The 5th meeting of the Joint Committee on Consular Affairs (JCCA) convened on May 14, 2024, in New Delhi, focused on discussions related to enhancing coordination and cooperation on consular matters.
This meeting marked another milestone in the robust relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chaired by Muktesh Pardeshi, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs for India, and Khaled Belhoul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the UAE, key issues addressed included labour, visa regulations, migration, citizenship, and extradition.
The UAE delegation provided insights into measures undertaken to safeguard the welfare of Indian workers within its borders. Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to implementing citizen-centric consular frameworks.
Visa facilitation to foster increased people-to-people exchanges was deliberated upon, alongside the expeditious finalization of agreements related to migration and mobility. The meeting yielded agreements on the regular exchange of statistical data regarding citizens of each nation and the sharing of best practices in consular affairs.
Commitments made during the session will be followed up and reviewed at the subsequent Consular Dialogue slated to convene in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the commitment of both nations to sustaining bilateral ties.
The India-UAE relationship, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017, spans a wide spectrum of collaboration encompassing political, economic, trade, defense, cultural, technological, and energy domains. With over 3.5 million Indian nationals residing in the UAE, constituting the largest expatriate community, the enduring friendship between the two nations forms the cornerstone of their bilateral relations.
As the world witnesses increasing globalization, such diplomatic engagements underscore the importance of maintaining robust consular mechanisms to address the needs and concerns of citizens residing abroad, further cementing the bond between India and the UAE.
