Question : Visa to Trained Indians

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken or it taking any special steps for getting visas provided to maximum trained Indians in the field of Information Technology by the European Countries and America;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of persons engaged in the said sector abroad at present;

(d) the steps taken by the Government to protect Indian employees in various countries from getting exploited; and

(e) the important steps taken by the Government to create awareness among the Indian employees working in various countries?

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

(a) & (b) Issuance of visas to Indian nationals is the prerogative of the Government of the host country. Most of the European countries have not effected any major change in their policy towards granting visa to trained Indian professionals, including in the field of Information Technology. The Government raises these issues and concerns on a regular basis at various bilateral fora. These issues are also taken up and discussed with the countries under the framework of General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATs).

(c) It is difficult to ascertain the number of persons engaged in the IT sector abroad as many of these countries do not publish such statistics and some countries prohibit publication of such information under their local privacy laws.

(d) & (e) The Government provides all required help if a complaint of exploitation is received, including legal assistance, if required. Our Missions/Posts abroad liaise with the local/host Government/authorities in case there is an issue relating to such exploitation, according to the terms and conditions of the employment contract. Many host countries have a labour policy/law in place, aimed at attracting skilled migrants and safeguarding their rights. India also has bilateral social security agreements with some of the countries aimed to safeguard interests of Indian nationals abroad. Ministry has launched a media campaign on TV, Radio and Social Media platforms in March 2017 about the need for Safe and Legal Migration of Indian workers seeking employment in foreign countries. The awareness campaign also advocates the need to obtain training for the job/employment abroad.