Minister of state for External Affairs Gen V K Singh today said the government is committed for the welfare and protecting the interests of overseas Indians. He was addressing the 'Videsh Sampark', in Hyderabad this morning. It is the first of its kind conference held as part of the series of outreach programmes that the External Affairs Ministry has taken up across the country. He said all out support wil be extended to protect the interests of Indian community abroad. He asked the state governments to sternly act against the agents who help illegal migrations.<br/> <br/>Stating that the procedures have been simplified for services like passport, the minister said passport seva kendras will be set up in phases at about 800 head post offices across the country. He stressed the need for using the technological tools like web portals set up by the ministry, he said it will help setting up correct database sothat extending help, in case of need, will be easy for the missions. Mr. Singh also said the External affairs Ministry is working on agreements with several countries through which bringing back illegal migrants who are serving jail term on foriegn land will be easy.<br/> <br/>Telangana NRI Affairs Miniater K Taraka Ramarao urged the Centre to set up a consulate office in hyderabad for Soudi Arabia. He also urged the centre to protect the interests of students and blue coller employees. Senior officials from both the Centre and State governments, and representatives of employment agents, and NGOs also attended.<br/> <br/>The day-long deliberations will focus on sharing of good practices and experiences besdies brain storming discussions on issues such as illegal migrations, bringing passport services to doorsteps and welfare and protection of overseas indians. The Telangana syate government and the Indian Development foundation of Overseas Indians have signed an MoU. Pre departure orientation handbook in Telugu and Urdu was released on the occasion.