Tipaimukh Dam: A threat to Bangladesh


Tipaimukh hydraulic dam (THD) to be constructed by our giant neighbor India in the upstream at a distance of 200km (direct distance 100 km) from Amalshid border of Jakigang of Sylhet district of Bangladesh followed by Fulertal Barrage in 100 km downstream of Tipaimukh dam and 100 upstream of Bangladesh border to divert the water to Indian Province Assam is a stern threat to the existence of Bangladesh hydrodynamically, geo-morphologically, geographically, tectonically-seismically, structurally, ecologically, bio-diversically, anthropologically, agriculturally, socially, culturally, economically, financially causing not only environmental hazard but also socio-economic and health risks to the mass people of Bangladesh from all walks of life .

Throughout the world, 263 trans-boundary (passed through more than one countries bordering geographically) rivers and lakes spread of which 57 trans-boundary rivers are located in Bangladesh of which 54 rivers are trans-boundary with India. About 45000 large dams extended over 140 countries of the world. India constructed more than 6000 dams of which more than 50 dams are constructed by our Giant Neighbor India on 35 trans-boundary rivers between Bangladesh and India without bothering Bangladesh, violating International River Laws and without any negotiation with downstream Bangladesh.

Dams in USA: A total of 75,000, including 6575 large dams; 2400 privately owned hydropower dams; no new large dams in recent years; 100s of dams removed since 1999; plan to remove about 10,000 dams by 2010.

Dams in India: As per CWC (1994), a total of 4291 large dams in operation (3159 in Maha, Guj, MP); over 50% constructed in 1971-90; a total of 695 dams under construction; 22 dams are being constructed in the north-eastern seven sister provinces of India.

India misuses all of these dams withdrawing unlimited waters in up-stream violating international laws and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), agreements, treaties between the trans-boundary countries. Consequently environment of Bangladesh are at the extreme risks.

Recently Tipaimuk dam on the Barak being constructed by India is the threat to the existence of Bangladesh in the train of environmental havoc and disaster to lean the bio-diversity and wetlands of north-eastern Bangladesh specially in the Sylhet basin.

History of India with Bangladesh is not optimistic rather crucial, and ironic due to illogical withdrawal of water from Ganges in dry season violating conditions of signed treaty & international laws and again flooding Bangladesh releasing gigantic amount of water opening all the gates of Farakka dam in rainy season. Same is the case between India and Nepal.

Bangladesh will face a lot of problems specially in dry seasons in the form of desertification and the severe flooding in the rainy seasons due to release of huge amount of water for the last three decades.

An ironic, sarcastic and double-crossing man-made river-killer Tipaimukh dam by Giant Neighbor Iindia to kill the mighty rivers, streams and canals; dry up haors, swamps and other wetlands of its North-eastern region of Bangladesh.

Features of Tipaimukh Dam: the construction on the river Barak will be completed in 2011; it is rock dam located at the village of Tipaimukh; the THD is being constructed with an objective of holding water, generating 1500 MW electricity, flood control, and irrigation; cost is about 9000 Indian Rupees; length of the dam 390 m, breadth 162.8 m and height 178 m located at 108 m above the sea level storing 16 bcm water.

Environmental impacts of the dam will include: Increase the frequency of very large and small floods; Severity of flash flood in pre-monsoon due to the heavy rainfall in the hilly region due to the instantaneous release of water; Devastating Floods in rainy season due to the release of surplus water in every year .

Decrease of water flow in Surma-Kushiara-Kalani-Meghna; Extreme low flow in of Surma-Kushiara-Kalani-Meghna during dry season after commissioning are expected to low as 10% of the flow of before dam construction. If Fulertal barrage is constructed, water availability in Surma-Kushiara will be severely threatened.

Siltation in the river beds of Surma-Kushiara-Kalani-Meghna due to suppression of sediment flow.

Possible morphological change of Surma-Kushiara-Kalani-Meghna causing change in the river course by probable severe earthquake of Richter scale greater than 8 due to dam failure in the earthquake prone area of Tipaimukh and redistribution of water flow, siltation etc.

Change in water quality (turbidity, dissolved gases, minerals, metals etc.) of Surma-kushiara-kalani-Meghna.

Ultimate killing of the rivers in downstream Bangladesh; THD will kill the rivers Surma, Kushiara, Kalani, Meghna and their tributaries and distrubutaries.

Desertification and hydrological draughtness in seven districts Sylhet, Moulavibazar, Sunamgang, Habigang, Kishorgang, Netrokona & Brahmanbaria at the first stage; . Desertification and draughtness cause the disticts of Narshingdi, Munshigang, Narayangang, Comilla, Chandpur, Shariatpur, Lakhmipur. Barishal at the long term. Desertification and hydrological draughtness will be more severe if Fulertal Barrage is constructed.

