Govt identifies 355 foreign employers harassing Indians

Government has identified 355 foreign employers who were found to be harassing Indian workers abroad, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

"Foreign employers who were found to be harassing the Indian workers are placed in the Prior Approval Category.

At present, 355 foreign employers are in Prior Approval Category list," Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said.

He said Indian Missions abroad receive complaints of exploitation against recruiting agents and foreign employers and after due enquiry, action is taken.

Ravi said India has signed bilateral pacts with many countries including United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Malaysia to protect the Indian workers against exploitation and malpractices.

Replying to another question, he said the task of setting up the first PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) university at Bangalore has been entrusted to the Manipal Academy of Higher Education Trust.

He said the Ministry was drafting a Bill to enact a legislation for setting up the proposed university.

"The first PIO university is expected to start functioning on completion of necessary formalities and procedures prescribed by regulatory bodies," Ravi added.