The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has initiated a new project to support women in vulnerable situations by establishing One-Stop Centres (OSCs) across the globe. The goal is to provide immediate and comprehensive assistance to women facing distress in foreign countries. This initiative aims to address the unique challenges that Indian women face while living abroad, especially in countries where they may be isolated or abandoned.
One-Stop Centres (OSCs): Key Locations and Facilities
The One-Stop Centres (OSCs) will be set up in nine key locations across the globe. Seven of these centres will be in the Gulf countries, while the remaining two will be located in Toronto and Singapore.
Locations of the One-Stop Centres
| Country | City | Centre Type |
| Bahrain | Manama | Shelter Facility |
| Kuwait | Kuwait City | Shelter Facility |
| Oman | Muscat | Shelter Facility |
| Qatar | Doha | Shelter Facility |
| UAE | Dubai | Shelter Facility |
| Saudi Arabia | Jeddah | Shelter Facility |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | Shelter Facility |
| Canada | Toronto | No Shelter Facility |
| Singapore | Singapore | No Shelter Facility |
These centres are strategically placed in regions with large Indian populations. Countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia will host the majority of the centres. Saudi Arabia will have two centres, one in Jeddah and another in Riyadh, to cater to the significant number of Indian expatriates in the country. The centres in Toronto and Singapore will operate without shelter facilities but will still provide essential services and support.
What Services Will the One-Stop Centres Provide?
The One-Stop Centres (OSCs) will offer a variety of services designed to address the immediate and long-term needs of women in distress. These services include:
- Emergency Shelter: Women can seek temporary shelter and safety at these centres.
- Legal Assistance: Women facing legal challenges, including cases of abandonment, will receive legal support and representation.
- Counseling Services: Women in distress will have access to counseling services to help them cope with emotional and psychological challenges.
- Medical Assistance: Basic medical care will be available to women in need.
- Repatriation Assistance: In cases where women need to return to India, the centres will provide support for travel arrangements.
- Food and Temporary Housing: Emergency accommodation and food will be offered to those in need.
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF): Supporting the OSCs
The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) will provide the necessary financial backing for the operation of these centres. The ICWF, which has been active in Indian Missions worldwide, focuses on aiding Indian nationals, especially women, who are in distress. The fund helps with a range of welfare activities, including legal aid, medical care, and the repatriation of mortal remains.
ICWF Expanded Guidelines
In September 2017, the ICWF revised its guidelines to better support Indian nationals, particularly women, in distress abroad. Some key provisions include:
- Emergency Assistance: Funds can be used for food, temporary shelter, medical care, and travel arrangements for stranded individuals.
- Legal Aid and Counseling: Women abandoned by their overseas spouses can avail themselves of legal assistance and counseling services.
- Fines for Minor Legal Issues: The ICWF also helps pay fines for minor legal infractions, enabling the release of Indian nationals from detention.
What Makes These Centres Unique for Women?
The establishment of these One-Stop Centres (OSCs) is particularly significant for Indian women abroad. Many women face unique challenges such as abandonment by their spouses, exploitation, and isolation in foreign countries. These centres will not only provide a safe space but will also offer crucial services tailored to their needs, such as:
- Support for Women Abandoned by Spouses: Legal panels will be established to provide timely help for women abandoned by their overseas or foreign spouses.
- Counseling and Emotional Support: The centres will offer counseling to help women rebuild their lives and find support in unfamiliar environments.
- Comprehensive Legal Help: Legal assistance will cover issues like child custody, marital disputes, and other legal matters that often arise in international settings.
Summary
- The Ministry of External Affairs is launching Nine One-Stop Centres (OSCs) for women in vulnerable situations.
- Seven centres will be set up in Gulf countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia).
- Two centres will be located in Toronto and Singapore, but without shelter facilities.
- These centres will offer emergency shelter, legal assistance, medical care, and repatriation services.
- The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) will support these initiatives with funding.
- ICWF guidelines have been updated to include support for women abandoned by spouses, minor legal infractions, and emergency assistance.
- The One-Stop Centres (OSCs) aim to provide holistic support for Indian women abroad in distress.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
One-Stop Centres (OSCs) are dedicated facilities established by the Ministry of External Affairs to offer support to women in distress, providing shelter, legal assistance, and counseling services.
Nine centres will be set up globally, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Riyadh), Toronto, and Singapore.
The centres will offer emergency shelter, legal assistance, medical care, food, repatriation support, and counseling for women in distress.
ICWF provides financial support for the OSCs, covering emergency needs, legal aid, medical care, and repatriation services for Indian nationals, especially women.
The OSCs are designed to assist Indian women facing difficult situations abroad, such as abandonment, legal issues, and health problems.
Yes, the OSCs will offer legal assistance to women, including those abandoned by their overseas spouses or dealing with minor legal infractions.
Women can visit any of the nine centres, which will be located in major cities in the Gulf region, Toronto, and Singapore. The services will be free for those in need.
