Lok Sabha Question No. 3784 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-03-25
Subject: Support to Fishermen imprisoned in foreign Jails
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3784 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.03.2022

## SUPPORT TO FISHERMEN IMPRISONED IN FOREIGN JAILS

## 3784.    SHRI RAM MOHAN NAIDU KINJARAPU:

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

- (a) the details and number of Indian fishermen currently imprisoned in foreign jails, country-wise;
- (b) whether the Government extends livelihood and legal support to such fisherman's families;
- (c) if so, the number of such families along with the details of the support extended State-wise; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) As per the information available with the Ministry, at present there are 637 Indian fishermen imprisoned in foreign jails. Country-wise list is placed at Annexure-I. However, due to strong privacy laws prevailing in many   countries,   the   local   authorities   do   not   share   information   on prisoners unless the person concerned consents to the disclosure of such information.   Even   countries   which   share   information   do   not   generally provide detailed information about the foreigners imprisoned.

(b) to (d) Government attaches high priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. Our Missions and Posts abroad extend all possible   help   and   assistance   like   providing   food,   clothing,   personal hygiene   products,   etc.,   to   the   imprisoned   Indian   fishermen,   including when they are detained by local police/immigration authorities or put in jails for violation of immigration laws. After confirmation of nationality of such persons, our Missions and Posts also facilitate their repatriation to India. Consular Officers of Missions/Posts make regular visits to local jails and detention   centers   to   ascertain   the   condition   of   Indian   fishermen lodged there and provide requisite help and support, including legal and financial assistance in deserving cases.

The focus of the Government's efforts is on securing the early release of fishermen as that is the central issue.

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Annexure I Lok Sabha Finally Admitted Question 3784 Support to Fishermen Imprisoned In Foreign Jails

| Country      |   Number of Indian fishermen currently imprisoned in foreign jails |
|--------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Bahrain      |                                                                  7 |
| Indonesia    |                                                                  8 |
| Pakistan     |                                                                577 |
| Saudi Arabia |                                                                 24 |
| Sri Lanka    |                                                                 16 |
| Seychelles   |                                                                 05 |
| Total        |                                                                637 |

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