Salinity intrusion in the new areas and increase in salinity in existing saline zone of lower Meghna due to the suppression of freshwater flow specially in dry season that will advance to upstream day by day causing severe crisis in water use in drinking, domestic and agricultural purpose, reducing soil fertility affecting crop production; saline water will reach to Sylhet within 15 years of commission of dam.

Loss of fertility of the soil causing severe declination of crops, fruits etc.

Reduction of wetland in haor areas dropping fresh water, curtailing fish due to food shortage, disappearance of migratory birds, dying trees, herbs, shrubs among others.

Harsh effects on swamp forest of haor area leading to loss of animal, plant, birds, reptile and fish biodiversity and ultimate destruction of swamp forest in wetlands.

There will be severe effects in river navigability of Surma-Kushiara-Kalani-Meghna shrinking potential water transport route; reduce the production of paddy and vegetables in north-eastern Bangladesh; cause destruction of fish habitats in rivers, streams and canals leading to tremendous reduction in the availability of fresh water fishes effecting aquatic ecology severely.

It will also cause deterioration of ecosystem (both terrestrial and aquatic); Decrease of growth rate in all species; Plankton, flora and fauna will be under serious stress; decrease of groundwater recharge (one-third/fourth of GW recharged by rain water and rest by flood water, if water flow is reduced by 30 to 50%, normal flood will be disappeared hampering GW recharge) severely; affect forest bio-diversity decreasing the forest of both of the plain land and hilly areas ; Ultimately forests will be destructed. It will increase the probability of disaster in downstream Bangladesh if the dam collapses due to any kind of failure and extremely large down-flow stored water; aeriously affect irrigation for Boro production at late rainy season when water flow will stop. Again if water flow increases by 110% in winter, it will affect boro paddy and vegetables causing food crisis.

The risk of earthquake will increase due to the Tipaimukh dam on the seismic fault line of three tectonic plates. In 1897, Shilong earthquake of 8.7 scale changed the river course of Bramahputra. Tipaimukh will provide 500 feet deep reservoir that will exert more pressure of 160 ton per square meter that will increase the earthquake risk tremendously.

The dam will adversely affect the social life of north-eastern region of Bangladesh specially Sylhet region and lead to loss of livelihoods and habitats of a large number of families.

Bangladesh is already under threat of climate change due to the continuous emission of GHG by the fossil fuel from the industries of the USA - the largest industrialized country of the world, China - the most populous country of the world, India - the mighty Giant neighbor of Bangladesh.

If the Tipaimukh impacts are added the problems already aggravated by the Farakka barrage in the Western and South-western parts of Bangladesh would further worsen.

Things that need to be done on an urgent basis include: Effective bilateral negotiation, common understanding and mutually benefited collaboration through realistic and practicable (that can be implement) water sharing of trans-boundary rivers in black and white (not in paper and agreement only) playing intelligent , tactful and diplomatic role in Bangladesh-India Joint River Commission (JRC) from Bangladesh part like the Indus River between India and Pakistan and many neighboring countries of the world.

Presenting the research study based data by experienced and real expert groups in the JRC meeting with strong arguments, reasons, clues and points etc.

Members of the expert group should be selected from expertise specialists and renown researchers of the specific fields.

Significant number of prior studies to assess the actual scenario of the trans-boundary rivers at the crucial and strategic points applying proper technology and knowhow, economic feasibility, financial viability and equi-participation from all walks of life of the society as well as the scientific and authentic study for flow data, water level data of river, water level data of groundwater incorporated with latest sophisticated ultrasonic mechanism, advanced computer modeling and information technology, before going to JRC meeting.

Academicians, researchers, experts as well as engineers should come forward to raise and open the adverse environmental, socio-economic and health impacts of Tipaimukh in the daily life, life of people in the north-eastern region specially Sylhet basin.

Engineers, experts and technologists should explain hydrodynamic, geo-morphological, geographical, tectonic, seismic, structural, ecological, bio-diversical, anthropological, agricultural, social, cultural, economical threats of Tipaimukh the people of all walks of life for effectively supporting the Government on the issue .

Lawyers, all type of environmentalists, Civil society, media men (both of print and news media), teli-media, teachers community, intellectuals, social workers, NGOs, public representatives such as parliament members/mayor and counselors of city corporations and municipalities/ chairmen and members of Union Councils should come forward and create awareness among the masses.

The government should the raise the trans-boundary issues like Farakka, and specially the crucial trans-boundary issue if Tipaimukh at international forums such as the UN with the collective efforts and proper cooperation of the opposition.

Bangladesh Government should handle the trans-boundary river issues like Tipaimukh issue very tactfully to realise the interest of the country.

