(a) whether the Government is aware that more than 116 Indian persons particularly of
Rajasthan have been stopped for a long time by the companies against their willingness
without making any payment and providing sufficient food in Libya as reported in the media;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of the action taken/being taken by the Government for immediate return of these persons from Libya?
MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) to (c): In May 2010, 116, Indian workers complained to Indian Embassy in Libya that
they are not being provided with food and about the non payment of their dues by their
employer.
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Indian Embassy, Libya immediately took up the
matter with the foreign employer, the Indian recruiting agent and the Libyan foreign office
to resolve the problem of Indian workers. The Indian Embassy officials also visited the
Project site which is about 1200 KM away from Tripoli, five times to resolve the problems of
workers and also provided them financial assistance for supplies of food, fuel, water and
medicines.
By coordinating with the Libyan Authorities and the employer 67 workers have already been
repatriated to India. Of the remaining 49 workers exit Visa formalities for 27 have already
been completed and in respect of 22, Indian Embassy is making efforts to collect their passports from the
Libyan authorities. The return tickets for the workers are being arranged by the recruitin
agency. The workers are expected to depart for India shortly.
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Indian Embassy in Libya are constantly
monitoring the situation.