Lok Sabha Question No. 2029 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: Indian Migrant Workers
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Chandra Prakash Choudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2029 ANSWERED ON- 06/12/2024 INDIAN MIGRANT WORKERS

†2029. SHRI CHANDRA PRAKASH CHOUDHARY

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

(a) whether the Government is aware of the difficulties being faced by Indian migrant   workers working   abroad   particularly   in   South   Eastern   Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia etc. if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government is in contact with the concerned workers to redress their grievances, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has any existing mechanism to keep in touch with such workers; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) The Government from time to time receives various types of complaints from   the   Indian   nationals   working   abroad,   including   South-East   Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. These complaints include cheating, delay  in   payment/non-payment   of   salaries,   retention   of   passports,   unfair working conditions, sub-standard accommodation, extended working hours, ill-treatment, harassment, excessive work, denial of entry/exit permit/renewal of visa/final  exit   permit,   non-payment   of   salary,   improper healthcare, and not placing in the job promised etc.

(b to d) Government accords utmost priority to the safety, security and wellbeing of Indian nationals abroad. Our Missions and Posts remain vigilant all the time and actively monitor the working conditions of Indians nationals abroad. The Government has established various channels to enable Indian nationals working abroad to reach out to the Mission/Post in case they need any   assistance.   They   can   contact   the   Missions/Posts   through   walk-in interview, email, multilingual 24x7 emergency numbers, grievance redressal portals like MADAD, CPGRAMS, and eMigrate, and social media etc. As and when such cases are reported, the Missions/Posts take prompt action in coordination   with   the   employer/sponsor/agent   and   local   authorities   and extend all possible assistance to the aggrieved Indian worker including their rescue and repatriation to India. Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (PBSK)

have been set up including in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to provide guidance and counseling to Indian workers on all matters.

Dedicated labour wing has been established in the Missions/Posts in the countries where there is significant number of Indian migrant workers, which ensures   expeditious   redressal   of   labour   grievances.   Shelter   homes   for distressed Indian nationals have been set up including in Malaysia. These shelter   homes   provide   free   boarding   and   lodging   to   Indian   nationals   in distress pending their repatriation to India.

Indian Missions/Posts regularly organize Open Houses and Consular Camps in remote areas for Indian nationals including workers residing in such areas to render consular services including addressing their grievances, if any. The complaints pertaining to employment issues are also taken up with the local labour department and other relevant authorities of the host country for prompt redressal. Based on Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed with the host countries, matters related to welfare and protection of workers are also taken up during regular meetings of Joint Working Groups with host countries.   In   addition,   such   matters   are   also   regularly   taken   up   with respective Government through diplomatic channels.

The Missions/Posts utilize the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) from time to time to provide financial and legal assistance to Indian national in distress abroad on a 'means tested basis'. The major assistance under the

ICWF includes boarding and lodging, air passage to India, legal assistance, emergency medical care, transportation of mortal remains to India, and payment of small fines and penalties. *****