Latest news with #ICWF
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Indian Community Welfare Fund: What it is and how it helps citizens abroad
Established in 2009, the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) provides crucial support to distressed Indian nationals abroad. It operates on a means-tested basis, offering assistance like boarding, air tickets, legal aid, and repatriation of remains. Revised guidelines in 2017 broadened the ICWF's scope to include community welfare activities and improved consular services, enhancing support for the Indian diaspora. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Boarding and lodging for stranded Indians on a means-tested basis, either in budget accommodation or shelters run by Missions or empanelled NGOs. Air tickets to India for stranded nationals unable to afford their return journey. Legal aid for those facing minor criminal charges, false employer allegations, or distress situations, including fishermen, sailors, and students. Support for women who have been abandoned, cheated, or abused by spouses (up to seven years from marriage). Payment of small fines or penalties in cases of minor offences or illegal stay when the worker is not at fault. Repatriation of mortal remains when families or employers cannot bear the cost, or local cremation/burial if required. Emergency medical care in life-threatening cases or for serious disabilities after accidents. Organising cultural events during Indian festivals or national days through recognised diaspora groups. Funding teachers to promote Indian languages and art abroad. Hosting welfare events for Indian students to address visa, residence, work permit, and financial concerns. Support for community welfare- Indian diaspora funding teachers to promote Indian languages and art abroad, Hosting welfare events for Indian students to address visa Hiring additional staff for consular services. Arranging vehicles for visits to prisons, hospitals, labour camps, or airports during deportations. Engaging local interpreters during official visits. Producing information materials in local languages about labour laws and welfare measures. Running labour or consular camps for migrant workers. Operating 24x7 helplines and walk-in resource centres. Developing e-governance tools for welfare and consular matters. The Indian Community Welfare Fund ( ICWF ), established in 2009, serves as a critical safety net for Indian nationals overseas who are facing any kind of distress or emergencies. Operated on a 'most deserving cases' and 'means tested' basis, the fund was introduced to ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it. Over the years, ICWF has played a vital role in evacuations from conflict zones, responding to natural disasters, and providing immediate aid during crises. Today, the scheme is operational in all Indian Missions and Posts September 2017, the Union Cabinet approved revised guidelines to make the ICWF broader in scope and more responsive. These changes gave Indian Missions greater flexibility to address urgent requests for help from overseas Indians . The guidelines now cover three key areas, direct assistance to distressed nationals, support for community welfare activities, and improvements in consular ICWF is strictly for Indian citizens, whether resident in a foreign country or visiting. Persons of Indian Origin ( PIO ) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are not eligible for individual financial help under the is normally provided only to those who entered the host country legally. However, exceptions can be made in special cases, subject to written approval from the Head of Mission. Every case must be documented, with endorsements made in the beneficiary's passport and in the ICWF ICWF offers various forms of emergency support, which may include:The ICWF also funds initiatives that strengthen the bond between Missions and the Indian diaspora . Examples include:To enhance its ability to help Indians overseas, Missions can use ICWF for:
Economic Times
4 days ago
- General
- Economic Times
Indian Community Welfare Fund: What it is and how it helps citizens abroad
iStock The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), established in 2009, serves as a critical safety net for Indian nationals overseas who are facing any kind of distress or emergencies. Operated on a 'most deserving cases' and 'means tested' basis, the fund was introduced to ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it. Over the years, ICWF has played a vital role in evacuations from conflict zones, responding to natural disasters, and providing immediate aid during crises. Today, the scheme is operational in all Indian Missions and Posts abroad. In September 2017, the Union Cabinet approved revised guidelines to make the ICWF broader in scope and more responsive. These changes gave Indian Missions greater flexibility to address urgent requests for help from overseas Indians. The guidelines now cover three key areas, direct assistance to distressed nationals, support for community welfare activities, and improvements in consular services. Who is eligible for claiming the fund? The ICWF is strictly for Indian citizens, whether resident in a foreign country or visiting. