Lok Sabha Question No. 5556 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Consular Access to Indian Citizens detained in GCC
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ms Iqra Choudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5556

## ANSWERED ON- 27/03/2026

## CONSULAR ACCESS TO INDIAN CITIZENS DETAINED IN GCC

## †5556. MS IQRA CHOUDHARY

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether any request has been received by the Ministry from family members of the Members of Parliament for consular access to citizens detained in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the last five years, if so, the action taken thereon, country-wise;

(b) the number of cases in which consular access was granted during the   said   period   and   the   type   of   legal,   medical   and   humanitarian assistance provided to the Indian detainees;

(c)   whether   requests   have   been   made   by   the   Government   to   the Governments of  the   respective   countries   for   pardon,   reduction   of sentence, mercy petitions or repatriation to India in the cases of

Indian citizens detained in GCC countries and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the details of any guidelines or SOPs formulated by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) The Ministry receives requests from Hon'ble Members of Parliament,   as   well   as   from   family   members   of   Indian   nationals detained   abroad,   regarding   consular   access   and   their   welfare   in foreign prisons. As per the information available with the Ministry, the number of Indian prisoners, including under trials, in GCC countries is 5548 (Bahrain-303, Kuwait-379, Oman-99, Qatar-870, Saudi Arabia-2478 & UAE-1419).

On the basis of requests of the Hon'ble Members of Parliament and family members, as well as in the course of their usual Consular functions, Mission/Posts undertake consular access to ascertain the safety and welfare of Indian nationals in jails. The data of consular

access granted to Indian nationals in jails in the GCC countries during the last five years may be seen at Annexure A.

As soon as the information about the detention/arrest of an Indian national is received by an Indian Mission/Post, it immediately gets in touch   with   the   local   Foreign   Office   and   other   concerned   local authorities   to   get   consular   access   to   the   detained/arrested   Indian national to ascertain the facts of the case, confirm his or her Indian nationality   and   ensure   his   or   her   welfare.   Missions/Posts   remain vigilant to ensure that rights of the Indian prisoners in foreign jails are protected.

Apart   from   extending   all   possible   consular   assistance   to   Indians imprisoned abroad, Indian Missions/Posts also assist in providing legal aid wherever needed. Missions/Posts also maintain a local panel of lawyers in countries 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.

The issue of release and repatriation of Indian nationals in foreign prisons is regularly pursued by Indian Missions/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   Dialogue   and   other   consultations   with authorities of foreign 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 or her home country to serve the prison sentence. So far, India has signed Agreements on Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TSP) with 31 countries,   which   includes   Bahrain,   Kuwait,   Qatar,   Saudi   Arabia   & United Arab Emirates (UAE).

## Annexure A

## Data on Consular Access to Indian Prisoners in jail in GCC countries in the last five years

| Country      | Number of cases where Consular access was granted                                                                                                                                 | Remarks                                                                                                                                                                           |
|--------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Saudi Arabia | 3427                                                                                                                                                                              | Number of detained Indian nationals to whom Consular access was granted from 2021-2025                                                                                            |
| Kuwait       | 272                                                                                                                                                                               | Number of detained Indian nationals to whom Consular access was granted from 2023-2025                                                                                            |
| Qatar        | 1192                                                                                                                                                                              | Number of detained Indian nationals to whom Consular access was granted from 2024-2025                                                                                            |
| Bahrain      | 34                                                                                                                                                                                | Number of Jail visits by Mission officials to meet detained Indian nationals from 2021- 2025                                                                                      |
| Oman         | 48                                                                                                                                                                                | Number of Jail visits by Mission officials to meet detained Indian nationals from 2021- 2025                                                                                      |
| UAE          | The Embassy/Consulate regularly seeks consular access to Indians detained in various jails. On an average, the officials undertake 14 jail visits in every month. On every visit, | The Embassy/Consulate regularly seeks consular access to Indians detained in various jails. On an average, the officials undertake 14 jail visits in every month. On every visit, |

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