Over 10,000 Indian Women Repatriated from Gulf Nations in Five-Year Span
In a significant parliamentary disclosure, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh announced that a total of 10,489 Indian women, who were trapped or facing severe trafficking issues, have been successfully repatriated from seven Gulf countries between 2021 and 2025. This revelation came through a written reply presented in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to address human trafficking and support vulnerable citizens abroad.
Year-by-Year Rescue Statistics Unveiled
Responding to a query raised by Punjab-based member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, Minister Singh provided a detailed breakdown of the rescue operations over the past five years. The data shows a fluctuating yet substantial number of repatriations: 1,204 women were rescued in 2021, followed by 2,376 in 2022, 2,990 in 2023, 1,939 in 2024, and 1,980 in 2025. Additionally, in 2026, a further 38 women were brought back to India, indicating continued vigilance and action in this critical area.
Gulf Countries with Highest Repatriation Figures
The minister's reply also shed light on the distribution of rescues across the Gulf region, with Kuwait emerging as the primary source of repatriations. Specifically, 5,592 women were rescued from Kuwait, accounting for more than half of the total. Other countries contributed significantly as well: 3,647 from Oman, 668 from Qatar, 429 from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 135 from Saudi Arabia, 14 from Bahrain, and four from Iraq over the five-year period. In 2026, the rescues included 35 women from Qatar, two from Saudi Arabia, and one from Iraq, underscoring the persistent challenges in these nations.
Government Initiatives and One Stop Centres
To bolster support for Indian women in distress, the Government of India has initiated a proactive measure since 2025: the establishment of one stop centres in several Gulf countries. These centres are operational in key nations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. They are designed to provide comprehensive assistance, including legal aid, counseling, and logistical support, to women facing trafficking or other crises. Minister Singh emphasized that these facilities play a crucial role in facilitating smoother repatriation processes and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected individuals.
Current Cases Awaiting Repatriation
Despite the successes, some cases remain pending. The minister reported that 88 stranded Indian women in Oman are currently awaiting repatriation and are being housed at the one stop centre in Muscat. In the UAE, one Indian woman is also awaiting return, with the Indian Mission in Abu Dhabi actively processing her exit formalities in coordination with local authorities. These ongoing efforts demonstrate the government's commitment to resolving all outstanding cases and ensuring no woman is left behind.
This comprehensive data and the implementation of one stop centres reflect a strengthened approach by Indian authorities to combat trafficking and protect citizens abroad, particularly in the Gulf region where such issues have been prevalent. The minister's reply serves as a testament to the ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to safeguard Indian women from exploitation and bring them back to safety.
