Question : INDIANS IN ILLEGAL RETENTION ABROAD

(a) whether reports suggest that about 350 nurses from Kerala are in illegal retention of a private company in Kuwait and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has initiated talks with the concerned authorities for the safe and early release of these nurses and if so, the details in this regard;

(c) whether similar incidents involving Indians have been reported from other countries of Middle-East particularly Saudi Arabia; and

(d) if so, the details thereof, country-wise and the remedial action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in such cases along with the outcome thereof?

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

(a) A news item titled, “350 Duped Nurses in Kuwait face mass suicide” was reported in Kuwait Times of 12 September, 2014 stating that they have been for- cefully detained in a Company guest house in Mahboula.

(b) On receipt of the above news item, the Indian Mission at Kuwait contacted both the Company namely GTC Company, Kuwait, which recruited nurses for the Ministry of Education, Kuwait and also one of the nurses, who have categorically denied any such illegal retention and also denied any such complaint to that effect.

(c) No, Madam.

(d) Does not arise.