BILATERAL ISSUES

BAHRAIN

Question No. 3566, Unpaid Workers in Bahrain, Lok Sabha, New Delhi, 08 August 2018.

†3566. DR. KRISHAN PRATAP:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether hundreds of Indian workers have not been paid their salaries for the last several months by the companies in Bahrain;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any action has been taken to help the said workers to get their salaries; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) & (b) It has been informed by the Indian Embassy in Bahrain that 350 Indian expatriate workers from the following three companies had not been paid salaries for four to six months:-

(i) M/s GP Zachariades Overseas Ltd.

(ii) M/s Orlando Construction Company WLL

(iii) M/s First Uniforms Company WLL

(c) & (d) The matter was taken-up by the Indian Embassy with concerned authorities. Part dues have been paid and defaulting companies have agreed to settle the balance amount. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

IRAN

Impact of US sanctions on import of oil from Iran, New Delhi, 01 August 2018

Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has said that India has taken note of the re-imposition of US Sanctions on Iran in wake of the US pull out from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on May 8, 2018.  The crude oil price fluctuation is a frequent market phenomenon and the price of crude oil is determined by many factors, including geo-political situations and demand and supply in the global market.

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha today, the Minister said that the contribution of petroleum sector to central exchequer during the Financial Year 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 is ₹1,72,065 crore, ₹2,53,615 crore and ₹3,34,534 crore respectively. Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

MOROCCO

Cabinet approves signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Morocco, New Delhi, 29 August 2018

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the revised air services agreement to be signed between India and Morocco. After the new Air Services Agreement comes into force, the existing Air Services Agreement of December, 2004 shall stand superseded. 

Benefits:

The Air Services Agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and Morocco and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.  It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security.

Details:

Major features of the Agreement include:

i)  Multiple designation of Airlines by each party;

ii) The designated Airline of each party can enter into cooperative marketing arrangements with the designated carriers of same party, other party and that of a third party;

iii) This agreement allows designated airlines of either countries to establish offices in the territory of other country for the promotion and sale of air services;

iv) The designated airlines of the both countries can operate any number of services to/from the six points specified in the Route Schedule to the ASA viz. Indian designated carriers can operate any number of services to/from Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakesh, Agadir, Tangier and Fez in Morocco and similarly the designated carriers of Morocco can operate any number of services to/from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.   

v) Air Services Agreement also has the provisions relating to Revocation or Suspension of Operating Authorization, Principles governing operations of agreed services, commercial opportunities, safety and security related clause etc. that have been incorporated in line of Indian Model ASA.

Background:

Keeping in view of the growth in the civil aviation sector and also with a view to modernize and improve seamless air connectivity between the two sovereign nations, the existing Air Services Agreement between India and Morocco has been updated.

The existing Air Services Agreement between India and Morocco was signed in year 2004 and does not have the updated clauses on Safety, Security, Designation of Airlines, Commercial Activities, Tariffs etc. Besides, the provisions of Cooperative Marketing Arrangements which enable both sides to establish the code share on each other flights and also on the flights of 3rd country carriers are also not available in the present Air Services Agreement. Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

UAE

Situation in Kerala, Abu Dhabi, 20 August 2018.

Ambassador Navdeep Suri and Consul General Vipul yesterday had a detailed meeting with representatives of about 30 major Indian community associations to discuss the situation in Kerala.  After screening a short film that depicts the gravity of the damage caused by the unprecedented floods, he highlighted the measures being taken by the Government of India and the Government of Kerala to provide emergency relief to the affected citizens.  Contingents of the Indian Armed forces, Navy and Air Force were working alongside State Government officials to provide all necessary assistance.

2. Ambassador Suri expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the concern expressed by the leadership of UAE and in particular by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.  He said that their messages of support at this crucial juncture reflect the true depth of India-UAE relations and also highlight the age-old bonds between the people of India and the people of UAE.

