Question : ASSISTANCE TO WOMEN ABROAD

(a) whether the number of Indian women seeking employment in various countries abroad especially Middle-East has shown an increasing trend over the last three years and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the nature of jobs that are being offered to these women along with the social security and other benefits granted to them;

(c) whether the Government has identified any Non- Governmental Organisations or legal team for provi- ding legal assistance and cooperation to Indian women in distress abroad;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the total number of women who got such assistance during the last three years along with the details of assistance so received?

MINISTER OF STATE OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS GENERAL (RETD.) SHRI V.K. SINGH

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. During the last three years i.e. 2011, 2012, 2013, the number of emigration clearance granted to Indian women for the Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries are 16579, 19321 and 21563 respectively. Most of these women workers go for employment in domestic/ household/ child care/ health care sectors.

The women workers are provided with health insurance and boarding & lodging facilities. Besides, special protection measures for women domestic sector workers provided are by way of:-

# below 30 years are not permitted to obtain emigration clearance.

# Minimum Referral Wages as fixed by Indian Missions.

# Security deposit of US $2500 to be deposited with Indian Mission by the Foreign Employer.

# Compulsory attestation of employment documents by Indian Missions.

# Shelter home for distressed emigrants by Indian Missions.

(c) to (e): No Non- Governmental Organisations has been identified since the Ministry has already created the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in the Indian Missions abroad to meet contingency expenditure incurred by them for carrying out various on-site welfare activities for overseas Indians who are in distress including repatriation to India, initial legal assistance, running of a shelter house for women. Around 28000 emigrants including women have benefitted from the scheme during the last three years and Rs.37 crore have been utilized for the purpose.