WHILE answering a question in Rajya Sabha, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affiar, Mr Vayalar Ravi, yesterday said that there are a large number of Indian workers in the Gulf countries, and a good number of their complaints range from ill-treatment and harassment, non-payment of agreed salaries to withholding of passports.

To address these issues, the Govt has taken several steps, which include:

(i) Nation-wide awareness campaigns through the media to educate intending emigrants about legal emigration procedures, the risk of illegal migration and precautions to be taken during emigration.

(ii) The Government has established an Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) which is a 24 hour telephone helpline in eight languages to provide authentic information to emigrants as well as intending emigrants on all aspects of emigration.

(iii) The Government has established Indian Community Welfare Funds (ICWF) in all Indian Missions to provide onsite support to the affected emigrants.

(iv) Government has established an Indian Workers Resource Centre( IWRC) in the UAE.

(v) The Government has signed MOUs with seven major labour receiving countries to lay down a framework for bilateral cooperation for the protection and welfare of workers.

(vi) The Ministry revised the Emigration (Amendment) Rules, 2009 w.e.f 9th July, 2009 revising the eligibility criteria for Recruiting Agents (RAs).

(vii) In case, the involvement of a recruiting agent to cheat and exploit the worker is reported, then action under Emigration Act, 1983 is taken. Besides, the blacklisting of recalcitrant employers is also resorted to.

(viii) Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) is a compulsory Insurance Scheme for the protection of emigrant workers.

(ix) Some missions hold awareness camps and medical camps and visit Jails, hospital and labour camps. The missions also operate shelter homes for women emigrants/ runaway maids.