RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2729
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.08.2017
INDIAN MIGRANT LABOURERS HELD IN PRISONS
2729. SHRIMATI KANIMOZHI:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the number of Indian migrant labourers presently held in the prisons of the eighteen countries of West Asia and the reasons for which they are being held country-wise;
(b) the number of complaints received by the Indian Missions located in those countries regarding the migrant labourers, country-wise; and
(c) the actions taken by the Indian Missions in those cases?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI M.J. AKBAR)
(a) & (b) As per the information available, a total of 4,329 Indian migrant labourers are held in jails in eighteen West Asian countries. Many foreign countries do not provide information on imprisonment of Indian nationals in their countries, except when
they are under orders of deportation. The reasons for imprisonment include violating local laws, illegal stay or not possessing valid travel document. From 2015 till date, 45,444 complaints were received by the Indian Missions & Posts abroad located in these
eighteen West Asia countries regarding the migrant labourers. Country-wise details are at
Annexure.
(c) Our Missions and Posts abroad extend all possible help and assistance to the imprisoned Indian nationals including when they are detained by local police/immigration authorities or put in jails for violation of immigration laws. After confirmation of nationality
of such persons, our Missions and Posts also facilitate their repatriation to India by issuing them necessary travel documents. The Mission/Post officials attend labour/general court hearings against Indian nationals. They also make regular visits to local
jails and detention centers to ascertain the condition of Indian nationals lodged there and provide requisite help and support including legal assistance in deserving cases.
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