In addition to all kinds of Government initiatives the private sector, NGOs, media groups, civil society, academia, research organizations, experts, intellects, and specialists of trans-boundary arena should raise their voice. The Government should play vital role inside the country as well as in bilateral joint river commission and multilateral and international forums.

(The writer is the senior-most faculty and head, civil and environmental engineering department Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, E-mail: aic_cee @ yahoo.com)
Prof M Aktarul Islam Chowdhury

India misuses all of these dams withdrawing unlimited waters in up-stream violating international laws and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), agreements, treaties between the trans-boundary countries. Consequently environment of Bangladesh are at the extreme risks

India has resumed construction of the Tipaimukh dam on the Barack River which ends a kilometer north of Jakiganj in Sylhet division in the north-east of Bangladesh. The river then divide into two – the Surma and Kushiara before entering Bangladesh.

The dam construction work was stalled in March 2007 in the face of protests within and outside India. The Tipaimukh dam will be built 200 km from the Amolshid border, at Jakiganj, to construct a 162.5M water reservoir for hydro-power generation. The dam when completed in 2012 is supposed to provide 1500 megawatts (actually 400 MW) of power to the Indian state of Assam.

Besides, another barrage is to be built 100 km from the Bangladesh border at Fulertal in India on same river for irrigation purposes.

These two arrangements on the same Barrack River will bring a major disaster for Bangladesh, practically contributing to the drying up of 350 km long Surma and the 110 km long Kushiara Rivers which water most of the north-eastern regions of Bangladesh. As a result agriculture in large portions of Bangladesh will be affected, particularly in winter. Additionally these two installations will bring negative ecological, climatic and environmental changes to vast areas in both Bangladesh and India.

The possibility of earthquakes of more than 7 magnitude and dam failure due to earthquake is another prime concern. An earthquake will of course cause huge devastation and the breaking of the dam will create 5m high flooding conditions in the Sylhet area.

It’s not just the barrage and dam that are a source of considerable concern and trepidation in Bangladesh; in 1976 India put into operation the Farakka dam which more or less destroyed the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin, most of which lies in the deltaic plains of Bangladesh and in 1990 India also constructed a dam along the Teesta river thereby virtually making ineffective much of the Teesta dam project constructed down-stream in Bangladesh to support irrigation and agriculture in the north-west region of the country. What is even more worrying is that India has evolved plans to divert waters, from the north of the country to its drought-prone southern and eastern states, of some 53 river which flow from India to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh shares a common border with India in the west, north and east and with Myanmar in the southeast. These borders cut across 57 rivers which discharge through Bangladesh into the Bay of Bengal in the south. The upstream courses of these rivers traverse India, China, Nepal and Bhutan. Trans-boundary flows, which enter Bangladesh from remote catchments extending short distance to thousands of kilometers upstream, are the important source of water resources. Among the trans-boundary rivers, the ones most affected by Indian dams and their related systems of canals, reservoirs and irrigation schemes are Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna and Teesta.

Although the Indian and Bangladeshi governments have a water sharing agreement for the Ganges, there are none for the other 53 rivers that cross the border. With the Tipaimukh dam now underway, India seems to be going ahead with its mega-project of diverting river waters from its north to its south and east, thereby putting Bangladesh’s very survival at stake.

As to how the AL government is going to handle this issue of our survival through water-sharing of common rivers between India and Bangladesh is difficult to say because right now the government is suffering from a sense of complacency and “friendship” with India forgetting the fact that India is a state with interests to maintain and that Bangladesh too is a state with equally pressing imperatives to survive as such. India is taking unilateral decisions about matters which affect Bangladesh’s core interests and if these cannot be resolved bilaterally, Bangladesh must look at options of going to multilateral forums such as the UN to get its right not only recognized but also implemented.

Let’s protest the Indian movement against Bangladesh altogether. It is a survival issue of Bangladesh.

<http://tigurl.org/0vis8a

The declearation from Home Ministry

http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/en/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/news/09971_online_application_procedures.html_8783074.html

Press room
2010 - News
20.04.2010
Online application procedures for permits envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree are open
Starting from 8 a.m. of 21st April until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for non-EU seasonal workers residing abroad, up to a maximum quota of 80,000 units. Permits available for autonomous work purposes amount to 4,000.


Starting from 8 a.m of 21st April 2010 until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for seasonal workers envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree by using the specific form available for download from: http://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/download.

The quota decree issued in 2010 provides for the entry in Italy of up to a maximum of 80,000 non-EU seasonal workers, to be distributed over the regions and autonomous provinces by decision of the Ministry of Labour and Walfare.

