(a) whether the rules and regulations made to check the exploitation of labourers in the
Gulf countries have proved ineffective;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has noticed a big scam of making fake documents which are
required under these rules and regulations;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the action taken/being taken by the Government against the persons found guilty?
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) & (b) : No, Sir. The Labourers are bracketed in the unskilled category of workers.
For this category, the attestation of employment contract by the Indian Embassy of the
destination country is a pre-requisite for grant of emigration clearance by the Protector of
Emigrants’ office. As a result of this, the Indian Embassy is better placed in mediating with
the foreign employer, if need arises. Before grant of emigration clearance due diligence is
exercised. The number of complaints from overseas Indian workers are a small
proportion to the total number of workers who emigrate for employment every year.
Most of the complaints relate to not being provided promised job,
non payment of wages by the foreign employers, poor working conditions
& improper accommodation.
The Ministry has provided each Mission in the Gulf countries the Indian Community Welfare Fund
which can be utilized to assist workers in distress.
(c) to (e): Some cases of false/forged documents have come to the notice of the Government.
Immediate action is initiated in such cases under the Emigration Act, 1983 by suspending
/canceling the registration certificate of the registered recruiting agents. The foreign
employer are listed in the prior approval category. In the case of government officials,
departmental proceedings are also initiated. In case of unregistered agents the complaints
are forwarded to State Police for investigation and prosecution/ action against the culprits.