Government highlights welfare measures, ICWF assistance for Indian workers abroad in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi, August 6
In a written reply to a query raised by Member of Parliament Debashish Samantaray in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of External Affairs outlined the comprehensive legislative frameworks, grievance mechanisms, and financial supports dedicated to safeguarding Indian citizens working overseas.
India extended assistance to over 10,000 nationals overseas under the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in 2025, with an expenditure of Rs 21.88 crore, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed Parliament on Thursday.
The information was shared by Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha when asked about the welfare of Indians working abroad.
"The Government accords the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of all Indian nationals, including Indian emigrant workers, abroad," said Kirti Vardhan Singh.
Operating under the Emigration Act, 1983, the Protectorate General of Emigrants (PGE) manages vulnerable worker welfare through 17 domestic offices. Specialised centres like the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (PBSK) operate in New Delhi and 5 overseas locations (Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, and London), alongside domestic Kshetriya Pravasi Sahayata Kendras (KPSKs) in cities like Kochi, Hyderabad, and Chennai, to offer guidance and counselling.
Indian Missions and Posts maintain round-the-clock accessibility via multilingual emergency numbers, walk-ins, social media, WhatsApp, periodic Open Houses, and dedicated digital platforms such as MADAD, CPGRAMS, and eMigrate.
To boost global employment opportunities while safeguarding rights, India has signed Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements, Labour Mobility Agreements, and Labour Welfare Agreements with 25 countries.
The means-tested ICWF has historically utilised over INR 774 crores for more than 3.69 lakh distressed Indians since 2009.
Data provided by the Ministry highlights the steady deployment of funds and assistance over the last three years. In 2023, 18,960 beneficiaries were supported with an expenditure of Rs. 33.91 crore. In 2024, 10,034 beneficiaries were supported with an expenditure of Rs. 21.62 crore, while in 2025, 10,293 beneficiaries were supported with an expenditure of Rs. 21.88 crore.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The numbers are going down from 18,960 in 2023 to 10,293 in 2025. Is that a good sign that fewer people need help, or is the fund not reaching those who need it? Just asking because my uncle was a construction worker in Saudi and it was tough getting any kind of support when he had a dispute with his employer. The PBSK in Riyadh did help eventually, but it took months.
Good initiative but the coverage is still limited. 17 domestic offices and just 5 overseas PBSKs for millions of Indians abroad? We need more centres in places like Doha, Muscat, and Kuwait City. Also, the eMigrate system needs to be simpler for the average worker who isn't tech-savvy. But yes, every rupee spent on our people overseas is worth it. 👍
It's reassuring to know the government is working on this. My brother works in Malaysia and he says the helpline number is always active. The MADAD app is a lifesaver for him. ₹21.88 crore spent in 2025 - that's money well spent if it saves even one life. The agreements with 25 countries for labour mobility is also a big step forward.
As an NRI living in Canada, I appreciate the proactive approach. But I'd like to see more emphasis on mental health support for migrant workers. Many face severe depression being away from families. Also, the number of beneficiaries seems to have dropped - maybe we need to understand why. Are fewer Indians seeking work abroad now, or is there underreporting?
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.