Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of persons from Kerala detained in the jails of foreign countries due to non-possession of job visa/work permit;
(b) whether any request from the Kerala Government has been received for the release of the above persons; and
(c) if so, the details of steps taken by the Government for the release of the aforesaid persons?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) Indians and other nationals who are in foreign countries without an appropriate job visa/work permit are apprehended by the authorities concerned for violation of local immigration laws in a number of countries. They are housed in detention centres as they await deportation to their home countries. The number of Indians who are in such detention centres in foreign countries varies significantly from time to time as they are deported to India at the earliest opportunity, as soon as our Mission/Post confirms their nationality as Indian. State-wise data on such persons is also not available with our Missions/Posts.
(b) & (c) The Ministry of External Affairs and our Missions/Posts receive requests from State Governments, including the Government of Kerala, from time to time for repatriation of Indian nationals from their country of work to India. Steps taken by our Missions include requesting local authorities for speedy trials, seeking remission of sentences, providing advice and guidance in legal and other matters, ensuring fair and humane treatment in foreign jails, issue of emergency certificates and repatriation to India of those who are released. Our Missions/Posts are in regular touch with local authorities in detention centres in various countries, to ensure that Indians awaiting deportation are sent back to India at the earliest.