Economic downturn is unlikely to affect Indian workers in Gulf :-Overseas Indian Affairs Minister
Nov 13, 2008
Source: DDI

The Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vaylar Ravi has said that Indian manpower in UAE and other gulf countries is unlikely to be affected due to economic downturn. Talking to reporters in Abu Dhabi today he said that as of now there is no need to carry out a detailed study on the subject. He said that global economic crisis has not affected India, the way other countries have been, because of the well regulated banking system and the massive consumer market dominated by a large number of people from the middle class.

He disclosed that a comprehensive labour agreement aimed to protect the welfare of Indian workers and housemaids will be signed between Bahrain and India on 4th of next month during his visit to Bahrain. He said that Bahrain would become the fifth country in the Gulf to sign a MoU on labour and manpower co-operation with India. India had already signed similar MoUs with the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. The minister said that the MoU would go a long way in reducing the number of cases of exploitation of workers by unscrupulous agents. Another highlight will be provision for joint recruitment and training of workers by both countries.

Giving details regarding minimum wages, Mr Ravi said his ministry has introduced of 250  to 300 dollars (12500 to 15000 rupees approximately)  minimum wage for Indian housemaids working in the Gulf. Employers are also advised to provide mobile phones to housemaids to ensure that every Indian domestic worker is connected to the embassy.

He also informed that cabinet has approved an amendment in the immigration act 1983 and it will be introduced in the Parliament, which proposes to make laws more stringent to make the system transparent along with provision of harsh punishment to the rule violators.

Mr. Ravi said, a meeting of Indian Ambassadors in the Gulf would be held in New Delhi on 27 and 28th of this month to discuss various issues facing expatriate Indian workers. Ambassadors of a few other labour receiving countries will also attend the meeting he added.

Praising UAE government for protection of workers, Mr Ravi said the government has issued strict guidelines to employers on improving the living and working conditions of Indian workers. More than 150 inspectors have been appointed to ensure that the guidelines are implemented.

In reply to a question the Indian Ambassador to United Arab Emirates, Talmiz Ahmad and Consul General, Dubai Venu Rajamony, who were also present in the press conference said that there are no reports of any job loss or delayed payment of Indian workers in UAE.