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Title: Need for legislation to regulate recruitment of agents engaged in employment of Indians in foreign countries.
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN (KASARGOD): Madam, I would like to place before this House some of the serious issues with regard to the employees and workers who are working abroad, especially in the Gulf countries. Most of these employees and workers were brought there through the recruitment agents in our country. These recruitment agents are working in various parts of the country. I am very sad to say that many of these agents are fake agents. Though by promising better wages, better employment they were taken there, yet their condition is very much sad. It is known to all of us. Many of them have to stay in the labour camps. Even though women were brought there by promising better wages, they are working there as house servants. So, there is no safety, after all, in many cases. I do not blame the Governments there because we have no special legislation to control and monitor these recruitment agents. As a result, these agents are working by getting huge amounts from the people.
Next, it is true that people want to get some employment anywhere. So, they are ready to give money at any cost. But really their fate is very much severe. Here, I would like to point out that the Government is getting Rs.24,000 crore from the Keralites alone from the Gulf countries. I am very much sad to say that the plan fund or the financial assistance that the Government of India gives to Kerala is only half of it. At the same time, what are the facilities available there? Lakhs of people, especially from Kerala, Tamil Nadu in India and other countries, are working in these Gulf countries. So, we have to take some protective measures with regard to the wages that they are getting, safety they are getting as well as the flight convenience. Therefore, I would request that especially with regard to the agents who are registered, there should be a specific law with regard to the registration of these agents and there are to be records not only here but also in those countries. Through the Embassies, we can verify it. So, with these administrative steps, some assistance can be given to them. I think some Ministers should go there and see the position of these people. Of course, Ministers are going, MPs are going, but at the same time, the situation is the same. I would request the Government to do something. Especially they are assisting you – not the Government of Kerala but the Government of India – through the foreign exchange.
With these words, I place this issue before this House seriously.
SHRI A. SAMPATH (ATTINGAL): I may be permitted to associate myself with the issue raised by Shri P. Karunakaran ji.
MADAM SPEAKER: All right.