Question : EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGNERS

(a) whether the Government has allowed foreigners to work in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the number of foreigners working in the country at present, sector-wise especially in the Defence and IT sectors;

(c) whether foreigners are being preferred for their employment in those sectors and if so, the details thereof including the various provisions made for their employment in the country and the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the employment of foreigners has affected the job opportunity of educated unemployed Indian youths in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH)

(a) & (b) Yes Madam, Foreign nationals who are offered employment for not less than US$ 25,000 per annum are allowed to work in India as per the guidelines on employment visa dated 30.09.2010 issued by Ministry of Home Affairs. However, this floor limit on income does not apply to ethnic cooks, language teachers/ translators and staff working for embassies. Information in respect of number of foreigners working in the country and their break-up sector-wise is not maintained with Ministry of Labour & Employment.

(c) No, Madam.

(d) No, Madam. As per the Surveys on Employment and Unemployment conducted by National Sample Survey (NSS) Office, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation during 2009-10 and 2011-12, the estimated employment, as per usual status, has increased from 4654.8 lakhs in 2009-10 to 4741 lakhs in 2011-12.

(e) Does not arise.