Parliament Question: Assistance to students and workers abroad

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 87 ANSWERED ON - 29/01/2026 ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS AND WORKERS ABROAD

87. SHRI IRANNA KADADI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of students and workers from Karnataka and specifically Belagavi district, are currently studying or working abroad, as per Ministry’s estimates;

(b) the specific support systems (e.g., helplines) are in place for students from Belagavi who face issues in countries like the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia;

(c) the number of 'Indian Community Welfare Fund' (ICWF) cases from Karnataka assisted during the last year; and

(d) the steps taken to assist Indian students who were duped by fraudulent immigration consultants? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) This Ministry does not have State-wise and District-wise data of Indian students and workers who are currently studying or working abroad.

(b) to (d) Government of India accords high priority to safeguarding the interests and welfare of all Indian students abroad, including from the State of Karnataka. In this context, Indian Missions/Posts take steps to maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled in foreign universities in their jurisdictions, brief them on potential challenges, risks, and precautions to be taken while studying overseas, including issue of advisories from time to time.

With the view to ensuring effective communication and timely support, Indian students are encouraged to connect with the local Indian Missions/Posts through various means, including the MADAD Portal of this Ministry, Whatsapp Groups created specifically for Indian students, Consular Camps, Open Houses, emergency hotlines etc. Complaints related to misleading academic programmes or adverse experiences are promptly taken up with the concerned educational institutions and, when required, with authorities of the host country for necessary action.

Indian Missions/Posts also remain vigilant, particularly in countries affected by political instability, economic crises, and where the risks of students being misled or exploited may be higher. Any incident affecting Indian students are immediately raised with host Governments to ensure their safety and appropriate redressal. Consular assistance, including emergency medical support, temporary accommodation, and other essential services, is extended whenever needed. The Indian Community 1Welfare Fund (ICWF) is utilised to support Indian nationals, including students, in times of distress and extend assistance when necessary.

During emergencies, Government of India has undertaken large-scale evacuation operations to protect and bring home Indian nationals, including students. Notable recent evacuation operations include Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), Operation Ajay (Israel) and Operation Sindhu (Israel and Iran). These efforts demonstrate Government of India's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad and towards protecting them from miscreants and unsafe security situations.

Although State-wise data of assistance extended through the ‘Indian Community Welfare Fund’ (ICWF) in foreign lands is not available, 6326 beneficiaries have been assisted for the period 01.01.2025 to

30.09.2025. ***** 2