MEA raises issue of non-return of passports by Air India

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken up with the Civil Aviation Ministry the issue of non-return of 108 passports of Indian workers who were deported or disallowed entry in various Gulf and Middle East countries.

The passports are currently in the custody of Air India.

Replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said the ministry has not authorised Air India to seize and retain passports of such Indian workers.

Noting that as on February 1, 2017 there were 108 such passports in the custody of Air India, he said the ministry has taken up the matter with the Civil Aviation Ministry to get back all these passports so that necessary action could be taken in terms of the provisions of the Passports Act, 1967. 57919784