Lok Sabha Question No. 5604 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Better Working Environment for Indian Expatriates
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Pushpendra Saroj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 5604

## ANSWERED ON- 04/04/2025

## BETTER WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR INDIAN EXPATRIATES

## 5604. SHRI PUSHPENDRA SAROJ

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a)  whether it is fact that Indian citizens working abroad especially in the Gulf   countries   are   facing   challenges   related   to   labour   rights,   legal protection and repatriation during crisis;

- (b)  if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  the measures implemented by the Government to ensure the safety, fair treatment and welfare of Indian expatriates; and

(d) the manner in which India is strengthening diplomatic engagements to secure better working environment/conditions for Indian workers?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a)   to   (d)     Majority   of   complaints   received   by   Indian   Missions   in   Gulf countries from Indian workers pertain to labour disputes (non-payment or delay in payment of salaries, refusal to grant leave or 'exit/entry permits', denial to arrange the 'final exit visa', delay in renewal/non issuance of resident permits etc.).

The Government of India accords highest priority to the safety, security and   well-being   of   Indian   nationals   including   Indian   emigrant   workers abroad. To ensure the protection of Indian migrant workers, the Emigration Act,   1983   serves   as   the   regulatory   framework   governing   overseas employment.   The   Act   establishes   safeguards   against   exploitation, regulates   recruiting   agents   and   foreign   employers,   and   mandates emigration clearances. Its enforcement is carried out through the Offices of the Protector of Emigrants (POEs), which are set up across the country to oversee the emigration process.

Welfare initiatives

Recognizing   the   challenges   faced   by   Indian   workers   abroad,   the Government has launched several initiatives to promote safe and informed migration.   To   digitalise   and   streamline   the   emigration   process,   the Government has introduced eMigrate 2.0, a transformative e-governance platform developed under the Overseas Employment (OE) and Protector General  of   Emigrants   (PGE)   Division   of   MEA.   Powered   by   open-source technology and API-based architecture, this platform enhances efficiency, and transparency in overseas employment procedures, aligning with the Government of India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) vision.

Notable schemes include the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) and Pre-departure Orientation Training (P-DOT). The PBBY provides mandatory insurance coverage for Emigration Check Required (ECR) category workers heading to 18 designated countries. The scheme offers an insurance cover of INR 10 lakh for accidental death or permanent disability, with a minimal premium   of   INR   275   for   two   years   or   INR   375   for   three   years. Complementing this, under the Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana, the P-DOT program   conducted   by   the   Ministry   of   External   Affairs   (MEA)   in collaboration   with   the   Ministry   of   Skills   and   Entrepreneurship,   equips workers   with   essential   soft   skills   and   knowledge   to   navigate   their

employment abroad. The trainings are carried out by NSDC and State governments.

The   Government   has   been   actively   enhancing   awareness   about   its schemes and policies through state-level outreach programs such as the 'Videsh Sampark' initiative. In 2018, the Ministry introduced the 'Surakshit Jaayen, Prashikshit Jaayen - Go Safe, Go Trained' campaign to further raise awareness about the importance of legal and skill-based migration.

## Grievance redressal mechanisms

Additionally, the Government has established a robust framework to assist Indian nationals found in distress situations. Through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), Indian Missions and Posts abroad provide crucial assistance,   including   the   repatriation   of   mortal   remains,   emergency medical aid, legal assistance, and support for stranded workers.

These services are accessible through multiple channels, including walkins at embassies, emergency helplines, grievance redressal portals like MADAD and CPGRAMS, as well as through social media platforms. To offer

direct   assistance   and   counselling   to   Indian   workers   overseas,   Pravasi Bharatiya   Sahayata   Kendras   (PBSKs)   have   been   established   in   key locations such as New Delhi, Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Kuala Lumpur. These centers serve as crucial support hubs, guiding workers on their rights and available resources.

International Cooperation and bilateral arrangements

The Government has also been working towards establishing institutional mechanisms to foster the global mobility of Indian workers as well as students,   academicians,   researchers,   business   persons   etc.   through diverse   MoUs/agreements   such   as,   Migration   and   Mobility   Partnerships (MMPAs), Labour mobility and Labour Welfare with destination countries. These Agreements/MoUs seek to enhance global employment opportunities for Indian workers while protecting their labour rights, preventing irregular migration and supporting skill development. MMPAs have been signed with Austria,   Australia,   France,   Germany,   Italy, Denmark and   UK.   Labour Mobility Agreements have been signed with Japan, Portugal, Taiwan, Mauritius, Malaysia and Israel.

Additionally,   Labour   and   Manpower   Cooperation   Agreements   have   also been  signed   with   the   Gulf   Cooperation   Countries   (GCC),   like   Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and with Jordan, that provide overarching framework for cooperation on labour and manpower issues. To safeguard the specific interest of domestic workers of the GCC countries, who are often in the most vulnerable category, the Ministry has signed separate agreements with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait.

Recognizing   the   vulnerability   of   certain   migrant   groups,   especially Domestic Sector Workers (DSWs) and female workers, the Government has implemented   specific   protective   measures.   Separate   Memorandums   of Understanding (MoUs) and Agreements with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait outline   safeguards   for   domestic   workers.   Additionally,   only   state-run recruitment agencies are authorized to facilitate the overseas employment of female workers in these categories, and a minimum age of 30 years has been set for their migration to mitigate exploitation risks.

Further,   the   Government   has   proactively   participated   in   the   various international/regional/multilateral   fora   and   platforms   on   international migration such as the International Migration Review Forum, Abu Dhabi

Dialogue,   Budapest   Process,   the   International   Dialogue   on   Migration, Global Compact for Migration regional reviews which involves sharing of best practices and discussions on critical areas aimed at facilitating safe and regular labour migration. India also assumed the chair of the Colombo Process for a two year period in 2024.

Repatriation of Indians during crisis situations

In recent years, Government of India has facilitated repatriation to India of distressed Indian nationals from countries affected by war and internal conflict such as Yemen (2015), Libya (2014), Israel (2023) and Syria (2024) etc,   through   well-coordinated   operations.   The   quick   and   smooth repatriation   of   Indian   nationals   back   to   India   has   been   universally appreciated in India and abroad.

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