Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi has said that India is yet to fix a "realistic" minimum wage for its domestic workers seeking jobs abroad.

Ravi, who attended the 'Ministerial Consultations on Overseas Employment and Contractual Labour for Countries of Origin in Asia' in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, said the (wage) figure should be "realistic" and needs to reflect the conditions in each of the countries where the workers are employed.

Though the salary-level needs to be linked with the cost of living prevalent in each of the countries concerned, a monthly salary of USD 300 is a figure most Indian missions are comfortable with.

Ravi said the Indian Cabinet has not fixed the minimum wage for domestic workers seeking jobs abroad.

Addressing a press conference in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Ravi said the UAE has taken major steps in ensuring the welfare of expatriate workers by introducing salary payment through banks and strict inspections.

"Now, all the employers should contact the Indian missions in the respective countries when they hire domestic workers. Thus, the Indian missions will have records on the whereabouts of these workers," he said.

India had proposed the re-examination the sponsorship policy for foreign workers during a labour conference held in Abu Dhabi.

The system, prevalent in most Gulf countries, has been dubbed as a form of slavery by human rights activists. After facing strident criticism, the Gulf countries are working on new system to replace the old sponsorship laws.

"But to rationalise and simplify the instruments for legal entry of workers, sponsorship system has to be re-examined. It may make them more transparent and equitable," Ravi said.

"The labour-receiving countries also felt that the rights of the workers should be protected with a measured action plan and their salaries must be distributed through banks", he said.

"We are happy that the UAE government is taking steps in this direction and addressing efficiently the labours' issues as it is increasing the number of labour inspectors", the minister said.

He also lauded UAE government's efforts regarding the mandatory payment of salaries of workers through banks, which would help it know whether any particular firm was delaying payment of the wages or not and in taking action if needed.

About the unscrupulous recruitment agents, Ravi said, "India is taking steps to check the activities of such agents and creating awareness among people through advertisements in electronic media". So far, 176 agents have been blacklisted.

The minister also said that there has been a decline in the number of women seeking employment abroad following a series of TV ads which depicted the problems for people who arrive in foreign countries without proper visa. - By DDNEWS