At least 0.82 million complaints were received by Indian government from its nationals working outside country in 2014.
New Delhi, July 10/Nationalturk – Indian government received 0.82 million complaints from Indian nationals working abroad in April 2013-March 2014.
“Complaints from Indian workers received from time to time are generally in the nature of non-payment/ delayed payment or underpayment of salaries, long working hours, inadequate living conditions, physical harassment, non-renewal of visa and labour card on time, refusal to pay for the medical treatment, denial of leave and air-ticket to the hometown on completion of period of contract, refusal of leave or exit/re-entry permits, etc,” Indian Minister of State Overseas Indian Affairs General (Retd) V K Singh informed lawmakers in Lok Sabha, lower house of Indian parliament.
He said there is marginal increase in emigration to some of the Gulf countries.
“In 2011, 649794 complaints were received. The figure rose up to 776672 in 2012 and 820947 in 2013,” the minister said adding highest number of complaints 339857 were received from Indian nationals working in Saudi Arabia followed by 220392 from Indian nationals in UAE.
‘Action is taken on the complaints’
Asked whether any action is taken on the complains, Gen (Retd) V K Singh said, “Whenever a complaint is received from any Indian worker abroad, action is initiated by the Ministry by asking the concerned Indian Mission to look into the matter. If the complaint is received by the Indian Mission, the Indian Mission also initiates action to resolve the issue by getting in touch with the foreign employer/local authorities and emigrant worker concerned and visiting Indian labour camps, if required, and actively pursuing until their logical conclusion.”
He said wherever necessary, the complainant is also provided counseling and accordingly referred to concerned labour office/court, Immigration and police authorities etc. The Missions also provide interpreting services to the Indian complainants.
“Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has been established in all the Indian Missions for on-site welfare of emigrants, which includes offering short term food and accommodation for Indian workers in distress/ allowance, air-ticket at Government cost for the repatriation to India, transportation of the mortal remains, initial legal assistance and emergency medical help, organizing awareness camps at prominent workers accommodation sites,” added the minister.
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