The quota includes:

•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from the following countries which signed, or are expected to sign, cooperation agreements on migration: Tunisia, Albania, Morocco, Moldova and Egypt.
•Non-EU citizens having been granted a permit to stay for seasonal work purposes as employees in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Quotas of immigrants as autonomous workers
Moreover, this decree, while setting in advance the 2010 maximum non-EU quota for non-seasonal workers, provides for the entry of 4,000 non-EU citizens residing abroad for autonomous work purposes belonging to the following categories:

•Entrepreneurs engaging in activities of interest for the Italian economy;
•Professionals;
•Non-cooperative company associates and mangers;
•Renowned and highly skilled international artists recruited by public and private organisations;
•Craftsmen from Third countries which give financial contribution to investments made by their citizens in the national territory.
Within the limits set by this quota, no more than 1,500 units are allowed to convert their permit to stay for study and vocational training purposes into a permit for autonomous work purposes; furthermore 1,000 Lybian citizens are allowed to enter Italy for autonomous work purposes.

As far as permits to enter the national territory for autonomous work purposes are concerned, procedures envisaged by article 26 of the Consolidated Text No. 286/98 and article 39 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 394/99 shall apply.

The declearation from Home Ministry

http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/en/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/news/09971_online_application_procedures.html_8783074.html

Press room
2010 - News
20.04.2010
Online application procedures for permits envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree are open
Starting from 8 a.m. of 21st April until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for non-EU seasonal workers residing abroad, up to a maximum quota of 80,000 units. Permits available for autonomous work purposes amount to 4,000.


Starting from 8 a.m of 21st April 2010 until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for seasonal workers envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree by using the specific form available for download from: http://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/download.

The quota decree issued in 2010 provides for the entry in Italy of up to a maximum of 80,000 non-EU seasonal workers, to be distributed over the regions and autonomous provinces by decision of the Ministry of Labour and Walfare.

The quota includes:

•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from the following countries which signed, or are expected to sign, cooperation agreements on migration: Tunisia, Albania, Morocco, Moldova and Egypt.
•Non-EU citizens having been granted a permit to stay for seasonal work purposes as employees in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Quotas of immigrants as autonomous workers
Moreover, this decree, while setting in advance the 2010 maximum non-EU quota for non-seasonal workers, provides for the entry of 4,000 non-EU citizens residing abroad for autonomous work purposes belonging to the following categories:

•Entrepreneurs engaging in activities of interest for the Italian economy;
•Professionals;
•Non-cooperative company associates and mangers;
•Renowned and highly skilled international artists recruited by public and private organisations;
•Craftsmen from Third countries which give financial contribution to investments made by their citizens in the national territory.
Within the limits set by this quota, no more than 1,500 units are allowed to convert their permit to stay for study and vocational training purposes into a permit for autonomous work purposes; furthermore 1,000 Lybian citizens are allowed to enter Italy for autonomous work purposes.

As far as permits to enter the national territory for autonomous work purposes are concerned, procedures envisaged by article 26 of the Consolidated Text No. 286/98 and article 39 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 394/99 shall apply.

The declearation from Home Ministry

http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/en/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/news/09971_online_application_procedures.html_8783074.html

Press room
2010 - News
20.04.2010
Online application procedures for permits envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree are open
Starting from 8 a.m. of 21st April until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for non-EU seasonal workers residing abroad, up to a maximum quota of 80,000 units. Permits available for autonomous work purposes amount to 4,000.


Starting from 8 a.m of 21st April 2010 until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for seasonal workers envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree by using the specific form available for download from: http://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/download.

The quota decree issued in 2010 provides for the entry in Italy of up to a maximum of 80,000 non-EU seasonal workers, to be distributed over the regions and autonomous provinces by decision of the Ministry of Labour and Walfare.

The quota includes:

•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from the following countries which signed, or are expected to sign, cooperation agreements on migration: Tunisia, Albania, Morocco, Moldova and Egypt.
•Non-EU citizens having been granted a permit to stay for seasonal work purposes as employees in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Quotas of immigrants as autonomous workers
Moreover, this decree, while setting in advance the 2010 maximum non-EU quota for non-seasonal workers, provides for the entry of 4,000 non-EU citizens residing abroad for autonomous work purposes belonging to the following categories:

•Entrepreneurs engaging in activities of interest for the Italian economy;
•Professionals;
•Non-cooperative company associates and mangers;
•Renowned and highly skilled international artists recruited by public and private organisations;
•Craftsmen from Third countries which give financial contribution to investments made by their citizens in the national territory.
Within the limits set by this quota, no more than 1,500 units are allowed to convert their permit to stay for study and vocational training purposes into a permit for autonomous work purposes; furthermore 1,000 Lybian citizens are allowed to enter Italy for autonomous work purposes.

