PM-PAK 3LST

To a separate question on welfare of Indians living in
the Gulf region, Singh Saturday said steps are being taken to
ensure better regulation of the recruitment process.

He said welfare of Indians living in the Gulf region was
a matter of "high priority" for his Government and some steps
have already been taken to address their grievances.
"At the Indian end, we are in the process of reforming
our own procedures, including better regulation of the
recruitment process," he told the Saudi journalists.
There are over five million Indian workers in the Gulf
region out of which almost two million live and work in Saudi
Arabia alone.
"We are extremely proud of the fact that the Indian
community in the Gulf region has been contributing to the
socio-economic development of the region. The welfare of such
a large overseas Indian community is a matter of high priority
for my government," Singh said.
The Indian Prime Minister said the governments of several
Gulf Cooperation Council countries have themselves set up
mechanisms such as grievance redressal bodies and labour
courts that are working closely with Indian officials.
"We have also put in place arrangements in all Gulf
countries, including Saudi Arabia, to respond to workers'
grievances," he said.
"These include a 24-hour helpline, temporary shelters,
counselling centres, and strengthened Community Welfare Wings
in our diplomatic Missions," he said.
The Gulf region has been the preferred destination of
most of the poor and lower middle class workers, who are prone
to exploitation. PTI MPB
PRS


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