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QUESTION NO.461 RELEASE OF INDIAN PRISONERS FROM MIDDLE EAST

February 07, 2019

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.461
TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2019

RELEASE OF INDIAN PRISONERS FROM MIDDLE EAST

461. SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether there are cases of Indians languishing in prisons especially of Middle East countries even after their period of conviction is over; and

(b) if so, the steps that are being taken by the Government for their release?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) As per information available, the total number of Indians who have completed their jail terms but are still lodged in prisons in Gulf countries is 20 (04 in Oman and 16 in UAE). However, due to stringent privacy laws prevailing in many countries, the local authorities do not share information on prisoners unless the person concerned consents to the disclosure of such information. Even countries, which share information, do not generally provide detailed information about the persons who have been imprisoned.

(b) The process of release and repatriation of Indian nationals who complete their sentences in foreign prisons is dynamic and the number keeps changing. Our Missions and Posts abroad provide all possible consular support and humanitarian and legal assistance on a case to case basis, for completing formalities by coordinating with local immigration authorities for early deportation of the Indians who have completed their jails terms. This includes issue of emergency certificates, if required, and also provision of airfare on a means tested basis in deserving cases from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).

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