Key Takeaways:
- The number of Indian women abandoned by their NRI husbands has doubled since 2015, with an average of four complaints filed each day.
- A proposed NRI Marriage Registration Bill aims to protect the rights of deserted spouses and enforce compulsory registration.
- The Indian government provides financial assistance, consular guidance, and digital outreach to support women in these situations.
Escalating Complaints: The Plight of Indian Wives Deserted by NRI Husbands
In recent years, the incidence of Indian women deserted by their NRI spouses has been on a troubling incline. A closer look at the figures released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) exposes a heart-wrenching reality: the number of NRI spouse complaints has alarmingly doubled since 2015.
A Disturbing Surge in Numbers
From January 1, 2020, to October 31, 2023, the MEA received an overwhelming 5,339 requests pertaining to matrimonial disputes involving estranged Indian wives and their overseas husbands. Data indicates an average of four complaints filed each day, with 1,187 distress calls made between January and October 2023 alone. This is a stark rise from the 796 complaints documented in the entire year of 2015, with 2022 marking the peak at 1,669 complaints – more than doubling the figure from 2015.
Legislation on the Horizon: NRI Marriage Registration Bill
Addressing the increasing NRI marriage issues, the late Union minister Sushma Swaraj introduced a pivotal bill in February 2019 aimed at safeguarding the rights of these deserted spouses. The Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident of India Bill sought to mandate the compulsory registration of NRI marriages within 30 days of the wedding.
“This has indeed emphasised the persistent need to build safeguards in order to protect those spouses from such situations,” said Sushma Swaraj, delineating the critical need for this legislation.
In addition to ensuring the enforceability of rights under family laws, the bill also aimed to amend the Passport Act, 1967, authorizing the withdrawal of passport privileges from NRIs neglecting to register their marriage within the stipulated timeframe. The passage of this legislation is awaited with much anticipation, especially as the plight of deserted Indian women gains prominence.
The Government’s Active Measures for Support
The Union government has been proactive in extending a lifeline to Indian women in these predicaments through a multi-pronged strategy:
- Usage of Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF): Financial and legal assistance is granted through the ICWF. A notable Rs 25 lakh was disbursed as support between 2020-2022, with the majority, Rs 13,00,200, assisting cases in the USA.
- Consular guidance: Indian missions and posts abroad play a crucial role in guiding aggrieved women about their legal rights and the pathways available to them in foreign jurisdictions.
- Digital and communicative outreach: The MADAD portal was launched in February 2015 to empower Indian women to voice their grievances. This, along with various communication channels such as calls, emails, WhatsApp, social media, and round-the-clock helplines, ensures that distressed Indian brides are not alone in their fight for justice.
Empowering Women Through Information and Support
The government’s efforts are fortified by initiatives that encourage Indian women deserted by NRI husbands to step forward and seek the justice they deserve. Dedicated 24×7 helplines, alongside the MADAD portal, stand testament to the government’s resolve to assist these women in navigating the complexities of such challenging situations.
The rise in Indian women deserted by NRI spouses calls for enhanced vigilance and support from the community and governmental bodies alike. As we await the legislative measures to take full effect, it’s crucial to spread awareness and inform affected individuals about the avenues of help available to them. The MEA’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of these women, transcending borders to ensure that they receive the support to which they are rightfully entitled.
For further information on the assistance available, individuals can visit the MEA’s official website and explore the resources through the MADAD portal.
If you or someone you know is facing such matrimonial disputes, remember that help is available and right at your fingertips. Speaking up is the first step towards reclaiming one’s rights and laying the groundwork for a future marked by security and respect.
Learn Today:
Glossary or Definitions:
- NRI: Stands for Non-Resident Indian. It refers to an Indian citizen who has migrated to another country and is residing abroad.
Matrimonial Disputes: Conflicts or disagreements arising between spouses, typically related to issues concerning marriage, divorce, custody of children, division of assets, and financial support.
Estranged: Refers to being separated or alienated, often used to describe a spouse who has abandoned or left their partner.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): The government department of India responsible for external relations, including matters related to the country’s foreign policy, diplomacy, and protection of Indian citizens abroad.
Distress Calls: Emergency calls made by individuals who are in urgent need of assistance or help due to being in a difficult or dangerous situation.
Legislation: The process of making or enacting laws through a formal system, such as a government or legislative body.
Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident of India Bill: A proposed bill introduced by the late Union minister Sushma Swaraj aimed at mandating the compulsory registration of NRI marriages within a certain timeframe to protect the rights of deserted spouses.
Passport Act, 1967: An act passed in India that governs the issuance and regulations concerning Indian passports.
Enforceability: The ability or effectiveness of enforcing or implementing rules, laws, or rights.
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF): A fund set up by the government of India to provide financial and legal assistance to Indian citizens in distress abroad.
Consular Guidance: Assistance and support provided by Indian diplomatic missions and posts abroad to Indian citizens in matters relating to legal rights, protection, and navigating foreign jurisdictions.
MADAD Portal: An online platform launched by the Ministry of External Affairs to provide information, assistance, and a grievance redressal mechanism for Indian citizens facing difficulties abroad.
Vigilance: Being watchful, alert, and attentive in order to prevent or respond to problems, risks, or threats.
Helpline: A telephone service established to provide support, advice, and assistance to individuals in need, typically operated 24×7.
Awareness: Knowledge or understanding of a particular issue, fact, or situation.
Rights: Entitlements or freedoms that individuals possess, often protected by laws and regulations.
Dignity: The inherent worth and value of every individual, encompassing respect, fair treatment, and protection of one’s rights and personal identity.
The increasing number of Indian women being deserted by NRI husbands is a distressing issue that demands attention. With legislation on the horizon and the government’s active measures for support, there is hope for these women. To learn more about the assistance available and empower yourself with information, visit visaverge.com. Help is just a click away!
This Article in a Nutshell:
The number of Indian wives abandoned by NRI husbands has doubled since 2015, with an average of four complaints filed daily. A proposed bill aims to protect these spouses by mandating the registration of NRI marriages. The government provides financial and legal aid, consular guidance, and online resources to support the women.
