RAJAY SABHA
Reports of exploitation and ill-treatment of Indian workers working in Gulf countries, Malaysia and a few African countries are received in Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Indian Missions from time to time. The problems faced by the overseas Indian workers mainly relate to contractual violations by employers such as non-payment / delayed payment of salary, non-availability of medical facilities, proper food, unhygienic living conditions etc. In such cases, if registered recruitment agency is involved, action is taken under the provision of Emigration Act, 1983, leading to suspension and cancellation of their registration certificate (RC). 27 RCs have been suspended/ cancelled during 2007. In respect of unregistered recruiting agents, the complaints are referred to concerned State Police Authorities/ Protector of Emigrants for investigation and appropriate action as per provisions of the law. 7 prosecution sanctions have been issued during 2007. In respect of complaint against foreign employers, such foreign employer is placed in the Prior Approval Category. 334 Foreign employers have been placed under such category. The following policy measures for protection and welfare of Indian workers have been taken by this Ministry:-
(i) Bilateral Labour MoUs have been signed with UAE in December, 2006 and with Kuwait in April, 2007. An additional protocol with Qatar was signed in November, 2007. These provide for an agreed broad framework for exchange of views leading to better protection of Indian workers while they are employed abroad.
(ii) Age restriction of 30 years has been made mandatory for all women emigrants holding ECR passports seeking employment abroad.
(iii) Government has decided to prescribe the minimum wage for women household service workers emigrating to the ECR countries. The minimum wage will be fixed by the Indian Missions concerned in the range of US $ 300-350, after taking into account the prevailing market wage in that country and is intended to serve as a bench mark for the Indian Missions for attesting work contracts and for the Protectors of Emigrants before granting emigration clearance.
(iv) Introduction of a pre-departure orientation and skill-upgradation programme for potential emigrants to enhance their empowerment.
(v) A massive media campaign has been launched to educate the potential emigrants.
(vi) Overseas Workers Resource Centre has been established with a toll-free helpline to help the emigrants.
(vii) The Emigration Act, 1983 is in the process of being amended to further strengthen the safeguards for the emigrants.
This information was given by the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
PKM
(Release ID :36452)