RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3855
TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.04.2017
INDIANS LANGUISHING IN FOREIGN JAILS
†3855. SHRI LAL SINH VADODIA:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that a large number of people, who went abroad for employment, are languishing in jails there;
(b) if so, whether Government is considering any steps to bring them back; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) As per information available, country-wise details of 7615 Indian nationals, who went abroad for various purposes, including employment and are lodged in foreign jails is attached at Annexure.
Due to the strict provisions of privacy laws, the United States of America, Canada, Australia and many countries in Europe do not share information about Indian nationals in their prisons.
(b) & (c) In those cases where Indian nationals complete their sentence and are waiting for completion of deportation formalities, Indian Missions/Posts in those countries take up with the respective foreign governments the speeding up of the process including issue of final Exit Visas, waiver of penalties imposed on Indian workers, etc. from the concerned authorities and for the early return of the Indian nationals to India. Where required, the Indian Missions and Posts abroad also provide airfare for facilitating the return of the Indian prisoners who have completed their sentence, to India.
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