Lok Sabha Question No. 3417 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-22
Subject: Restriction on Migration to Gulf
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3417 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.03.2017

## RESTRICTION ON MIGRATION TO GULF

## 3417. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is imposing restrictions on migration to  Gulf  countries  in  view  of  the  problems  being  faced  by the Indians in these countries;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  bring  the already migrated Indians back to India; and
- (d)
- the number of people benefitted by this mission?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V.K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) to (d) The  government  is  closely    monitoring  the  evolving situation in the Gulf region arising from security related concerns as well  as  the  ongoing  economic  downturn  and  is  taking  necessary measures  for  the  safety  and  welfare  of  Indian  nationals  in  the region.

Indian nationals are advised not to travel to Yemen in the Gulf region in view of the security situation. The government has also put in  place  a  few  Foreign  Employers  in  Prior  Approval  Category  for undertaking  new  recruitment  of  Indian  workers  where  there  are issues related to unpaid salaries and the Foreign Employer is facing financial difficulty.

In  addition,  the  government  has  taken  further  measures  to safeguard the interests of Indian female workers migrating to ECR countries  in  view  of  complaints  of  exploitation  and  harassment  of domestic sector workers by unscrupulous agents and employers in the  Gulf  countries.  As  per  extant  guidelines,  the  minimum  age  of ECR category female workers proceeding for overseas employment to ECR  countries is 30 years. Their emigration for overseas employment is permitted only through the six designated state run recuitment agencies or through the Foreign Employer registered on e- Migrate system. In case of Foreign Employer, attestation of work contract  by  the  Indian  Mission  in  the  destination  country  and submission of a bank guarantee of US $ 2500 is mandatory before the  emigration  clearance  is  granted  by  the  Office  of  Protector  of Emigrants. The  government  is  working  in  close  coordination  with  Gulf countries towards  extending  all possible assistance  to Indian nationals  abroad.  Presently,  a  section  of  Indian  workers  facing difficulties  in  two  major  Saudi  companies  namely,  Saudi  Oger  and the Saad Group are being brought back to India in cooperation with the  Saudi authorities. The process is nearing completion and 4870 Indian  workers  have  returned  so  far.  The  Saudi  authorities  have extended necessary support to the affected Indian workers of these companies  including  in  waiver  of  fines  on  Iqama  (resident  permit) related violations, providing exit visas and one way return tickets to India as well as transfer of sponsorship, wherever possible, on gratis basis.

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