3. Ambassador Suri explained that he has been in touch with the Government of India in Delhi, with the Government of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram and also with the UAE Government.  Based on his discussions, he advised the Indian community associations of the following:

i. Government of Kerala is keen that all contributions large or small should be made directly to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. He welcomed the decision of Exchange Houses like UAE Exchange and Lulu Exchange to waive off remittance fees to this Fund.

ii. He drew attention to reports that certain community organizations and individuals were engaged in fund-raising efforts to support the relief efforts in Kerala. He also drew attention to local laws that clearly define the organizations that are authorized to engage in fund-raising and advised them to abide by local laws.

iii. He welcomed the enthusiasm of community organizations and individuals in collecting various relief materials for dispatch to Kerala but highlighted the feedback from Government of Kerala advising against dispatch of such materials. He pointed out that Government of Kerala has said that any shortages of relief materials are temporary and localized and there is   abundant availability from States neighbouring Kerala.

4. In response to the interest shown by some participants to volunteer their expertise for the reconstruction efforts in Kerala, Ambassador asked the Director of NORKA to establish a portal which would receive CVs of doctors, engineers, electricians, technicians and others who are willing to volunteer their time along with the tentative window in which they can go to Kerala and offer community service. This information could be matched with the reconstruction programmes undertaken by Government of Kerala.

5. Some community associations pointed out that their members are stuck in Kerala because their passports have been damaged in the floods and they may be delayed in returning to UAE since they have to obtain fresh passports and visas. A similar issue was also raised with regard to possible delay in return of students for the school session. Ambassador Suri promised to take up both issues with the relevant UAE authorities. Source: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

Ambassador Navdeep Suri visits Al Shahama Camp, Abu Dhabi, 15 August 2018

Following the flag hoisting and cultural program on the occasion of India’s Independence Day at the Indian Embassy this morning, Ambassador Navdeep Suri visited the Shahama Centre in Abu Dhabi. He was accompanied by senior diplomats from the Embassy's consular and community affairs departments.

Ambassador Suri met senior Emirati officials at the Shahama Centre to review arrangements for the on-going Amnesty scheme. He said, "We truly appreciate the generosity of the UAE leadership in creating this three month window. The senior officials who are handling the scheme have been exceptionally cooperative with our Embassy team and have made a number of improvements in processes. We have assured them of our full support.'

Ambassador Suri and the team also visited the tent in which Amnesty cases are being processed and met with several Indian nationals who were waiting to get their cases processed. They were deeply moved by the visit of a top level team from the Embassy. In his interaction with them, Ambassador Navdeep Suri assured, 'Your Embassy is your best friend when you are abroad. We are here to help you and will offer all possible assistance to ensure that you reach back to India safely.' He gave them best wishes for Independence Day. The Embassy also provided special food packets to them.

Ambassador Navdeep Suri also met with volunteers from Indian Islamic Centre who have been working closely with the Embassy team to help the stranded Indians. 'Your efforts are getting you the blessings of hundreds of persons. Thank you for all your efforts.'

Following the inputs from senior Emirati officials about revised processes that are being put in place to assist the applicants, Ambassador Suri indicated that the Embassy would coordinate with major Indian community organizations and would soon issue a revised advisory. Source: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi 

MULTILATERAL ISSUES

INDIA-GCC

Question No.1780, Indians Returning from Gulf Countries, Rajya Sabha, 02 August 2018.

1780. SHRI A. VIJAYAKUMAR:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether a number of Indians have returned from Gulf countries;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the details of remedial and rehabilitation measures taken for those who returned from there?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) & (b) The Indian workers going for overseas employment to the Gulf countries are employed on contractual basis and have to return back to India on completion of their contract period which is generally 2-3 years. The data of the emigrants who returned from the Gulf countries, as captured in the e-Migrate system during last 2 years and the current year is as under:

Data of returnee emigrants from Gulf countries during last two years and current year (up to 19-07-18)

Data of returnee emigrants from Gulf countries during last two years and current year (up to 19-07-18)

Source: e-Migrate.

