India Establishes Shelter Homes and Support Systems for Distressed Citizens in Gulf Countries

New Delhi: The Indian government has affirmed that the safety, security, and welfare of all Indian citizens abroad are its top priorities. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirtivardhan Singh, recently provided a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms in place to address issues faced by Indian nationals overseas.

Responding to a question by Congress MP Jebi Mather Hisham in the Rajya Sabha, Singh specifically highlighted the provisions made for Indian women in distress in Gulf countries. He stated that the missions there have established shelter homes where women are provided with food, accommodation, and medical assistance. Furthermore, arrangements are made for their safe repatriation to India.

Multiple Channels for Reaching Indian Missions
Minister Singh explained that Indian citizens can contact their respective missions through various channels, including walk-ins, email, social media, multi-lingual emergency numbers, and grievance redressal portals. In addition, missions have launched toll-free helplines, WhatsApp numbers, and mobile apps to ensure that help is easily accessible.

To provide support, guidance, and counseling to distressed citizens, the government has set up Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (PBSKs) in cities like New Delhi, Dubai (UAE), Riyadh and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Additionally, Regional Pravasi Sahayata Kendras (KPSKs) have been established in Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Patna, and Chandigarh.

The government has also introduced several initiatives, such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) and Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT), to ensure that Indian migrant workers have a safe and secure migration experience.

Singh also noted that through MoUs signed with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, welfare and safety issues of workers are regularly discussed in joint working group meetings. He added that Indian missions provide consular and legal aid to Indian citizens who are imprisoned abroad. Missions also maintain direct communication with Indian community members via WhatsApp groups to encourage them to contact officials directly for any assistance.