As far as permits to enter the national territory for autonomous work purposes are concerned, procedures envisaged by article 26 of the Consolidated Text No. 286/98 and article 39 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 394/99 shall apply.

The declearation from Home Ministry

http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/en/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/news/09971_online_application_procedures.html_8783074.html

Press room
2010 - News
20.04.2010
Online application procedures for permits envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree are open
Starting from 8 a.m. of 21st April until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for non-EU seasonal workers residing abroad, up to a maximum quota of 80,000 units. Permits available for autonomous work purposes amount to 4,000.


Starting from 8 a.m of 21st April 2010 until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for seasonal workers envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree by using the specific form available for download from: http://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/download.

The quota decree issued in 2010 provides for the entry in Italy of up to a maximum of 80,000 non-EU seasonal workers, to be distributed over the regions and autonomous provinces by decision of the Ministry of Labour and Walfare.

The quota includes:

•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from the following countries which signed, or are expected to sign, cooperation agreements on migration: Tunisia, Albania, Morocco, Moldova and Egypt.
•Non-EU citizens having been granted a permit to stay for seasonal work purposes as employees in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Quotas of immigrants as autonomous workers
Moreover, this decree, while setting in advance the 2010 maximum non-EU quota for non-seasonal workers, provides for the entry of 4,000 non-EU citizens residing abroad for autonomous work purposes belonging to the following categories:

•Entrepreneurs engaging in activities of interest for the Italian economy;
•Professionals;
•Non-cooperative company associates and mangers;
•Renowned and highly skilled international artists recruited by public and private organisations;
•Craftsmen from Third countries which give financial contribution to investments made by their citizens in the national territory.
Within the limits set by this quota, no more than 1,500 units are allowed to convert their permit to stay for study and vocational training purposes into a permit for autonomous work purposes; furthermore 1,000 Lybian citizens are allowed to enter Italy for autonomous work purposes.

As far as permits to enter the national territory for autonomous work purposes are concerned, procedures envisaged by article 26 of the Consolidated Text No. 286/98 and article 39 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 394/99 shall apply.

The declearation from Home Ministry

http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/en/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/news/09971_online_application_procedures.html_8783074.html

Press room
2010 - News
20.04.2010
Online application procedures for permits envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree are open
Starting from 8 a.m. of 21st April until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for non-EU seasonal workers residing abroad, up to a maximum quota of 80,000 units. Permits available for autonomous work purposes amount to 4,000.


Starting from 8 a.m of 21st April 2010 until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for seasonal workers envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree by using the specific form available for download from: http://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/download.

The quota decree issued in 2010 provides for the entry in Italy of up to a maximum of 80,000 non-EU seasonal workers, to be distributed over the regions and autonomous provinces by decision of the Ministry of Labour and Walfare.

The quota includes:

•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from the following countries which signed, or are expected to sign, cooperation agreements on migration: Tunisia, Albania, Morocco, Moldova and Egypt.
•Non-EU citizens having been granted a permit to stay for seasonal work purposes as employees in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Quotas of immigrants as autonomous workers
Moreover, this decree, while setting in advance the 2010 maximum non-EU quota for non-seasonal workers, provides for the entry of 4,000 non-EU citizens residing abroad for autonomous work purposes belonging to the following categories:

•Entrepreneurs engaging in activities of interest for the Italian economy;
•Professionals;
•Non-cooperative company associates and mangers;
•Renowned and highly skilled international artists recruited by public and private organisations;
•Craftsmen from Third countries which give financial contribution to investments made by their citizens in the national territory.
Within the limits set by this quota, no more than 1,500 units are allowed to convert their permit to stay for study and vocational training purposes into a permit for autonomous work purposes; furthermore 1,000 Lybian citizens are allowed to enter Italy for autonomous work purposes.

As far as permits to enter the national territory for autonomous work purposes are concerned, procedures envisaged by article 26 of the Consolidated Text No. 286/98 and article 39 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 394/99 shall apply.

The declearation from Home Ministry

http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/en/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/news/09971_online_application_procedures.html_8783074.html

Press room
2010 - News
20.04.2010
Online application procedures for permits envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree are open
Starting from 8 a.m. of 21st April until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for non-EU seasonal workers residing abroad, up to a maximum quota of 80,000 units. Permits available for autonomous work purposes amount to 4,000.


Starting from 8 a.m of 21st April 2010 until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for seasonal workers envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree by using the specific form available for download from: http://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/download.

The quota decree issued in 2010 provides for the entry in Italy of up to a maximum of 80,000 non-EU seasonal workers, to be distributed over the regions and autonomous provinces by decision of the Ministry of Labour and Walfare.

