A senior government official noted that NRI matrimonial disputes often involve a range of challenges, including desertion, violence, and cross-border legal complexities
The government’s NRI Cell received over 400 complaints from women in 2022, shedding light on the growing challenges women face in NRI marriages.
According to a report by PTI, issues such as domestic violence, passport confiscation, desertion, dowry demands, and child custody disputes were among the key concerns raised by the complainants.
These cases often involve complex legal and financial hurdles, further compounded by the challenge of locating missing spouses. The report emphasized the need for collaboration across multiple government departments to address these multifaceted disputes effectively.
In 2022 alone, the NRI Cell processed a total of 481 complaints from women, both within India and abroad. The National Commission for Women (NCW) coordinated closely with the Ministries of Women and Child Development (WCD), External Affairs, and Home Affairs to expedite resolutions.
The NCW played a pivotal role by issuing nearly 3,500 letters to various authorities, urging swift action in resolving matrimonial disputes involving NRIs.
Apart from administrative efforts, the NCW provided psycho-social and legal counseling to the complainants, offering critical support during these difficult situations. The report highlighted that around 45 walk-in complaints were addressed, supplemented by regular telephonic counseling sessions. In approximately 20 cases, hearings were conducted to follow up with authorities or to mediate reconciliation efforts between the involved parties.
Based on the committee’s recommendations, an Integrated Nodal Agency, comprising senior officials from relevant ministries, has been established to ensure better handling of NRI marriage disputes
To further enhance support for women trapped in violent or disputed NRI marriages, the report outlined future plans to establish One Stop Centres and dedicated helplines at Indian Diplomatic Missions (IDMs) abroad. These initiatives, modelled on existing WCD schemes, aim to provide immediate assistance to women in need.
The Ministry of External Affairs has identified 10 IDMs in nine countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Canada, where these facilities will be established based on the number of Indian women residing in these nations. However, a proposal to set up a similar facility in Australia was later dropped.
To address these issues, the government formed an expert committee led by Justice Arvind Kumar Goel, former Chairperson of the NRI Commission of Punjab.
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