(c) The Ministry of External Affairs, through its Missions abroad facilitates return of distressed Indian workers from Gulf countries including those who have lost their jobs. This facilitation includes consular, logistical support as well as providing air tickets whenever required. The responsibility of resettlement of the returnees rests with the State Governments, from where the emigrants have gone overseas. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

Question No.247, Ban on Migration to Gulf Countries, Rajya Sabha, New Delhi, 09 August 2018.

*247. SHRI T.G. VENKATESH:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Government is imposing restrictions on migration to Gulf countries in view of the problems being faced by Indians in those countries;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the steps taken/being taken by Government to bring already migrated Indians back; and

(d) the details and the number of people benefited by such steps?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI SUSHMA SWARAJ)

(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARA (a) To (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 247 REGARDING "BAN ON MIGRATION TO GULF COUNTRIES” FOR ANSWER ON 09.08.2018

(a) & (b) No, Sir. However, Indian nationals are advised not to travel to Yemen in the Gulf region in view of the security situation.

The government has also taken additional measures to safeguard the interests of Indian female workers migrating to Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries in view of complaints of exploitation and harassment of the housemaids by unscrupulous agents and employers in the Gulf countries. As per extant guidelines, the minimum age of ECR category female workers proceeding for overseas employment to ECR countries is 30 years. Their emigration for overseas employment is permitted only through the seven designated state run recruitment agencies or through the Foreign Employer registered on e-Migrate system. In case of Foreign Employer, attestation of work contract by the Indian Mission in the destination country and submission of a bank guarantee of US $ 2500 is mandatory before the emigration clearance is granted by the Office of Protector of Emigrants.

(c) & (d) There is a robust institutional framework in place towards ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals going abroad. The MADAD portal, e- Migrate system, Indian Community Welfare Fund, Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras, Open Houses, help-lines, shelter homes etc. are some of the important mechanisms to expeditiously assist Indian nationals abroad. The government also works in close coordination with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries where the Indian community is over 9 million. Labour and Manpower Cooperation related MoUs/Agreements are also in place with GCC countries that provide the overarching overall framework for dialogue on these matters.

The government has extended necessary support to facilitate return of Indian nationals who have availed amnesty offers in GCC countries. These include return of 2,117 Indians from Oman (May-October, 2015), 2,188 Indians from Bahrain (July-December,2015), around 2000 Indians from Qatar (September -December,2016), over 75,000 Indians from Saudi Arabia (March-November,2017) and 13,963 Indians from Kuwait (January-April,2018) since 2014. The Government is also extending all possible support to Indian nationals during the on-going Amnesty offer in UAE.

The Government has also facilitated return of Indian workers adversely affected by the economic downturn in the Gulf region. Important repatriations include over 4900 workers of Saudi Oger and the SAAD Group from Saudi Arabia during 2016-17 and around 1700 workers of Kharafi National of Kuwait earlier this year. Indian workers in companies affected by economic downturn have also been extended assistance through waiver of fines on Iqama (resident permit) related violations, providing exit visas and one way return tickets to India as well as transfer of sponsorship, wherever possible, on gratis basis.

From 2014 to December, 2017, Govt. has brought back 1,01,336 Indians from abroad affected by war, internal strife and natural disasters. This figure also includes repatriation of Indian nationals from abroad for various other reasons including those caught in situations, impacted by economic slowdown in the Gulf region and facing difficulty due to employment related issues.

Out of above 1,01,336 Indians, Government has brought back the following number of Indians from GCC countries in the same period:

*Source: CPV Division Reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question 76 replied on 18 July 2018.

In the above figure of 72,415, who were brought back from GCC countries, 6,815 Indians were provided air tickets from Indian Community Welfare Fund in the same period. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

Compiled by Ankita Sanyal

As part of the policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spellings and date format to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND P R Kumaraswamy