Indian missions in the Gulf have informed that from time to time complaints of diverse nature are received in the missions. The complaints relate to contractual violations such as non-payment or delay in payment of salary/wages and other benefits, refusal of leave or exit/re-entry permits for visits to India, refusal to send the worker back home on final exit visa, non-issue or non-renewal of residence permit, illegal deductions from the salary/wages or the salary or job not given as per the contract, heavy work-load, mal-treatment, harassments, etc.  The number of the complaints during the last three years received in these missions are at annexure.

            India has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December, 2006, with Kuwait in April, 2007, with Oman in November, 2008, and with Bahrain in June, 2009.  India had also signed a Labour Agreement with Qatar in 1980 to protect the interest of the Indian Workers.  An Additional Protocol to the existing Labour Agreement between India and Qatar was signed in November, 2007.

These MoUs enhance bilateral co-operation in management of migration and protection of labour welfare.  Under these MoUs a Joint Working Group (JWG) has been constituted that meets regularly in order to resolve bilateral labour issues.  The monitoring and review of the efficacy of these MoUs signed with these countries are an on-going process on the basis of the decisions taken during the Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings.

ANNEXURE

The Number Of Complaints Received During The Last Three Years From The Emigrant Workers In The Gulf Countries: -

            *Gender-wise details are not available.

This information was given by the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

PKM