Lok Sabha Question No. 2116 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Indian in Riyadh Jail of Saudi Arabia
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Rakesh Rathor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2116 ANSWERED ON - 01/08/2025 INDIAN IN RIYADH JAIL OF SAUDI ARABIA

†2116. SHRI RAKESH RATHOR Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the steps being taken by the Government to bring back Indians who have gone abroad to work and are languishing in foreign jails; (b) whether the Ministry is aware of the case that Shri Dharmendra Kumar, a resident  of   Sitapur   Parliamentary   Constituency   has   been imprisoned for the last two months in Riyadh jail of Saudi Arabia; and (c) if so, the action has been taken by the Ministry in the said case?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) The Government attaches high priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals in foreign countries, including those in the   foreign   jails.   Indian   Missions/Posts   abroad   remain   vigilant   and closely monitor the incidents of Indian nationals being put in jail in foreign countries for violation/ alleged violation of local laws. As soon as the information about the detention/arrest of an Indian national is received by an Indian Mission/Post, the Embassy/Consulate officials immediately   get   in   touch   with   the   local   Foreign   Office   and   other concerned local authorities for consular access to the detained/arrested Indian national to ascertain the facts of the case, his/her Indian nationality and to ensure his/her welfare. Missions/Posts remain vigilant to ensure that rights of the Indian prisoners in foreign jails are protected.

The issue of release and repatriation of Indian nationals in foreign prisons is regularly pursued by Indian Missions and Posts abroad with the local authorities concerned. Missions/Posts abroad also approach the   law   enforcement   agencies   to   complete   the   investigation   and

judicial   proceedings   at   the   earliest   possible.   The   Government   also follows up this issue during consular and other consultations with other countries.   In   addition,   the   Government,   through   its   Missions/Posts abroad and during high level visits, also takes up and pursues grant of amnesty/commutation   of   sentences   of   Indian   prisoners   in   foreign countries. India has also entered into prisoner transfer treaties with many nations that allow a person convicted of a crime to be transferred to his/her home country to serve the prison sentence.

Apart   from   extending   all   possible   consular   assistance   to   Indian nationals imprisoned abroad, Indian Missions and Posts also assist in providing legal aid wherever needed. Missions and Posts also maintain a   local   panel   of   lawyers   where   Indian   community   is   in   sizeable numbers. No fee is charged from any Indian prisoner for extending facilities   by   the   Indian   Embassy   concerned.   The   Indian   Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is set up in Indian Missions & Posts abroad for assisting overseas Indian nationals in distress situations on a means tested basis in deserving cases. The support extended under ICWF includes financial assistance to Indian prisoners for legal aid as well as travel documents / air tickets during repatriation.

(b)   &   (c)   Shri   Dharmendra   Kumar   Ram   Deen   was   arrested   on 24.04.2025.     Officials   of   the   Embassy   of   India,   Riyadh,   visited   the

Riyadh Central Jail and provided consular access to Shri Dharmendra Kumar. He was released from Jail on 14.07.2025. After his release, Embassy officials communicated with his sponsor and got the Final Exit paper  which   was   mandatory   for   his   travelling   back   to   India.   Shri Dharmendra   Kumar   reached   India   safely   on   18.7.2025.   Embassy officials were in regular touch with his family for extending all possible assistance.

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