Lok Sabha Question No. 789 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Muslim Expatriates Working in Gulf Countries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Mr Pathan Yusuf

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 789

## ANSWERED ON. 07/02/2025

## MUSLIM EXPATRIATES WORKING IN GULF COUNTRIES

789.  MR. PATHAN YUSUF

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of Indian Muslim expatriates working in Gulf countries and the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure their safety and welfare;
- (b)   whether   the   Government   has   received   any   complaints   regarding exploitation or discrimination faced by the Indian Muslims abroad, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to address such issues, including legal aid and assistance provided by Indian Missions in these countries?

## ANSWER

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

(a to c) The Government does not maintain religion-wise data of Indian nationals abroad. It also does not have religion-wise information about complaints of exploitation or discrimination faced by Indian expatriates (including   Indian  Muslims abroad).   The  majority of  complaints  that  the Missions receive are work/labour related. The Government accords highest priority   to   the   safety,   protection   and   well-being   of   all   Indian   nationals abroad, with various mechanisms in place to address such issues. It has established such mechanisms to enable Indian nationals abroad to reach out   to   the   Indian   Missions   in   case   they   need   any   assistance.   Indian nationals can contact the Missions/Posts through various channels like walk-in, email, social media, multilingual 24x7 emergency numbers   and also grievance redressal portals like MADAD, CPGRAMS, eMigrate etc. In addition, Indian Missions/Posts abroad have established 24X7 Helplines including Toll Free Helplines, whatsapp numbers and have launched mobile Apps to enable Indian nationals contact respective Indian Missions/Posts when in distress or in emergency situation.

Moreover, Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (PBSK) have been set up in New Delhi and at Dubai (UAE), Riyadh & Jeddah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and   Kuala   Lumpur   (Malaysia)   to   provide   assistance,   guidance   and counselling to Indian nationals in distress.

Our Missions/Posts abroad also utilize the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)   to   provide   the   following   assistance   to   the   Indian   nationals   in distress on a means tested basis:

(a) Transportation of mortal remains to India or cremation with the consent of the family;

- (b) Emergency medical care;
- (c) Legal assistance;
- (d) Boarding and lodging; and
- (e) Air passage for stranded Indians.

Besides, the Missions in Gulf Countries have provisions for shelter home to assist Indian women in distress by providing boarding and lodging, medical treatment and arranging for their repatriation.   Female workers who are stranded and are in distress can approach the Embassies at any time of the

day and they are accommodated and provided all facilities till they are repatriated to India. Further,   the   Government   has   taken   several   initiatives   such   as   Pravasi Bhartiya   Bima   Yojna   (PBBY)   and   Pre-Departure   Orientation   &   Training (PDOT) in ensuring that Indian migrant workers undertake safe migration, have decent working and living conditions in destination countries, are aware of their rights and have access to various welfare schemes of the Government. Based on MoUs signed with the GCC countries, matters related to welfare and protection of workers are taken up during regular meetings of Joint Working Groups with concerned countries. In addition, such matters are also   regularly   taken   up   with   respective   host   governments   through diplomatic channels.

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