India received more than 16,000 complaints from its citizens living overseas between January 2024 and November 2025, with most cases reported from Gulf countries, according to official data shared in Parliament. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Government uses multiple channels to address distress calls and resolve issues faced by Indians abroad.

In a written reply, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said the MEA registered 16,127 complaints during the period. Of these, 11,195 cases came through the MADAD portal and 4,932 through CPGRAMS.

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Countries Reporting the Highest Distress Cases

Saudi Arabia topped the list with 3,049 complaints, followed by the United Arab Emirates (1,587), Malaysia (662), the United States (620), and Oman (613). Kuwait, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Qatar were also among the top ten countries where Indians sought assistance.

How Complaints Are Addressed

The Minister said the Government runs a “robust and multi-channel mechanism” for quick grievance resolution. Complaints reach Missions through helplines, walk-ins, email, social media, and dedicated online platforms including MADAD, CPGRAMS and e-Migrate.

He said that cases are “resolved speedily through direct communication with the complainant or their relatives, mediation with concerned agencies, regular follow-up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country through Note Verbale, and, where required, provision of legal assistance through empanelled lawyers.”

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Reasons Behind Delays

The reply noted that delays occur only in a small number of cases and usually due to reasons outside the Government’s control. These include incomplete information from complainants, non-cooperation from foreign employers, limited role of Indian Missions in ongoing court cases, and matters under investigation by local authorities. Missions also conduct regular counselling sessions and open houses to reduce such delays.

Indian Missions provide consular help and legal assistance when required. Many Missions maintain a panel of local lawyers in areas with large Indian communities. Assistance is also available through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), which supports deserving nationals in distress.

Measures to Strengthen Protection of Migrant Workers

The Government said it gives “highest priority” to the safety of Indian workers abroad. On receiving a complaint, Missions take up the matter with the foreign employer and, if needed, visit the worker’s place of employment. Issues are escalated to local labour authorities when required.

Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras operate in New Delhi, Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuala Lumpur to offer guidance and counselling. Missions also hold open houses and consular camps in remote areas to reach Indian workers and collect feedback.