Government approves manpower agreement with Bahrain

New Delhi: The central government Thursday approved a proposal to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on labour and manpower development with Bahrain.

A statement by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) said there had been records of ill-treatment of Indian workers, which make such an agreement necessary.

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"The condition of the Indian workers is often far from satisfactory. Complaints about ill treatment and exploitation of workers and housemaids have been received in the past," it said.

As per the agreement, which is yet to be signed, both countries will cooperate to facilitate mobilisation and recruitment of manpower and exchange of expertise, job creation and generation of employment opportunity. It will also provide for authentication of the work contract by Bahrain's labour ministry.

Under the agreement, a joint committee will implement the provisions of the MoU and review employment opportunities and availability of corresponding skills in both countries.

The possibility of an agreement was first touted during the visit of Minister of Overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi to Bahrain in May 2006. The text was finally decided in April this year.

There are an estimated 135,000 Indian workers in Bahrain out of nearly 270,000 foreigners in that country. Most of the Indian workers work in the construction sector and as housemaids.

As per the MOIA records, about 30,000 workers emigrated to Bahrain on emigration clearance required passports after obtaining emigration clearance from the protectors of emigrants in 2007.
Source: IANS