Church Strengthens Safe Migration Ministry Through Legal Training

Bilaspur, August 21, 2026: The Church’s commitment to protecting and accompanying migrants came into focus during a two-day training programme on the Legal Framework for Safe Migration, held on August 20 and 21 at Shanti Nivas, Pallottine Pastoral Centre.

The programme brought together Church leaders and pastoral workers to deepen their understanding of the legal, social and pastoral challenges faced by migrants and to strengthen mechanisms for their protection and support.

(Click here to follow Catholic Connect for regular News and Content)

Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur inaugurated the programme and underlined the Church’s responsibility to accompany migrants with dignity, compassion and justice. Drawing on his experience with the Commission for Migrants, he said migrant ministry must be built on relationships and involve migrants as well as other stakeholders.

“The dignity of migrants begins with how the Church respects and welcomes them,” Archbishop Thakur said, stressing freedom of movement as a fundamental human right. He urged Church leaders to view migrant ministry as a form of humanitarian service rooted in the love of God and neighbour.

Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, said the training was intended to empower migrants through legal awareness and strengthen the Church’s commitment to “walking with migrants”. He also called for structural changes within the Church to ensure better pastoral support for poor and vulnerable communities.

Fr. Dr. Reshmikant, Regional Secretary of the Commission for Migrants, addressed issues related to mental health, self-esteem and identity among migrants. He encouraged pastoral workers to develop personal relationships with migrants and become their friends and companions.

A session conducted by the Government Cyber Cell focused on cyber fraud, mobile-phone loss and other online risks affecting migrants. Mr. Nirmal Agni Gorahana, National Coordinator of the National Campaign Committee for Bonded Labourers, highlighted the dangers of bonded labour and exploitation, including unfair wages and unsafe working conditions.

Adv. Sr. Rani Punnaseril addressed human trafficking and safe interstate and international migration. She emphasised the need for greater awareness of government mechanisms and services available to migrants, including the MADAD portal.

A focus group discussion identified several priorities, including taking awareness programmes to the grassroots, training priests and religious, strengthening diocesan migrant structures and developing networks with organisations working for migrants’ rights.

The second day began with Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Thakur. Sr. Anushia Fernandes, Programme Coordinator of the Commission for Migrants, presented the Commission’s initiatives in Delhi and the National Capital Region, while Fr. Vadassery outlined its pastoral plan.

Participants subsequently prepared diocesan action plans covering migrant awareness programmes, resource teams, migrant data collection, pre-departure orientation, support for student migrants, skill development and collaboration with migrant welfare organisations.

The programme concluded with a commitment to translate the plans into concrete pastoral action, strengthening the Church’s presence among migrants at diocesan and grassroots levels and reaffirming its mission to protect, empower and accompany them.

By Catholic Connect Reporter