NEW DELHI: The Indian government has not imposed restrictions on its nationals travelling to the Gulf countries but it is actively monitoring the situation from security and economic perspectives.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has informed the Lok Sabha that the conflict strife and economic meltdown in the region has been a cause of concern and the government is taking necessary measures for the safety and welfare of Indian nationals in the government.
“Indian nationals are advised not to travel to Yemen in the Gulf region in view of the security situation,” Minister of State for External Affairs Gen VK Singh told Lok Sabha on Wednesday. About 10,000 civilians have been killed and 40,000 others have been injured in the ongoing civil war in the country that has seen other countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia arming the warring rebel groups.
Also the economic downturn in the Gulf Countries has resulted in many unskilled Indian workers stranded in the country without months of salary. This has prompted the Government to regularise the flow of Indian workers to these countries. “The government has also put in place a few Foreign Employers in Prior Approval Category for undertaking new recruitment of Indian workers where there are issues related to unpaid salaries and the Foreign Employer is facing financial difficulty,” Singh added.
Last year thousands of Indian workers were left without any money as a Saudi Arabian firm Saudi Oger and Saad Group gave pink slip to the Indian workers. So far the government has brought back 4,870 Indian workers and process is nearing completion. “The Saudi authorities have extended necessary support to the affected Indian workers of these companies including in 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,” Singh added.