Government closely watching safety of Indians living abroad: Manmohan Singh

JAIPUR: In the backdrop of political turmoil in West Asia and fears that Indians working in those countries might come under attack, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said his government was acutely conscious of the safety and security of Indians living abroad, particularly in regions characterized by instability.

"There are over six million Indians living in the Gulf and West Asia. We need to be alert to the unfolding developments in this part of the world.

We have conveyed to the countries of the region that we have a stake in the peace and stability of this region, and that we expect that they would appropriately look after the interests of Indian communities in their countries," Singh said.

He also detailed the steps being undertaken by the government to deepen the engagement with non-resident Indians and persons of Indian-origin. He said the ministry of overseas Indian affairs was implementing the e-migrate project that will provide end-to-end computerized solutions for all processes in the emigration system.

Singh also said the system will link all key stakeholders on a common platform which will be used by workers, offices of the protector of emigrants, recruitment agencies, immigration officials, employers and the Indian missions abroad.