Persecution of Indian Workers Abroad
By KHRITISH SWARGIARY
In a recent session of the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan, addressed critical concerns regarding the persecution faced by Indian workers abroad, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges they encounter and the measures taken by the government to provide immediate assistance and ensure their welfare.
The interrogation, spearheaded by Shri Narendra Kumar, delved into several pivotal aspects of this issue, seeking clarity on matters ranging from the awareness of rules and regulations among Indian expatriates to the need for enhanced legal protections against exploitation. The responses provided by Shri Muraleedharan elucidated a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard the rights and well-being of Indian workers overseas.
The Ministry acknowledged the grave challenges faced by Indian workers, especially in the domestic sector, including poor working conditions, delayed salaries, denial of benefits such as medical facilities and leave, and maltreatment by employers. These issues, often exacerbated by illegal migration and lack of proper employment contracts, necessitate robust mechanisms for grievance redressal and support.
To address these challenges effectively, the Government of India has implemented a series of measures. Indian Missions and Posts abroad operate with vigilance, actively monitoring complaints through various channels such as emergency hotlines, e-mails, social media platforms, and dedicated helplines. Notable initiatives include the establishment of portals like MADAD and e-Migrate, facilitating online grievance registration for expatriates.
Furthermore, Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (PBSK) have been set up in strategic locations such as Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Kuala Lumpur to provide guidance and counseling to Indian workers on legal matters and welfare schemes. Dedicated Labor Wings in Gulf countries ensure focused attention on employment-related issues.
The scale of assistance provided is substantial, as evidenced by the utilization of the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) to aid distressed Indian citizens abroad and their dependents. Over INR 641 crores from the ICWF have been disbursed, benefiting a significant number of individuals facing various hardships overseas.
One of the critical concerns raised during the session was the number of Indian citizens incarcerated abroad. The Ministry reported 9309 such cases, highlighting the complexities involved in repatriation due to stringent privacy laws in some countries. Nevertheless, Indian Missions and Posts persistently pursue legal avenues and engage in diplomatic efforts to secure the release and repatriation of Indian prisoners.
The Ministry emphasized proactive measures such as Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) to educate prospective emigrants about labor laws, cultural sensitivities, and available welfare schemes. This preventive approach aims to empower workers with essential knowledge, reducing vulnerabilities and mitigating potential risks abroad.
Significantly, the Ministry's engagements extend beyond reactive measures, encompassing strategic dialogues and collaborations with host countries through Joint Working Groups. These engagements focus on enhancing the welfare and protection of Indian workers, reflecting a proactive stance on international labor relations.
In conclusion, the issue of persecution faced by Indian workers abroad is multifaceted, requiring a nuanced and comprehensive approach. The Ministry of External Affairs, under the leadership of Shri V. Muraleedharan, has demonstrated a commitment to address these challenges through a combination of proactive interventions, diplomatic engagements, and robust grievance redressal mechanisms. As India continues to expand its global footprint, ensuring the safety and well-being of its expatriates remains a paramount priority.
Annexure - A: Indian Prisoners in Foreign Prisons
| Sl. No. | Country | Number of Indian Prisoners, including undertrials, in Foreign Prisons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afghanistan | 8 |
| 2 | Angola | 1 |
| 3 | Argentina | 1 |
| 4 | Armenia | 16 |
| 5 | Australia | 66 |
| 6 | Austria | 9 |
| 7 | Bahrain | 310 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 47 |
| 9 | Belarus | 2 |
| 10 | Belgium | 10 |
| 11 | Bhutan | 57 |
| 12 | Brunei Darussalam | 1 |
| 13 | Cambodia | 2 |
| 13 | Cambodia | 2 |
| 13 | Cambodia | 2 |
| 14 | Canada | 23 |
| 15 | Chile | 1 |
| 16 | China | 177 |
| 17 | Congo (Kinshasa) | 11 |
| 18 | Côte d’Ivoire | 7 |
| 19 | Cuba | 1 |
| 20 | Cyprus | 28 |
| 21 | Czech Republic | 1 |
| 22 | Denmark | 1 |
| 23 | Egypt | 1 |
| 24 | Ethiopia | 5 |
| 25 | France | 41 |
| 26 | Georgia | 26 |
| 27 | Germany | 77 |
| 28 | Greece | 23 |
| 29 | Guatemala | 1 |
| 30 | Hungary | 10 |
| 31 | Indonesia | 23 |
| 32 | Iran | 44 |
| 33 | Israel | 6 |
| 34 | Italy | 165 |
| 35 | Jamaica | 1 |
| 36 | Japan | 4 |
| 37 | Jordan | 35 |
| 38 | Kenya | 2 |
| 39 | Kuwait | 410 |
| 40 | Kyrgyzstan | 3 |
| 41 | Laos | 3 |
| 42 | Lebanon | 6 |
| 43 | Liberia | 1 |
| 44 | Lithuania | 2 |
| 45 | Malawi | 1 |
| 46 | Malaysia | 388 |
| 47 | Maldives | 11 |
| 48 | Malta | 1 |
| 49 | Mauritius | 9 |
| 50 | Mexico | 1 |
| 51 | Mozambique | 6 |
| 52 | Myanmar | 24 |
| 53 | Nepal | 1242 |
| 54 | New Zealand | 11 |
| 55 | Nigeria | 2 |
| 56 | Oman | 128 |
| 57 | Pakistan | 46 |
| 58 | Philippines | 32 |
| 59 | Poland | 7 |
| 60 | Portugal | 7 |
| 61 | Qatar | 611 |
| 62 | Republic of Ireland | 4 |
| 63 | Republic of Korea | 5 |
| 64 | Romania | 2 |
| 65 | Russia | 7 |
| 66 | Rwanda | 2 |
| 67 | Saudi Arabia | 2383 |
| 68 | Senegal | 4 |
| 69 | Serbia | 6 |
| 70 | Singapore | 117 |
| 71 | South Africa | 2 |
| 72 | Spain | 31 |
| 73 | Sri Lanka | 55 |
| 74 | Sweden | 2 |
| 75 | Switzerland | 2 |
| 76 | Tajikistan | 2 |
| 77 | Tanzania | 3 |
| 78 | Thailand | 41 |
| 79 | Togo | 2 |
| 80 | Trinidad and Tobago | 2 |
| 81 | United Arab Emirates | 1998 |
| 82 | United Kingdom | 280 |
| 83 | USA | 157 |
| 84 | Uzbekistan | 2 |
| 85 | Vietnam | 1 |
| 86 | Yemen | 1 |
| 87 | Zimbabwe | 2 |
| Total | 9309 | |
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