NEW DELHI: S Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, stated on Thursday that the government has raised the matter of pending salaries for Indian workers with Gulf countries.

In response to a concern regarding Indians working overseas losing income, the Minister stated that data on pending salaries was not available, but that he would raise the issue with Gulf countries. "I'd like to ensure that jobs are kept, wages are paid, and assistance is provided," Jaishankar added. He also stated that the government's goal is to return as many workers to work as possible, and that he has been in contact with the relevant authorities as well as with ambassadors in Gulf countries.

Jaishankar also told the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in contact with Gulf states and has had 16 phone talks with them. He claimed that he had personally visited these countries, and that Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan had also visited the Gulf countries and spoken with officials. He further mentioned that the Indian Community Welfare Fund had set aside Rs 47 crore to assist Indian employees in the country.

In the event of the death of an Indian worker, the Ministry of External Affairs, through the Ambassador stationed there, seeks ex-gratia compensation from the local government or the employer business for the worker's family.

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