The quota includes:

•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from the following countries which signed, or are expected to sign, cooperation agreements on migration: Tunisia, Albania, Morocco, Moldova and Egypt.
•Non-EU citizens having been granted a permit to stay for seasonal work purposes as employees in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Quotas of immigrants as autonomous workers
Moreover, this decree, while setting in advance the 2010 maximum non-EU quota for non-seasonal workers, provides for the entry of 4,000 non-EU citizens residing abroad for autonomous work purposes belonging to the following categories:

•Entrepreneurs engaging in activities of interest for the Italian economy;
•Professionals;
•Non-cooperative company associates and mangers;
•Renowned and highly skilled international artists recruited by public and private organisations;
•Craftsmen from Third countries which give financial contribution to investments made by their citizens in the national territory.
Within the limits set by this quota, no more than 1,500 units are allowed to convert their permit to stay for study and vocational training purposes into a permit for autonomous work purposes; furthermore 1,000 Lybian citizens are allowed to enter Italy for autonomous work purposes.

As far as permits to enter the national territory for autonomous work purposes are concerned, procedures envisaged by article 26 of the Consolidated Text No. 286/98 and article 39 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 394/99 shall apply.

The declearation from Home Ministry

http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/en/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/news/09971_online_application_procedures.html_8783074.html

Press room
2010 - News
20.04.2010
Online application procedures for permits envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree are open
Starting from 8 a.m. of 21st April until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for non-EU seasonal workers residing abroad, up to a maximum quota of 80,000 units. Permits available for autonomous work purposes amount to 4,000.


Starting from 8 a.m of 21st April 2010 until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for seasonal workers envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree by using the specific form available for download from: http://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/download.

The quota decree issued in 2010 provides for the entry in Italy of up to a maximum of 80,000 non-EU seasonal workers, to be distributed over the regions and autonomous provinces by decision of the Ministry of Labour and Walfare.

The quota includes:

•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from the following countries which signed, or are expected to sign, cooperation agreements on migration: Tunisia, Albania, Morocco, Moldova and Egypt.
•Non-EU citizens having been granted a permit to stay for seasonal work purposes as employees in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Quotas of immigrants as autonomous workers
Moreover, this decree, while setting in advance the 2010 maximum non-EU quota for non-seasonal workers, provides for the entry of 4,000 non-EU citizens residing abroad for autonomous work purposes belonging to the following categories:

•Entrepreneurs engaging in activities of interest for the Italian economy;
•Professionals;
•Non-cooperative company associates and mangers;
•Renowned and highly skilled international artists recruited by public and private organisations;
•Craftsmen from Third countries which give financial contribution to investments made by their citizens in the national territory.
Within the limits set by this quota, no more than 1,500 units are allowed to convert their permit to stay for study and vocational training purposes into a permit for autonomous work purposes; furthermore 1,000 Lybian citizens are allowed to enter Italy for autonomous work purposes.

As far as permits to enter the national territory for autonomous work purposes are concerned, procedures envisaged by article 26 of the Consolidated Text No. 286/98 and article 39 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 394/99 shall apply.

The declearation from Home Ministry

http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/en/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/news/09971_online_application_procedures.html_8783074.html

Press room
2010 - News
20.04.2010
Online application procedures for permits envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree are open
Starting from 8 a.m. of 21st April until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for non-EU seasonal workers residing abroad, up to a maximum quota of 80,000 units. Permits available for autonomous work purposes amount to 4,000.


Starting from 8 a.m of 21st April 2010 until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for seasonal workers envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree by using the specific form available for download from: http://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/download.

The quota decree issued in 2010 provides for the entry in Italy of up to a maximum of 80,000 non-EU seasonal workers, to be distributed over the regions and autonomous provinces by decision of the Ministry of Labour and Walfare.

The quota includes:

•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from the following countries which signed, or are expected to sign, cooperation agreements on migration: Tunisia, Albania, Morocco, Moldova and Egypt.
•Non-EU citizens having been granted a permit to stay for seasonal work purposes as employees in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Quotas of immigrants as autonomous workers
Moreover, this decree, while setting in advance the 2010 maximum non-EU quota for non-seasonal workers, provides for the entry of 4,000 non-EU citizens residing abroad for autonomous work purposes belonging to the following categories:

•Entrepreneurs engaging in activities of interest for the Italian economy;
•Professionals;
•Non-cooperative company associates and mangers;
•Renowned and highly skilled international artists recruited by public and private organisations;
•Craftsmen from Third countries which give financial contribution to investments made by their citizens in the national territory.
Within the limits set by this quota, no more than 1,500 units are allowed to convert their permit to stay for study and vocational training purposes into a permit for autonomous work purposes; furthermore 1,000 Lybian citizens are allowed to enter Italy for autonomous work purposes.

