Lok Sabha Question No. 754 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Assistance from ICWF for Kuwait Fire Victims
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Anto Antony

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-754

## ANSWERED ON- 26/07/2024

## ASSISTANCE FROM ICWF FOR KUWAIT FIRE VICTIMS

## 754. SHRI ANTO ANTONY

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

(a) whether any funds have been allocated to assist the Indian migrants affected by the recent fire incident in Kuwait from the Indian Community Welfare Fund;

(b) if so, the details of such assistance provided to the families of the deceased;

(c) the measures being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals living in Kuwait following this incident;

(d) whether there are any ongoing collaborations with other countries to improve   safety   standards   and   emergency   response   mechanisms   in places with a significant Indian population, if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether there are any specific recommendations or actions being taken to improve workplace safety for Indian workers abroad, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to c) Following the fire incident in Kuwait, the Government of India pro-actively ensured prompt medical treatment of all Indian nationals who were affected in the incident. Hon'ble Prime Minister chaired a review meeting the same day. The matter was taken up by the Hon'ble External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali-Al Yahya for early repatriation of mortal remains and prompt medical attention to the injured.  On the instructions of PM, Minister of  State for External Affairs Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh (MOS) reached Kuwait on 13 June 2024 to coordinate with the Government of Kuwait for early repatriation of mortal remains and ensure the well-being of the injured.   Government of India arranged a special IAF aircraft in the evening of 13 June 2024 for the repatriation of mortal remains.  MOS met the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of  Defence and Interior, Foreign   Minister   and   Health   Minister   of   Kuwait.   The   Embassy immediately put in place a 24x7 helpline to provide updated information to family members and others.

Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia amount of  Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50000 to the injured from the Prime

Minister Relief Fund.  The Amir of Kuwait announced a compensation of US$ 15,000 for the families of the deceased.   The employer has also provided various compensations to the families of  the deceased and supporting those who have been injured. The Government of Kuwait is understood to be taking measures against any violation of building-safety norms and labour violations to prevent any such incident in future. It is the constant endeavour of Government of India to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals overseas, including in Kuwait. (d & e) The safety and security of Indians abroad is one of the foremost priorities for the Government of India. Heads of Mission/Post and senior officials remain in contact regular interactions with Indian community. Our Missions and Posts remain vigilant and closely monitor the well being   of   Indians.   In   case   there   is   any   untoward   incident,   it   is immediately taken up with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure that the incident is properly investigated and the perpetrators are punished. Further, the distressed Indian emigrants are provided all possible consular assistance, including emergency medical care and boarding/lodging, whenever required. *****