The Salesian Province of Panjim (INP) hosted a two-day National Conference on the Invisible Workforce on August 17–18, 2026, at the INP Provincial House, Odxel, Dona Paula. The conference focused on the challenges faced by migrant and vulnerable workers in India.
The conference highlighted the dignity, rights and struggles of workers who are often overlooked, including domestic workers, brick-kiln workers, textile workers, waste pickers, construction workers, dark-store workers, casino workers, cane workers and fisheries workers. Discussions focused on low wages, poor working conditions, exploitation, lack of documentation, limited social security and difficulty accessing basic services.
A major focus was the need for collective action, trade unions, worker registration, financial literacy, insurance, social security and effective implementation of labour laws. Participants stressed that workers should first be recognised as people with rights and dignity, and then as migrants.
The conference also examined climate change and migration, and shared various Salesian initiatives supporting migrant communities. These included migrant help desks, helplines, legal aid, education for migrant children, skill training, healthcare, documentation assistance and community-based support.
The experiences shared by different Salesian centres showed the importance of collaboration, networking and sharing good practices. The conference concluded by emphasising that future efforts should keep workers and beneficiaries at the centre, strengthen cooperation among organisations and respond effectively to the changing challenges of migration and vulnerability.
Key message:
The conference called for greater recognition of invisible workers and stronger efforts to protect their rights, dignity, safety, social security and access to essential services.