As far as permits to enter the national territory for autonomous work purposes are concerned, procedures envisaged by article 26 of the Consolidated Text No. 286/98 and article 39 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 394/99 shall apply.

The declearation from Home Ministry

http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/en/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/news/09971_online_application_procedures.html_8783074.html

Press room
2010 - News
20.04.2010
Online application procedures for permits envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree are open
Starting from 8 a.m. of 21st April until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for non-EU seasonal workers residing abroad, up to a maximum quota of 80,000 units. Permits available for autonomous work purposes amount to 4,000.


Starting from 8 a.m of 21st April 2010 until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for seasonal workers envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree by using the specific form available for download from: http://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/download.

The quota decree issued in 2010 provides for the entry in Italy of up to a maximum of 80,000 non-EU seasonal workers, to be distributed over the regions and autonomous provinces by decision of the Ministry of Labour and Walfare.

The quota includes:

•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from the following countries which signed, or are expected to sign, cooperation agreements on migration: Tunisia, Albania, Morocco, Moldova and Egypt.
•Non-EU citizens having been granted a permit to stay for seasonal work purposes as employees in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Quotas of immigrants as autonomous workers
Moreover, this decree, while setting in advance the 2010 maximum non-EU quota for non-seasonal workers, provides for the entry of 4,000 non-EU citizens residing abroad for autonomous work purposes belonging to the following categories:

•Entrepreneurs engaging in activities of interest for the Italian economy;
•Professionals;
•Non-cooperative company associates and mangers;
•Renowned and highly skilled international artists recruited by public and private organisations;
•Craftsmen from Third countries which give financial contribution to investments made by their citizens in the national territory.
Within the limits set by this quota, no more than 1,500 units are allowed to convert their permit to stay for study and vocational training purposes into a permit for autonomous work purposes; furthermore 1,000 Lybian citizens are allowed to enter Italy for autonomous work purposes.

As far as permits to enter the national territory for autonomous work purposes are concerned, procedures envisaged by article 26 of the Consolidated Text No. 286/98 and article 39 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 394/99 shall apply.

The declearation from Home Ministry

http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/en/sezioni/sala_stampa/notizie/news/09971_online_application_procedures.html_8783074.html

Press room
2010 - News
20.04.2010
Online application procedures for permits envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree are open
Starting from 8 a.m. of 21st April until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for non-EU seasonal workers residing abroad, up to a maximum quota of 80,000 units. Permits available for autonomous work purposes amount to 4,000.


Starting from 8 a.m of 21st April 2010 until 12 p.m. of 31st December 2010, employers are allowed to submit applications for employment permit for seasonal workers envisaged by the 2010 Quota for Seasonal Labour Decree by using the specific form available for download from: http://nullaostalavoro.interno.it/Ministero/download.

The quota decree issued in 2010 provides for the entry in Italy of up to a maximum of 80,000 non-EU seasonal workers, to be distributed over the regions and autonomous provinces by decision of the Ministry of Labour and Walfare.

The quota includes:

•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, India, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
•Non-EU employed seasonal workers from the following countries which signed, or are expected to sign, cooperation agreements on migration: Tunisia, Albania, Morocco, Moldova and Egypt.
•Non-EU citizens having been granted a permit to stay for seasonal work purposes as employees in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Quotas of immigrants as autonomous workers
Moreover, this decree, while setting in advance the 2010 maximum non-EU quota for non-seasonal workers, provides for the entry of 4,000 non-EU citizens residing abroad for autonomous work purposes belonging to the following categories:

•Entrepreneurs engaging in activities of interest for the Italian economy;
•Professionals;
•Non-cooperative company associates and mangers;
•Renowned and highly skilled international artists recruited by public and private organisations;
•Craftsmen from Third countries which give financial contribution to investments made by their citizens in the national territory.
Within the limits set by this quota, no more than 1,500 units are allowed to convert their permit to stay for study and vocational training purposes into a permit for autonomous work purposes; furthermore 1,000 Lybian citizens are allowed to enter Italy for autonomous work purposes.

As far as permits to enter the national territory for autonomous work purposes are concerned, procedures envisaged by article 26 of the Consolidated Text No. 286/98 and article 39 of the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 394/99 shall apply.

Che cos’è una colf?
Colf sta per collaboratrice familiare. In Italia ce ne sono un milione e centomila: il 97% sono donne, il 79% straniere. Si stima che le irregolari siano mezzo milione.

