{"id":148187,"date":"2024-12-23T19:17:43","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T13:47:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/?post_type=editorial-analysis&#038;p=148187"},"modified":"2024-12-23T19:17:43","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T13:47:43","slug":"plight-of-the-indian-worker","status":"publish","type":"editorial-analysis","link":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/editorial-analysis\/plight-of-the-indian-worker","title":{"rendered":"\u200bAway from Home: On the Plight of the Indian Worker"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sixteen Indian workers were reportedly lured into inhumane conditions in Benghazi, Libya, after being recruited in the UAE and forced to work in a cement factory. Despite support from the Indian mission, they remain stranded without exit permits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Ongoing Issues of Labour Exploitation<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fatalities in Kuwait: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In June 2024, a fire at a labour camp in Mangaf, Kuwait, claimed the lives of at least 40 Indian workers.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by Indian labourers in foreign countries, particularly in hazardous living and working conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pw.live\/batches\/upsc?utm_source=seo+upsc+batch&#038;utm_medium=seo+upsc&#038;utm_campaign=seo&#038;utm_id=upsc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Enroll now for UPSC Online Course<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.6988%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u2019s visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024 has brought attention to the plight of Indian workers, particularly those in labour camps.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite PM\u00a0 Modi\u2019s <\/span><b>acknowledgment of Kuwait\u2019s support for its over one-million-strong Indian community, the dangers faced by Indian workers remain a concern.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Scale of Indian Labour Migration: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India has around 13 million nationals working abroad, primarily in the Gulf countries. These workers contribute significantly to India\u2019s economy through remittances, which totaled about $111 billion in 2022.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.7992%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Remittance in India<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">India was the leading recipient of remittances in 2024, with an estimated inflow of $129 billion. It was followed by Mexico, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">This surge in remittances was primarily driven by a recovery in job markets in high-income countries, according to a blog post by World Bank economists.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Explorations Faced: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, many of them face severe exploitation, limited personal gains, and dangerous working conditions, including the oppressive kafala system in Gulf nations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.5959%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Kafala System<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The kafala system is an outdated system that still defines the r<\/span><b>elationship between foreign workers and their local sponsor,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> usually their employer, in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sponsors are responsible for <\/span><b>covering travel expenses and providing housing. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, sponsors use private recruitment agencies to hire workers from their home countries.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">The system usually falls under the jurisdiction of interior ministries, rather than labor ministries, so workers often have no protection under the host country\u2019s labor law.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-textbooks?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Textbooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Government Efforts and Limitations<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Regulating Labour Migration: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Indian government introduced the <\/span><b>e-Migrate system <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over a decade ago to regulate labour migration, particularly for workers travelling to 18 countries requiring Emigration Clearance (ECR).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Limitations: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, recruitment agents and contractors often bypass these protections, and workers in non-ECR countries like Israel and Russia face even more severe challenges, including risks of death in conflict zones.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.5971%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 18 countries for which emigration clearance is required for ECR passport holders and nurses travelling for work are as follows: <\/span><b>Afghanistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sudan , South Sudan, Syria, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>E-Migrate<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">The Indian government has launched the e-Migrate web portal and mobile app to simplify overseas employment processes for Indian workers. The platform enables registration, tracks recruitment, provides access to authorized employers, and offers a grievance redressal mechanism for workers abroad.<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Solutions<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reforming India\u2019s Emigration Act<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and tightening oversight of recruitment agents.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Signing agreements with other countries to secure higher compensation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from foreign employers is an essential step.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, a more sustainable solution lies in promoting <\/span><b>equitable economic growth within India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In cases like the workers in Libya, the government often has no option but to repatriate them, yet many face a bleak future upon returning. For most, the harsh realities abroad still seem preferable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of merely celebrating the success of the diaspora, India should <\/span><b>use platforms like the Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan to address the struggles of these workers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, whose plight contrasts sharply with the country\u2019s growing economic and diplomatic ambitions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pw.live\/batches\/upsc\/pw-only-ias?utm_source=seo+upsc+batch&#038;utm_medium=seo+upsc&#038;utm_campaign=seo&#038;utm_id=upsc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exploitation of Indian workers abroad highlights the urgent need for stronger regulations, better protections, and sustainable economic opportunities within India. Addressing these issues is crucial for balancing the success of the diaspora with the welfare of migrant laborers facing harsh conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.5959%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"width: 100%; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; background-color: rgba(184, 165, 217, 0.53); text-align: left; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Mains Practice<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/mains-answer-writing\/assess-the-role-of-platforms-like-pravasi-bharatiya-sammelan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q. Critically assess the role of platforms like Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan in addressing the concerns of vulnerable sections of the Indian diaspora, such as labour migrants. How can these platforms be made more effective?\u00a0 (15 M, 250 words)<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"vc_table_green\"><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.6375%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 111.19%; text-align: center;\" colspan=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Also Read<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/editorial-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Daily Editorials<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/daily-current-affairs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Daily Current Affairs<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/quiz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Daily Current Affairs Quiz<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/mains-answer-writing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Daily Main Answer Writing<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-previous-year-papers?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Previous+Year+Papers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/upsc-test-series-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Test Series<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 49.797%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-textbooks?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Textbooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 61.393%; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-modules?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Modules\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sixteen Indian workers were reportedly lured into inhumane conditions in Benghazi, Libya, after being recruited in the UAE and forced to work in a cement factory. Despite support from the Indian mission, they remain stranded without exit permits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":148183,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"paper-wise":[2084],"subject":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/editorial-analysis\/148187"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/editorial-analysis"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/editorial-analysis"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=148187"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/editorial-analysis\/148187\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":148189,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/editorial-analysis\/148187\/revisions\/148189"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/148183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=148187"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=148187"},{"taxonomy":"paper-wise","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/paper-wise?post=148187"},{"taxonomy":"subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/subject?post=148187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}