Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding Safety And Security Of Indian Workers Working In Foreign Countries. on 9 December, 2015
Sixteenth Loksabha an> Title: Regarding safety and security of Indian workers working in foreign countries.
SHRI M. CHANDRAKASI (CHIDAMBARAM): Hon. Speaker, Madam, I would like to highlight the difficulties faced by the Indian workers in foreign countries. A considerable number of workers is from Tamil Nadu. The hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is very much concerned about the welfare of those workers. The Indian workers in foreign countries bring foreign exchange for the country and the money sent by them contributes a major share of foreign exchange to the country. However, the working level and living conditions of these workers are not satisfactory.… (Interruptions)
The Indian workers in foreign countries face various kinds of difficulties and exploitations. Some of the problems affecting the workers are unsuitable job, poor living conditions, low wages, overwork, poor medical facilities, ill-treatment, abuses and physical attacks, etc. The workers who question or oppose ill-treatment shall invite the risk of job loss and punishment. In some cases, their passports and visas are taken by the employers. Thus, they face various kinds of torments in foreign countries. Sometimes, the Indian workers die in foreign countries. In such cases, the relatives of the workers experience great difficulties in getting the dead body, pay-dues and other belongings of the unfortunate workers.… (Interruptions)
So, the Indian workers in foreign countries need to be given proper protection and support. The Union Government should take specific steps for the regular monitoring of safety and working conditions of the Indian workers and to provide necessary free counselling and free legal assistance through our Embassies and Missions. Also, a suitable insurance scheme for those workers may be made mandatory.… (Interruptions)
HON. SPEAKER: What is this?
SHRI M. CHANDRAKASI: I, therefore, urge the Union Government to take all necessary actions, particularly the above mentioned steps to protect the life, property and dignity of the Indian workers in foreign countries. Thank you.