Dubai: IDM to ensure welfare of domestic workers

Dubai, May 13: Indian diplomatic missions will stay in touch with domestic workers in the Gulf countries at least once a month to ensure their welfare, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said.

He said pamphlets would be distributed at various points, including airports in Gulf countries, to educate workers on their rights and whom to approach if they needed help and assistance from the authorities.

The decision follows a spate of complaints from Indian workers duped by travel and recruitment agents in India.

During a two-hour long interaction with Indian community organisations yesterday, Mr Ravi answered a spate of questions on issues from high airfares to Indian destinations to school fees, repatriation of long-stay patients and the introduction of identity cards for NRIs.

The minister said the introduction of minimum wage might be part of the solution to solve the problems faced by expatriate workers, Emirates Today reported.

Mr Ravi emphasised that the government will not relax current restrictions barring single women below 30 taking up domestic jobs in the Gulf.

More than 75 recruitment and travel agents in India are under prosecution for illegally sending people, the minister said, adding that if they were found guilty by the court, they could be sentenced to up to 11 years.

UNI