Lok Sabha Question No. 134 (STARRED), answered on 2018-12-19
Subject: Job Losses to Indian Citizens
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: K. C. VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.134 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2018

## JOB LOSSES TO INDIAN CITIZENS

*134 Shri  K.C. VENUGOPAL

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  Whether countries like Saudi Arabia have extended nationalisation scheme to more activities and occupations to provide more jobs to their citizens and If so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government to remove the concerns of the Indian citizens in these countries;
- (b) Whether the Government has made any diplomatic efforts to avoid more job losses to the Indian citizens in Gulf countries and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) Whether the Government is ready to implement any special scheme for ensuring jobs for those people who lost their jobs due to the nationalisation policies in the Gulf countries; and
- (d) If so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI SUSHMA SWARAJ)

- (a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the table of the House *****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 134* DUE FOR ANSWER ON 19 DECEMBER, 2018 REGARDING JOB LOSSES  TO INDIAN CITIZENS

The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been following the policy of Nitaqat (Saudization) since 2011, which broadly aims at increasing the employment opportunities of the Saudi citizens both in public and private

## PRIORITY XIV

sector, by reducing dependence on the expatriate workers.  As per available information,   the   expatriates   are   to   be   progressively   restricted   from   12 September, 2018 onwards for working in 12 sectors, viz. watch shops, optical stores, medical equipment stores, electrical and electronics shops, outlets selling car spare part, building material shops, outlets selling all types of carpets, automobile and mobile shops, shops selling home furniture and ready-made office material, sale outlets of ready-made garments, children clothes and men's supplies, household utensils shops and pastry shops.

The matter has already been taken up with the Saudi side.  The policy is not specifically directed at Indian nationals and the Saudi Government is exercising its right by following this policy uniformly in respect of all foreign nationalities.

The   Government   is   working   in   close   coordination   with   the   Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) towards safeguarding the interests  and welfare of the   resident   Indian   community.  Indian   workers   in   companies   affected   by economic downturn in the Gulf region have been extended assistance through 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. The   Government   has   also   extended necessary support to facilitate  return   of   Indian   nationals   who   have   availed amnesty offers in GCC countries.

As regards Indian nationals who have lost their jobs and returning to India,   responsibility   of   their   resettlement   primarily   rests   with   the   State governments. The Government stands ready to extend necessary cooperation to States in this regard.

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