Parliament Question: Rehabilitation Support for Indian Expatriates

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2251 ANSWERED ON - 31/07/2026 REHABILITATION SUPPORT FOR INDIAN EXPATRIATES 2251. SHRI M K RAGHAVAN Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Ministry has maintained or compiled an accurate, real- time database of Indian expatriates, who have lost their employment or have been forced to return to India, if so the details thereof; (b) whether the Ministry is aware that State Governments are severely constrained in planning effective rehabilitation and resettlement schemes due to the complete lack of official data of returning expatriates, if so, the details thereof; and (c) the concrete institutional mechanisms being established to ensure that ministry proactively share real-time updates regarding the ground reality and security status of stranded Indian citizens with their respective State Governments? 1ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (c) While, Information regarding returning Indian nationals is available from various sources depending upon the circumstances of their return, database of Indian expatriates returning to India solely due to loss of employment is based on information volunteered by migrants themselves and hence, partial. In case of Emigration Check Required (ECR) passport holders travelling to ECR countries, the data of Indian nationals is available, both on departure from and return to, India, based on the issuance of Emigration Clearance. The reason for return, whether due to loss of employment or otherwise, is however not captured. The Government accords the highest priority to the safety, protection and welfare of Indian nationals abroad. Towards monitoring their welfare, Indian Missions/Posts maintain regular contact with the Indian community and extend appropriate assistance through various channels, including walk-in services, email, multilingual 24x7 emergency helplines and WhatsApp. This is supplemented by institutionalised grievance redressal portals such as MADAD, CPGRAMS and the e-Migrate portal, as well as social media, monitored at high- levels. Complaints and requests for assistance received from Indian nationals are expeditiously addressed on a case-by-case basis. The Government through Indian Missions/Posts abroad closely monitors the welfare of Indian nationals, including workers, and facilitates their return to India, wherever required. Assistance is provided through established institutional mechanisms, including the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), wherever applicable. The responsibility of reintegration of returned Indian migrants rests with the State governments, where the emigrants reside. Various State Governments have developed ways and means to reintegrate workers returning from abroad. 2Indian Missions/Posts remain in continuous contact with the Indian community and local authorities and provide timely assistance to Indian nationals in distress. During emergencies, the Ministry and its Missions/Posts disseminate advisories and updates through official websites, social media platforms and established communication channels, coordinating closely with other Ministries, State Governments and concerned agencies, as required, to facilitate the safety, evacuation and repatriation of Indian nationals. Regular interaction through Open Houses, Consular Camps and dedicated emergency helplines also enables timely dissemination of information and assistance to affected Indian citizens. In case Ministry/Missions issue advisories calling on Indian nationals to return, this Ministry establishes immediate contact with State Governments, to, inter alia, share information on real time basis and coordinate efforts aimed at expeditious facilitation of return of stranded Indian nationals to India. ***** 3