Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Thursday assured the Rajya Sabha that the Government places the highest priority on the safety, protection, and welfare of Indian workers employed overseas, particularly in Gulf countries.
Responding to a question raised by MP Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni regarding migrant workers from Maharashtra, Singh said that between January 1, 2020, and July 31, 2025, a total of 30,295 Emigration Clearances (ECs) were issued to Indian workers from the state, including those heading to Gulf nations.
Highlighting the concerns raised by workers abroad, the Minister said that the most common complaints include delayed or unpaid salaries, confiscation of passports, poor accommodation, unfair work conditions, extended working hours, and harassment.
Singh outlined the mechanisms in place to support workers, stating that Indian Embassies and Consulates provide assistance through multiple channels—walk-ins, email, 24×7 multilingual helplines, WhatsApp, grievance portals like MADAD, CPGAMS, eMigrate, and social media. Dedicated Labour Wings and Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras in New Delhi, Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah also provide guidance and counselling.
“Upon receiving complaints, Missions proactively engage with employers, visit workplaces if required, and take up the matter with the local labour departments and authorities of the host country for resolution,” he said. Missions also conduct Open Houses and Consular Camps in remote areas to reach workers directly and address their grievances.
The Minister highlighted special safeguards for women workers, noting that recruitment of Indian female workers with Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports is permitted only through state-run recruiting agencies via the e-Migrate portal, with a minimum age requirement of 30 years to prevent exploitation.
Singh further added that Indian Embassies and Consulates extend financial and legal support through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), covering expenses like boarding, lodging, legal aid, medical emergencies, repatriation, and transportation of mortal remains.
“The Government is fully committed to protecting Indian workers abroad and ensuring their welfare through proactive intervention, structured grievance redressal, and legal safeguards,” Singh affirmed.
