New Delhi, Nov 26 (IANS): To transform the imigration process, the government Friday promised to provide within a year an electronic platform to link Indian missions abroad and the concerned authorities to ensure seamless service for those heading abroad for jobs.

"Within 52 weeks, we would be able to to provide a common electronic platform for all concerned in the process of migration," Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said here.

He was addressing a conference of heads of missions of the Gulf region, home to nearly 5 million Indian workers.

"This system would link the e-passport system, migration system, Proctor of Emigration offices and Indian Missions abroad to provide a seamless service of migration clearance," he said.

Ravi also stressed that the migration process was being upgraded to ensure orderly migration and to curb unscrupulous agents who often cheat Indians by promising them greener pastures abroad.

The government has already drafted a new immigration law which will transform the migration process into a simple and transparent mechanism, he said.

Voicing serious concern over reports of harassment and exploitation of Indians in the Gulf region, he underlined that "the safety, security and welfare of Indian workers is of primary importance."

"Mostly concentrated in the Gulf, they are often exploited in India and abroad. Their living conditions abroad are not very good. We have a great responsibility to address their needs and concerns," he said.