Indian workers' passports with employers in Gulf countries

New Delhi, Aug 17 (UNI) As per information received from the Indian Missions in Gulf countries, the sponsors normally retain the passports of the employees when they reach the destination country in order to obtain work permit / extension or renewal of visas and for security reasons as well as to discourage lateral movement of the emigrant workers to other employers, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

In a written reply, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said such passports are returned to employees by the sponsor in case of need, such as foreign travel or return to India. In case of any inconvenience reported, the concerned Mission immediately takes up the case with the sponsor directly and with the local authorities through local foreign office.

On the new norms for immigration clearance, Mr Ravi said that no new norms have been introduced.

Replying on security and assistance to Indians working abroad, the Minister said that the role of his Ministry is to implement the Emigration Act, 1983 for the protection and welfare of citizens working abroad.

The Indian workers in the Gulf are estimated to be about 4-5 million and the terms and conditions of their employment are governed by employment contracts, he added.

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