Lok Sabha Question No. 3636 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Victim of International Sex Trafficking
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Anand Bhadauria

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3636

ANSWERED ON 13/03/2026

VICTIM OF INTERNATIONAL SEX TRAFFICKING

3636. SHRI ANAND BHADAURIA

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

(a)   the   details   of   the   protocol   and   Standard   Operating   Procedure followed by the Ministry for providing consular and legal assistance to Indian   citizens   who   are   victims   of   international   sex   trafficking networks, including coordination with foreign governments and victim compensation schemes;

(b)   whether   the   Ministry   has   initiated   any   proactive   exercise   to identify,   contact   and   support   Indian   victims   of   such   international networks or similar global cases, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the measures taken or proposed to strengthen consular support mechanisms and international cooperation to prevent and respond to such cases involving Indian citizens abroad?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a)   to   (c)   The   Ministry   is   alert   to   any   report   or   complaint   by   an aggrieved citizen or their relatives/friends/family members.

The Ministry accords high priority to the safety, security and wellbeing   of   Indian   nationals   abroad   and   provides   consular   and   legal assistance   to   victims   of   human   trafficking,   particularly   victims   of international sex trafficking networks.

As and when complaints of human trafficking are received by our Missions/Posts,   the   matter   is   promptly   taken   up   for   resolution bilaterally   through   diplomatic   channel.   Complaints   regarding   sex trafficking  are   referred   to   the   Government   of   the   host   country   for investigation and prosecution under the relevant legal provisions of that country. Law enforcement authorities in India are also informed of

such cases and they take action against those involved in misleading Indian nationals into such fraudulent employment schemes/trafficking under relevant provisions of the Indian law. Prompt action is also taken by the Protector of Emigrant offices in India whenever instances of human trafficking are noticed.

Our Missions/Posts issues advisories urging all Indian nationals to exercise due caution while seeking employment opportunities abroad and   stay   away   from   falling   prey   to   illegal   agencies   offering employment   opportunities   in   regions   that   are   prone   to   human trafficking.   The   Ministry   routinely   organizes   outreach   programs   to sensitize   various   stakeholders   about   benefits   of   safe   and   legal migration   and   on   possible   ways   of   preventing   human   trafficking through fake or unregistered recruitment agencies. Information about illegal agents is also uploaded and updated on regular basis on the eMigrate Portal.

Ministry also issues advisories, media briefings and tweets about fake job rackets from time to time. Such communications are also issued by concerned Indian Missions/Posts abroad through their websites and social media handles and through the print media. Government of India

also raises such issues at political level with the host Governments from time to time.

A list of unregistered agents has been notified on e-Migrate portal. This information is regularly updated based on complaints filed by aggrieved   individuals.   These   complaints   are   also   forwarded   to concerned state police authorities for taking suitable action against illegal/fake agents as per existing legal provisions.

Indian Missions/Posts abroad render all possible consular assistance to   the   Indian   nationals,   whenever   required.   Indian   nationals   can contact the Indian Missions/Posts abroad via walk-ins, email, social media platforms, 24x7 emergency telephone numbers and Toll Free Helplines established by Missions/Posts abroad, grievance redressal portals like MADAD, CPGRAMS etc for redressal of their grievances. The Ministry through Indian Missions/Posts abroad, takes pro- active measures  to   rescue   Indian   nationals   trapped   in   foreign   countries whenever such cases come to the notice of the Ministry.

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