(a) whether any ban was imposed on emigration clearance for employment in Libya;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the said ban has now been lifted; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken to ensure the welfare of the persons
who aspire for employment in Libya?
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) : An instruction was issued on 15.07.2010, temporarily stopping emigration
clearance to workers intending to go to Libya.
(b): Reports were received regarding delayed/ non-payment of salary and non-
adherence to the contract conditions by some employers in Libya resulting into hardship to
hundreds of workers. Keeping in view these developments, instructions were issued by Ministry
of Overseas Indian Affairs to all Protectors of Emigrants for temporarily stopping emigration
clearance to workers intending to emigrate to Libya.
(c ) : Yes, Sir. Temporary ban on grant of emigration clearance for Libya has
been lifted in November, 2010.
(d) : Following the concentrated efforts of the Ministry and the Embassy of India at
Tripoli, the foreign employers cleared the outstanding salaries of Indian workers and the
workers who desired to come back were repatriated. The following initiatives taken by the
Government aim at ensuring welfare of the persons who aspire for employment in Libya.
(i) ECR(Emigration Check required) category workers are given emigration clearance to
Libya only on Embassy attested documents regarding the employer.
(ii) A Nation-wide Awareness-cum-Publicity Campaign through media has been launched to
educate intending emigrants about legal emigration procedures, risk of illegal migration and
precautions to be taken during emigration.
(iii) The Ministry has set up the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in 42 Countries
including Libya for providing onsite support and financial assistance to Indian workers in
distress.
(iv) The Government has established an Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) which is a
24 hour telephone helpline in seven languages to provide authentic information to intending
emigrants as well as emigrants on all aspects of emigration. Complaints can also be lodged
through this helpline.