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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
News18
05-08-2025
- Politics
- News18
1,571 foreigners living in Auroville: Centre
Last Updated: New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) The Centre informed the Lok Sabha Tuesday that 1,571 foreigners were living in Auroville as residents. The information was supplied by Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar in response to a written question. The minister said foreigners visiting Auroville enter India on an X-2 Visa. The X-2 Visa is granted to the spouse and children of an Indian citizen, a person of Indian Origin or an OCI cardholder, according to the MHA website. Kumar said a total of 8 citizenship applications from Puducherry have been granted Indian citizenship, 15 citizenship applications are pending, and five citizenship applications from the Union Territory have been rejected. Auroville is a universal township project on the borders of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, which attracts lots of foreigners coming for meditation and spiritual awareness. view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 18:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Gazette
17-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Amid Israel-Iran tensions, Indian Embassy asks Indians in Tehran to provide contact details and location
Tehran [Iran], June 17 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Indian Embassy in Iran has asked all Indian nationals who are in Tehran and not in touch with the embassy to contact the Embassy of India in Tehran immediately and provide their location and contact numbers. Indian Embassy has advised Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who can move out of Tehran using their own resources to move to a safe location outside the city. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Iran stated, 'All Indian Nationals who are in Tehran and not in touch with the Embassy are requested to contact the Embassy of India in Tehran immediately and provide their Location and Contact numbers. Kindly contact: +989010144557; +989128109115; +989128109109' In another post on X, Indian Embassy stated, 'All Indian Nationals and PIOs who can move out of Tehran using their own resources, are advised to move to a safe location outside the City. Earlier in the day, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that a 24x7 Control Room has been established in MEA considering ongoing developments in Iran and Israel. In a post on X, Jaiswal stated, 'A 24x7 Control Room has been established in Ministry of External Affairs in view of the ongoing developments in Iran and Israel. The contact details of the control room are as under: 1800118797 (Toll free) +91-11-23012113 +91-11-23014104 +91-11-23017905 +91-9968291988 (Whatsapp) situationroom@ 'In addition, the Embassy of India in Tehran, Iran has set up a 24x7 emergency helpline with contact details below For call only : 1. +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109 For WhatsApp: 2. +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, +91 8086871709. 3. Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036 4. Zahedan: +98 9396356649 he added. The conflict between Israel and Iran is in its fifth day, with both sides trading missile strikes. Civilians in key areas face waves of attacks. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran since the hostilities started while 24 people have been killed in Israel, CNN reported. Last week, Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, in a military operation, named 'Operation Rising Lion,' in response to which Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israeli cities. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement posted on social media platform X, that Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival,' adding that the mission would continue 'for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.' Iranian News Agency IRNA said that the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), in response to the Israeli aggression, has launched a large-scale drone and missile operation targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres. Called 'Operation True Promise 3,' the strikes were conducted in direct retaliation against Israeli aggression. (ANI)
United News of India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Indian nationals in Tehran asked to move to safer locations, amid Israeli bombardment
Tehran/New Delhi, June 17 (UNI) The Indian Embassy in Tehran has asked all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to leave the city and move to safe locations outside, in view of the bombing by Israel. The Indian Embassy asked Indians to provide their contact details and locations to the embassy. In posts on X, the Indian Embassy said: 'All Indian Nationals and PIOs who can move out of Tehran using their own resources, are advised to move to a safe location outside the City. 'All Indian Nationals who are in Tehran and not in touch with the Embassy are requested to contact the Embassy of India in Tehran immediately and provide their Location and Contact numbers. Kindly contact: +989010144557; +989128109115; +989128109109 @MEAIndia India in Iran @India_in_Iran.' The development follows increased bombardment by Israel. UNI RN
India Gazette
16-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Indian students in Iran to be relocated Foreign Ministry
New Delhi is planning to relocate some Indian students in Iran to "safer places" within the country, and is also exploring "other feasible options" for their safety, the Indian foreign ministry said on Monday. More than 1,500 Indian students, most of them from the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, are stranded in Iran, the NDTV news channel said on Monday. Parents of the stranded Indian students have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, requesting their intervention to ensure the safe return of their children, local media said. Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" on Friday against Iran, which retaliated with missiles attacks against the Jewish state. Since then, both countries have launched further missile barrages against each other. The majority of Indian students in Iran, who are primarily pursuing medical degrees in cities such as Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom, are now awaiting assistance to return home, the NDTV news channel has reported. On Monday the Indian Embassy in Tehran said it isclosely monitoringthe security situation and is in constant touch with the students. The embassy, which on Sunday, advised all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to remain vigilant, has provided a link to a Google Docs form on its X account to provide their contact details. The mission has also provided a link to a Telegram group and asked Indian citizens to join it to receive updates. All flights to and from Iran have been suspended, with the country's airspace remaining indefinitely closed for commercial aviation. According to a report by news magazine The Week, five Indian students, including three from Kashmir and two from Maharashtra, were injured in Israeli airstrikes. "Around 300 of us were shifted to a safer location, which I cannot reveal for security reasons," a student was quoted as saying to the magazine. New Delhi has requested that Tehran facilitates the safe evacuation of its stranded citizens. Iran said on Monday that although the country's airspace is currently closed, all land borders remained open, allowing for safe evacuation. India enjoys warm ties with Iran's neighbor Armenia, which is seen as a safe destination for Indian students. (
