(a) whether it is a fact that many Indian origin labourers are imprisoned in gulf countries in cases of accidents;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate any plan to get the long term prisoners in Gulf countries released through Government funded counsellors for acquaintance of their cases; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) & (b) As per information available with the Ministry, 4705 Indian nationals are in prisons in Gulf countries, which also includes Indian origin labourers imprisoned due to accidents, as shown in Annexure.
(c) & (d) 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 prisons for violation of local laws. Apart from extending them all necessary consular services, Indian Missions and Posts abroad also assist in extending legal aid wherever needed. Missions and Posts also maintain a local panel of lawyers where Indian community is in sizeable numbers. Legal assistance is also available to Indian nationals abroad including those in prison on a means tested basis through the Indian Community Welfare Fund.
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