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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3636
ANSWERED ON 13/03/2026
VICTIM OF INTERNATIONAL SEX TRAFFICKING
3636. SHRI ANAND BHADAURIA
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of the protocol and Standard Operating Procedure
followed by the Ministry for providing consular and legal assistance to
Indian citizens who are victims of international sex trafficking
networks, including coordination with foreign governments and victim
compensation schemes;
(b) whether the Ministry has initiated any proactive exercise to
identify, contact and support Indian victims of such international
networks or similar global cases, if so, the details thereof; and
1(c) the measures taken or proposed to strengthen consular support
mechanisms and international cooperation to prevent and respond to
such cases involving Indian citizens abroad?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)
(a) to (c) The Ministry is alert to any report or complaint by an
aggrieved citizen or their relatives/friends/family members.
The Ministry accords high priority to the safety, security and well-
being of Indian nationals abroad and provides consular and legal
assistance to victims of human trafficking, particularly victims of
international sex trafficking networks.
As and when complaints of human trafficking are received by our
Missions/Posts, the matter is promptly taken up for resolution
bilaterally through diplomatic channel. Complaints regarding sex
trafficking are referred to the Government of the host country for
investigation and prosecution under the relevant legal provisions of
that country. Law enforcement authorities in India are also informed of
2such cases and they take action against those involved in misleading
Indian nationals into such fraudulent employment schemes/trafficking
under relevant provisions of the Indian law. Prompt action is also
taken by the Protector of Emigrant offices in India whenever instances
of human trafficking are noticed.
Our Missions/Posts issues advisories urging all Indian nationals to
exercise due caution while seeking employment opportunities abroad
and stay away from falling prey to illegal agencies offering
employment opportunities in regions that are prone to human
trafficking. The Ministry routinely organizes outreach programs to
sensitize various stakeholders about benefits of safe and legal
migration and on possible ways of preventing human trafficking
through fake or unregistered recruitment agencies. Information about
illegal agents is also uploaded and updated on regular basis on the
eMigrate Portal.
Ministry also issues advisories, media briefings and tweets about fake
job rackets from time to time. Such communications are also issued
by concerned Indian Missions/Posts abroad through their websites and
social media handles and through the print media. Government of India
3also raises such issues at political level with the host Governments
from time to time.
A list of unregistered agents has been notified on e-Migrate portal.
This information is regularly updated based on complaints filed by
aggrieved individuals. These complaints are also forwarded to
concerned state police authorities for taking suitable action against
illegal/fake agents as per existing legal provisions.
Indian Missions/Posts abroad render all possible consular assistance
to the Indian nationals, whenever required. Indian nationals can
contact the Indian Missions/Posts abroad via walk-ins, email, social
media platforms, 24x7 emergency telephone numbers and Toll Free
Helplines established by Missions/Posts abroad, grievance redressal
portals like MADAD, CPGRAMS etc for redressal of their grievances.
The Ministry through Indian Missions/Posts abroad, takes pro- active
measures to rescue Indian nationals trapped in foreign countries
whenever such cases come to the notice of the Ministry.
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