BJP MP Seeks Protection Law For Expats Amid Threats Against Indians Abroad

Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal has called on the Centre to introduce a dedicated Expat Protection Law to safeguard Indians living abroad amid growing concerns over alleged attacks, hate crimes and harassment targeting the Indian diaspora in different countries. Raising the issue during a Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha, the BJP leader said there was a need for a stronger institutional framework to support citizens facing threats overseas.

Mittal highlighted official figures indicating an increase in the number of Indians killed abroad, stating that the number rose from 29 in 2021 to 86 in 2023. Describing the trend as a matter of serious concern, he said incidents involving racial violence and targeted attacks against Indians required immediate attention and a coordinated response from the government.

Referring to recent cases involving Indians overseas, Mittal mentioned the alleged racial assault on Hyderabad resident Syed Sohel Uddin in Utah, United States. He also cited the killing of 24-year-old Sikh woman Kirandeep Kaur in Hayes, West London, along with the deaths of Indian student Shivank Awasthi in Canada and Chandra Nagamallaiah in the United States. He further highlighted alleged racist incidents reported in parts of Europe and the United Kingdom.

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The Rajya Sabha MP proposed that the Expat Protection Law should include provisions for immediate legal assistance, financial support, stronger coordination through Indian diplomatic missions and dedicated mechanisms to help victims and their families pursue justice. He also suggested measures for safe repatriation in exceptional circumstances where citizens face severe threats abroad.

Mittal said Indian families often struggle after such incidents due to unfamiliar foreign legal systems, lengthy procedures and financial challenges involved in seeking justice. He emphasised that the Indian diaspora plays an important role in representing the country globally and that their safety and dignity should be considered a national responsibility.

The proposal comes amid increasing discussions over the protection of Indian citizens overseas. Mittal urged the government to examine the need for a comprehensive legal framework that could strengthen assistance systems and provide greater support to Indians facing emergencies in foreign countries.

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