Come si assumono?
Per le italiane o comunitarie bastano un documento valido e il codice fiscale. Le pratiche per l'assunzione vanno espletate entro le 24 ore precedenti l'inizio del rapporto di lavoro presso l'Inps o i Caf, i patronati e le associazioni autorizzate. I lavoratori extracomunitari devono essere in possesso del permesso di soggiorno; il loro datore di lavoro deve inviare in Prefettura 5 giorni prima dell'inizio del rapporto una copia del contratto di soggiorno e di quello di lavoro. Deve garantire un orario settimanale non inferiore a 20 ore, dimostrare di possedere un reddito annuo almeno doppio rispetto alla retribuzione dovuta al lavoratore, impegnarsi al pagamento delle spese di viaggio in caso di rimpatrio, assicurare alloggio adeguato o esibire la richiesta del certificato di abitabilità dell’alloggio in cui vive il lavoratore.

Quali sono gli effetti previsti dal governo?
Con la sanatoria sarà possibile non solo regolarizzare il rapporto di lavoro in nero, ma anche legalizzare la presenza irregolare dei lavoratori clandestini. Il Viminale stima che la procedura interesserà circa 300 mila persone, tra cui 170 mila extracomunitari. La Ragioneria generale dello stato ha valutato che ci sarà un gettito complessivo di maggiori entrate contributive pari a un miliardo e 300 mila euro tra oggi e il 2012.

Che cosa bisogna fare per regolarizzare una colf?
La domanda per la sanatoria per colf e badanti extracomunitarie potrà essere presentata al sito del ministero dell’Interno o allo sportello Unico per l’immigrazione. Per italiani o comunitari la domanda va presentata all’Inps. I tempi: fino al 30 settembre.

Chi può usufruire di questa possibilità?
Chi abbia un rapporto di lavoro già in essere da almeno il 30 marzo 2009 e ancora in corso. Il datore di lavoro dovrà, all’atto della presentazione della domanda, versare un contributo di 500 euro per ciascun lavoratore (400 al lavoratore e 100 allo Stato per le spese). Il reddito minimo per la richiesta di assunzione non può essere inferiore a 20 mila euro per le famiglie monoreddito e 25 mila per le altre. L’orario di lavoro minimo dev’essere di 20 ore settimanali. Ogni famiglia può regolarizzare al massimo un lavoratore domestico e due assistenti alla persona.

Chi è escluso?
Non potranno essere regolarizzate colf e badanti che abbiano commesso reati gravi, abbiano già ricevuto un decreto di espulsione, abbiano condanne anche con sentenza non definitiva per reati che prevedono l’arresto in flagranza.

Cosa prevede il contratto di lavoro per le colf?
Vanno indicati: data d’inizio del rapporto di lavoro; livello di appartenenza; durata del periodo di prova (massimo 30 giorni retribuiti); esistenza o meno della convivenza; residenza e domicilio del lavoratore; orari; collocazione della mezza giornata di riposo settimanale in aggiunta alla domenica; retribuzione; periodo di godimento delle ferie annuali.

Che cosè il livello di appartenenza?
Ce ne sono quattro, ciascuno suddiviso in due parametri retributivi (standard e super). Livello A: addetti alla pulizia o baby sitter. Livello B: custodi, cameriere, giardiniere, assistenza a persone autosufficienti. Livello C: assistente a persone non autosufficienti. Livello D: governante, maggiordomo, assistente formato a persone non autosufficienti.

Quanto lavorano e quanto vengono pagate?
Lo stipendio varia a seconda del livello: per chi vive a casa del datore di lavoro si va tra i 550 euro mensili per il livello A ai 1200 per il livello D. L'assistenza notturna va da 862 a 1207 euro mensili. Per i lavoratori non conviventi la paga è oraria: 4 euro per il livello A, 7,10 per il D. Al lavoratore spetta la tredicesima. L'orario è di massimo 10 ore giornaliere, non consecutive, per un totale di 54 ore settimanali per i lavoratori conviventi; 8 ore giornaliere non consecutive per un totale di 40 ore settimanali, distribuite su 5 o 6 giorni per i lavoratori non conviventi. A chi lavora almeno 6 ore consecutive spetta un pasto o un'indennità di pari valore. Lo straordinario prevede una retribuzione oraria maggiorata del 25% dalle 6 alle 22, del 50% dalle 22 alle 6 e del 60% la domenica o nei festivi.

Ferie, riposi e permessi?
Il riposo settimanale è di 36 ore e deve essere goduto per 24 ore di domenica (salvo diversi accordi tra le parti), mentre le residue 12 ore possono essere godute in qualsiasi altro giorno. Chi lavora nelle 12 ore di riposo non domenicale deve avere una maggiorazione del 40%. Nei giorni festivi si riposa. Le ferie ammontano a 26 giorni lavorativi l'anno. Sono previsti permessi per le madri e per frequentare corsi di formazione, oltre a permessi per malattia e sindacali.