(a) Whether the KGL company of Dubai has again started recruiting truck/trailer drivers in Punjab;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the measures taken by the Government for the safety of these drivers abroad and to ensure that they are not forced to travel to Iraq as was done earlier?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)IN THE MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS(SHRI JAGDISH TYTLER)
(a) to (c): There have been Press reports about M/s KGL recruiting truck and trailer drivers for Iraq. M/s Kuwait & Gulf Link Transport Co., Kuwait was placed in PAC list in 2001 and was removed from Prior Approval Category (PAC) list in November 2004 based on the recommendation of Embassy of India, Kuwait. The workers going to Kuwait and Jordan are required to submit employment documents duly attested by the concerned Indian Mission. Further, on the passports of the workers going to such countries, specific endorsement `NOT FOR EMPLOYMENT IN IRAQ` is made.
However, on a review of the situation, all the Protectors of Emigrant have been directed not to give any emigration clearance at their level to Indian workers proposed to be deployed for the said company w.e.f. 22-7-2005 last year the proposals to the Ministry.