Concerned over the increasing instances of exploitation of overseas Indian workers especially in Gulf countries, the Government of India (GoI) has set up an Overseas Workers' Resource Centre (OWRC) for rendering counselling assistance to Indian labourers.
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs will assist the large Indian community working in different parts of the globe by disseminating information on emigration, registering and monitoring their complaint, and following the cases thereafter.
The OWRC also avails a toll free number 1800 11 3090 accessible from anywhere in India for rendering help to the emigrant workers. Presently it is functioning in seven languages, viz. Hindi, English, Tamil, Malayalam, Punjabi, Kannada and Telugu from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm, seven days a week.
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi, in his statement to Lok Sabha has informed that on receipt of a number of complaints, prosecution orders have been issued against as many as 37 unregistered recruiting agents while 34 similar cases have been referred to state governments in this year so far. Besides, a total of 89 cases have been filed by registered recruitment agents.
It is to mention here that a large number of complaints have been received about illegal recruitment of Indian workers for employment abroad by unregistered agencies which results in their exploitation and harassment by the employers with less payment and also at the hands of respective law enforcing authorities.
The ministry is also in coordination with the Indian Missions abroad by taking up those complaints of such workers to the foreign employers and local authorities.
The Government of India is also considering a proposal to establish an ‘Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)’ to provide monetary assistance to Indian Missions to work for the welfare of harassed Indian workers living in the Emigration Clearance Required (ECR) countries.
A separate scheme has also been launched for skill up-gradation and pre-departure orientation of prospective emigrant workers. It aims to upgrade the skills of Indian workers with basic knowledge about laws, language, and culture of the destination country, which in turn will enhance their prospect in the overseas employment market.
With a view to protect the interests of the Indian workers going abroad, the ministry has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Kuwait, UAE, and pursuing similar pacts with other countries.
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