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Indian missions to have 24-hr helpline for maids

DUBAI — In a bid to tackle the issues of expatriate women, especially the housemaids employed in the Gulf countries, Indian Government proposes will set up a 24-hour helpline in all its embassies and consulates in the region, a top official from the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) disclosed yesterday.

The move follows an increase in number of complaints from Indian women working in the region about alleged exploitation and ill-treatment by the employers.

Speaking to Khaleej Times from the Indian capital over telephone, Nirmal Singh, secretary of MOIA said the ministry was currently finalising the details of the new facility which is expected to be launched on September 1. “We are looking into all the related spects now. The number will be operational 24 hours in all our embassies in Gulf States and preparations are underway,” Singh said. Meanwhile, Venu Rajamony, Consul-General of India in Dubai, said the consulate had not received any official letters in this regard so far.

“We already have a hot-line working 24 hours. An Indian national can call on 050- 9433111 to avail himself or herself of any help. Whenever we receive complaints on this number, an official from the consulate contacts the person and helps him/her iron out the problem,” said Rajamony.

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