Over 4630 Indians languish in jails in Gulf; MEA pushes for their release

Hyderabad: Around 4,630 Indians are languishing in different jails in Gulf countries.

Millions of Indians reside in Gulf countries for various reasons. While most Indian expatriates enjoy fruitful lives abroad, a fraction of them find themselves facing unforeseen circumstances including incarceration.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been at the forefront of ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of Indian nationals imprisoned abroad.

In response to parliamentary queries, the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan, shared insights into the government's efforts to address this challenging issue.

Prevalence of Indians in Gulf prisons

MEA is acutely aware that a significant number of Indians are imprisoned in Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. According to the available data, there are 4,630 Indian prisoners, including undertrials.

While the MEA possesses these numbers, obtaining detailed information about these incarcerated individuals is often constrained by the privacy laws of foreign countries. Local authorities generally refrain from sharing extensive information about foreign nationals imprisoned, unless explicit consent is given by the individuals concerned. This aspect of privacy laws makes the tracking of incarcerated Indian nationals a dynamic and challenging task. It's essential to note that individuals are generally released once they complete their sentences.

Governmental actions for release and deportation

The MEA, in collaboration with Indian Missions/Posts abroad, is deeply committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of Indians imprisoned abroad. As soon as an Indian national is detained or arrested in a foreign country, Indian Missions/Posts spring into action. They promptly engage with local Foreign Offices and relevant authorities to secure consular access to the detained/arrested Indian. This access allows them to confirm the individual's Indian nationality, ensure their welfare, and gather facts about their case.

Missions and Posts go to great lengths to protect the rights of Indian prisoners and, if required, provide legal aid. They maintain a panel of local lawyers where significant Indian communities reside, offering legal assistance without charging fees. Financial support is provided under the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) for legal aid, travel documents, and air tickets during repatriation.

Advocating for release and repatriation

The MEA, through its Missions and Posts abroad, consistently advocates for the release and repatriation of Indian nationals in foreign prisons. They work closely with local authorities to expedite investigations and legal proceedings, ensuring that Indian prisoners receive a fair and just process.

Additionally, the government actively pursues the release of Indian prisoners during consular consultations and high-level diplomatic visits. Efforts are made to secure amnesties and sentence commutations where applicable.

India's Ministry of External Affairs, in conjunction with its Missions/Posts abroad, remains unwavering in its commitment to the safety and well-being of Indian nationals incarcerated in foreign countries.

The proactive steps taken to secure consular access, provide legal aid, and advocate for release and repatriation underscore the government's dedication to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad.