmit” is a misarticulation of “Agreement,” denoting the contract that facilitated their migration.

The workers were transported to colonies such as Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, and so on.

They maintain close connections with Bihar and Eastern UP, possessing a Bhojpuri-speaking background.

Trinidad and Tobago was the first nation in the Caribbean to implement India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) system, facilitating financial transfers between the two regions.

Indian Community Abroad

The diaspora includes individuals who can trace their roots back to India or are Indian nationals residing overseas, whether for a short time or permanently.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs [2024], the worldwide Indian diaspora is around 35.42 million, comprising 15.85 million non-resident Indians (NRIs) and 19.57 million individuals of Indian origin (PIOs).

The leading five countries hosting the Indian diaspora are: United States of America (USA): 5.4 million, United Arab Emirates (UAE): 3.6 million, Malaysia: 2.9 million, Canada: 2.8 million, and Saudi Arabia: 2.4 million.

India is the source of the highest number of global migrants, nearing 18 million, as reported by the UN World Migration Report 2024.

Significance of the Diaspora

Remittances: In 2024, India is projected to receive approximately $129.1 billion in remittances, the highest amount recorded by any nation in a single year.

India accounted for 14.3% of global remittances this year, marking the highest percentage for any nation since the beginning of the millennium.

These play a major role in foreign exchange reserves and the incomes of rural households.

Investment & Trade: NRIs and PIOs engage in funding Indian real estate, startups, and infrastructure, while serving as trade intermediaries between India and their nations of residence.

Technology and Innovation: Professionals of Indian origin in Silicon Valley, universities, and multinational companies play a role in knowledge exchange, mentoring, and fostering innovation connections.

Cultural Representatives: The diaspora advances Indian languages, yoga, food, cinema, and celebrations worldwide.

Policy Advocacy: Diaspora groups frequently affect foreign policy choices in host nations to benefit India.

Citizen Diplomacy: The participation of the diaspora aids India in handling ties amid bilateral strains or adverse media exposure.

International Acknowledgment: Their successes elevate India's reputation as a country rich in talent and potential.

Obstacles Encountered by the Indian Diaspora

No Dual Citizenship: India prohibits dual citizenship, restricting political rights and emotional connections with the native land.

Racism & Xenophobia: Increasing incidents of racial violence in nations such as the USA, UK, Australia, and South Africa.

Religious or Cultural Bias: Discrimination based on noticeable religious emblems or eating practices.

Inequitable Legal Treatment: Strict labor regulations and insufficient legal safeguards for migrant workers in West Asia.

Low-Paid Migrant Laborers: Numerous Indian employees in Gulf nations encounter exploitative agreements, delayed salaries, hazardous accommodations, and extended working hours.

Challenge in Maintaining Identity: Young individuals of Indian descent in Western nations frequently encounter a conflict of identity and feelings of cultural disconnection.

Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: The growth of right-wing politics in the West has rendered immigrants objects of distrust.

Government Efforts to Involve Diaspora

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (9 January): It is observed to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival from South Africa.

It acknowledges the inputs of the Indian diaspora.

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card: It provides permanent visa-free access, property ownership rights (excluding agricultural land), and economic benefits to qualifying PIOs up to the 4th generation (not applicable to those of Pakistan/Bangladesh heritage).

Know India Programme (KIP): A brief orientation initiative for diaspora youth (21-35 years) to engage with Indian culture, institutions, and states.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): Advances Indian culture internationally via cultural exchanges, academic positions, and artist groups.

e-Migrate System: Digital platform designed to safeguard Indian workers overseas by simplifying recruitment processes, employment agreements, and addressing complaints.

Bharatiya Pravasi Samman Award: The top accolade awarded by the Indian government to distinguished diaspora individuals for their significant achievements.

Madad Portal: Digital complaint resolution platform by MEA for Indians overseas needing assistance with passports, consular services, and legal matters.

VAJRA Scheme: Encourages scientists of Indian origin overseas to partner with Indian institutions on cutting-edge research initiatives.

Global Pravasi Rishta Portal & App: A virtual platform designed to link the diaspora with Indian embassies for registration, communication, and engagement initiatives.