Alarming surge in desertion cases of Indian wives by NRIs

the data reveals that the number of distressed Indian women abandoned by their NRI spouses has doubled in 2023 compared to 2015

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

An escalating crisis unfolds as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reports a concerning surge in the number of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) deserting their wives, with an average of four complaints filed daily. Disturbingly, the data reveals that the number of distressed Indian women abandoned by their NRI spouses has doubled in 2023 compared to 2015, as disclosed by news18.com.

From January 1, 2020, to October 31, 2023, the ministry received a total of 5,339 requests from estranged Indian women married to overseas Indians. Shockingly, between January and October 2023 alone, 1,187 complaints were registered, a significant increase from the 796 complaints received in the entire calendar year of 2015. Notably, 2022 witnessed the highest number of complaints, reaching 1,669, more than double the figures from 2015.

The government has established various channels, including the MADAD portal, calls, walk-ins, emails, WhatsApp, social media, and 24×7 helplines, allowing Indian women abroad to register grievances

In response to this growing crisis, the late Union Minister Sushma Swaraj introduced a bill in February 2019, addressing the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indians in the Rajya Sabha. Swaraj highlighted the urgent need for safeguards to protect Indian women from fraudulent marriages with NRIs. The proposed legislation aimed to mandate marriage registration within 30 days, empowering the passport authority to revoke the passport of NRIs failing to comply. As the number of complaints rises, the fate of the bill hangs in the balance.

The government has implemented a multi-faceted strategy to tackle issues faced by Indian women married to overseas Indians, encompassing abandonment, harassment, and matrimonial disputes. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) plays a crucial role, providing legal and financial assistance to distressed Indian women. MEA data reveals that between 2020 and 2022, Rs 25 lakh was allocated, with a significant portion dedicated to aiding distressed women in the USA.

To guide aggrieved Indian women, missions and posts abroad offer information on legal procedures and mechanisms in such cases. Additionally, the government has established various channels, including the MADAD portal, calls, walk-ins, emails, WhatsApp, social media, and 24×7 helplines, allowing Indian women abroad to register grievances. Launched in February 2015, MADAD has become a cornerstone in online registration, tracking, and resolution of grievances, significantly strengthening the mechanism for addressing the concerns of overseas Indians.

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