Lok Sabha Question No. 960 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-05
Subject: Indians Imprisoned in Kuwait Jail
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Rajkumar Roat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 960 ANSWERED ON- 05/12/2025 INDIANS IMPRISONED IN KUWAIT JAIL

† 960.   SHRI RAJKUMAR ROAT Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :(a) the details of  the persons from the Udaipur and Banswara Lok Sabha Constituency who have gone to Kuwait and other countries for employment; (b) the number of  Indian workers imprisoned and languishing in jails in Kuwait and other countries, indicating the offences for which they have been imprisoned, State-wise and name-wise details of  such persons from Lok Sabha Constituency of  Banswara indicating the efforts made so far by the Government for their release; (c) whether it is a fact that several Indian labourers in Kuwait are being subjected to arbitrary work practices by companies there and they face the threat of  deportation due to violations of  contract

terms and if  so, the remedial steps taken by the Government in this regard; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to hold high-level discussions with the Government of  Kuwait to ensure justice and safeguard the security of  Indian workers and if  so, the time by which it is likely to be done?

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

(a) to (c)   A total of 13,437 emigrant workers from Banswara and Udaipur   have   been   granted   Emigration   Clearance   (EC)   through eMigrate for employment in foreign countries, including Kuwait.

There are a total of 316 Indian prisoners in jails in Kuwait (as on 31.10.2025) as per the data shared by Kuwaiti authorities. However, specific data in respect of Udaipur and Banswara is not available.

The Government attaches high priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals in foreign countries, including those in 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 abroad, the Mission/ Post 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.   Indian Missions/Posts abroad 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/ Posts abroad with the   local   authorities   concerned.   Missions/Posts   abroad   also approach   the   law   enforcement   agencies   to   complete   the investigation   and   judicial   proceedings   as   early   as   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/ Posts also assist in providing legal aid wherever needed. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has been 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.

(d) There are two MoUs between India and Kuwait on labour issues: (i) MoU on Labour, Employment and Manpower Development signed on 07 April 2009; and (ii) MoU between the Government of India and the   Government   of   the   State   of   Kuwait   for   Cooperation   on   the recruitment   of   Domestic   workers   signed   on   June   10,   2021. Discussions on all labour issues are held within the framework of JWG on Labour Employment and Manpower Development. Regular meetings are held between Embassy Officials and Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) and Domestic Labour Office (DLO) as well as Consulate Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kuwait for resolution of labour issues of Indian workers as well as to ensure welfare of Indian workers.

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