(a) whether the Government has launched a participatory insurance scheme for Indian citizens
who are migrating to other countries;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the progress made in this regard;
(c) whether there is any plan to open new helplines for Overseas Indians to contact their country
during emergency; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) & (b): Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) was launched in 2003 as an Insurance Scheme for migrant
workers from India to other Countries. The Scheme, revised in 2008, covers the period of Employment
Contract and provides for various enhanced benefits to the migrant workers, such as minimum insured
sum of Rs.10 lakhs, Rs. 75,000/- towards hospitalization / medical expenses, Rs. 50,000/- for family
hospitalization in India, Rs. 25,000/- for maternity expenses, Rs.30,000/- for legal expenses and
one-way economy Class fare for repatriation on medical unfitness.
(c) & (d): Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has established a Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) as
a Helpline for providing assistance to Indian workers abroad and those who are desirous of going abroad for
employment. The OWRC has a Helpline with a toll free number 1800 11 3090, accessible from anywhere in India
and an International toll free no. 8000 911 913, accessible from UAE. The Heads of Indian Missions in the
six GCC Countries and Malaysia have also been requested to establish Indian Workers Resource Centres (IWRC),
which includes a Help Desk and a multi- lingual helpline at the Missions.