The Centre on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha that it continues to accord the highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian nationals working overseas, with more than 10,000 people receiving assistance under the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in 2025.
In a written reply to a question by MP Debashish Samantaray, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said 10,293 Indian nationals were assisted through the ICWF during 2025, with expenditure amounting to ₹21.88 crore.
The minister said the government has put in place a comprehensive framework to protect Indian emigrant workers under the Emigration Act, 1983. The Protectorate General of Emigrants oversees the welfare of vulnerable workers through 17 offices across the country.
To assist Indians abroad, the government operates Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (PBSKs) in New Delhi and five overseas locations — Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur and London. Regional Kshetriya Pravasi Sahayata Kendras (KPSKs) also function in cities such as Kochi, Hyderabad and Chennai to provide counselling and guidance to migrant workers.
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Indian missions and embassies remain accessible round the clock through emergency helplines, WhatsApp, social media, walk-in facilities and regular open houses. Digital grievance platforms, including MADAD, CPGRAMS and eMigrate, are also available for Indian nationals seeking assistance.
The minister said India has signed Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements, Labour Mobility Agreements and Labour Welfare Agreements with 25 countries to facilitate overseas employment while safeguarding the rights of Indian workers.
According to the ministry, the ICWF has supported more than 3.69 lakh distressed Indian nationals since its inception in 2009, with cumulative expenditure exceeding ₹774 crore.
The data presented in Parliament showed that 18,960 beneficiaries received assistance worth ₹33.91 crore in 2023, while 10,034 people were supported with ₹21.62 crore in 2024. The Centre said these measures reflect its continued commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Indians living and working abroad.
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