Four million Indian workers engaged in the Gulf

New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) As many as four million Indian workers are engaged in different jobs in the Gulf countries, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry said.

"While exact number is not available, a large number of these workers in Saudi Arabia are in the unorganized sector and are not covered by labour laws in the Gulf.'' OIA Minister Vayalar Ravi told the Lok Sabha in reply to written questions today that about 43 per cent of these workers are employed in Saudi Arabia and 48 in Kuwait.

On the status of Indians in jails in gulf countries, he said Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest number of 1116, followed by the United Arab Emirates (825), Kuwait (111), Bahrain (86) and Qatar (32).

With a view to ascertaining the possibility of their release at the earliest opportunity, the officials in Indian Missions in Gulf countries visit the jails periodically or whenever required, to ensure Consular access to the arrested Indians.

The Missions also take up their cases with the local Government authorities in this regard. Besides, the Indian Missions send requests for Royal Pardon for the release of Indian prisoners on humanitarian grounds during the holy month of Ramadan.

In reply to another query, Mr Ravi said that the Protector General of Emigrants has from time to time been making efforts to create awareness among potential emigrants about their rights and duties through publication of an information handbook on emigration, pamphlets and advertisements.

He said his ministry was taking measures to create awareness on divorce of couples of Indian origin abroad. The measures include publishing a guidance booklet on marriages to Overseas Indians and publicity through print and electronic media.

Mr Ravi said the ministry organized a National Consultation in Delhi in February 2006 and a Workshop in Chandigarh in June 2006 to address the problems relating to marriages with overseas Indians.

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