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are not eligible for individual financial help under the is normally provided only to those who entered the host country legally. However, exceptions can be made in special cases, subject to written approval from the Head of Mission. Every case must be documented, with endorsements made in the beneficiary's passport and in the ICWF database. What does the fund offer 1. Assistance for Indians in distress The ICWF offers various forms of emergency support, which may include: Boarding and lodging for stranded Indians on a means-tested basis, either in budget accommodation or shelters run by Missions or empanelled NGOs. Air tickets to India for stranded nationals unable to afford their return journey. Legal aid for those facing minor criminal charges, false employer allegations, or distress situations, including fishermen, sailors, and students. Support for women who have been abandoned, cheated, or abused by spouses (up to seven years from marriage). Payment of small fines or penalties in cases of minor offences or illegal stay when the worker is not at fault. Repatriation of mortal remains when families or employers cannot bear the cost, or local cremation/burial if required. Emergency medical care in life-threatening cases or for serious disabilities after accidents. 2. Support for community welfare The ICWF also funds initiatives that strengthen the bond between Missions and the Indian diaspora. Examples include: Organising cultural events during Indian festivals or national days through recognised diaspora groups. Funding teachers to promote Indian languages and art abroad. Hosting welfare events for Indian students to address visa, residence, work permit, and financial concerns. Support for community welfare- Indian diaspora funding teachers to promote Indian languages and art abroad, Hosting welfare events for Indian students to address visa 3. Improving consular services To enhance its ability to help Indians overseas, Missions can use ICWF for: Hiring additional staff for consular services. Arranging vehicles for visits to prisons, hospitals, labour camps, or airports during deportations. Engaging local interpreters during official visits. Producing information materials in local languages about labour laws and welfare measures. Running labour or consular camps for migrant workers. Operating 24x7 helplines and walk-in resource centres. Developing e-governance tools for welfare and consular matters. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Tariffs, tantrums, and tech: How Trump's trade drama is keeping Indian IT on tenterhooks Good, bad, ugly: How will higher ethanol in petrol play out for you? As big fat Indian wedding slims to budget, Manyavar loses lustre As 50% US tariff looms, 6 key steps that can safeguard Indian economy Stock Radar: JSPL forms Ascending Triangle pattern on weekly charts, could hit fresh 52-week high soon Nifty and business are different species: 5 small-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 30% F&O Radar | Deploy Bear Put Spread in Nifty to play index's negative stance amid volatility Wealth creation: Look beyond the obvious in some things; 10 fertilizer sector companies worth watching
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jaishankar replies to Rudy's concerns on migrant workers safety
Chhapra: External affairs minister S Jaishankar has replied to concerns raised by Saran MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy on the . In a detailed response, the minister said that Indian missions abroad already operate the (ICWF), which is used to assist overseas Indians in crisis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The fund covers legal aid, emergency medical treatment, repatriation of remains and where necessary payment of fines. Rudy had flagged the issue in Lok Sabha on March 17, pointing out that 24,570 Indian workers died in the Gulf between 2012 and 2018. He urged the govt to create a dedicated welfare fund for the families of the deceased so that Indian workers receive greater safety, dignity and legal protection abroad. Jaishankar's letter also listed other steps taken by the govt, including labour welfare agreements and broader migration and mobility partnership agreements with host countries to safeguard workers' rights. Chhapra: External affairs minister S Jaishankar has replied to concerns raised by Saran MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy on the safety of Indian migrant workers. In a detailed response, the minister said that Indian missions abroad already operate the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), which is used to assist overseas Indians in crisis. The fund covers legal aid, emergency medical treatment, repatriation of remains and where necessary payment of fines. Rudy had flagged the issue in Lok Sabha on March 17, pointing out that 24,570 Indian workers died in the Gulf between 2012 and 2018. He urged the govt to create a dedicated welfare fund for the families of the deceased so that Indian workers receive greater safety, dignity and legal protection abroad. Jaishankar's letter also listed other steps taken by the govt, including labour welfare agreements and broader migration and mobility partnership agreements with host countries to safeguard workers' rights.
