Government Addresses Spiking Complaints in NRI Marriages

In 2022, the Indian government's NRI cell received over 400 complaints from women, addressing issues like domestic violence and dowry demands. The National Commission for Women collaborated with various ministries to resolve these cases. Plans include establishing One Stop Centres in Indian Diplomatic Missions abroad to support affected women.

In 2022, the Indian government's NRI cell received over 400 complaints from women, encompassing issues such as domestic violence, passport confiscation, desertion, dowry demands, and child custody disputes.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development's annual report, accessed by PTI, reveals that 109 complaints were logged from January to March 2022, with the remaining 372 filed between April and December. These serious allegations included in-laws confiscating passports and husbands disappearing, leaving wives stranded.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) coordinated with the Ministries of WCD, External Affairs, and Home Affairs to expedite resolutions. In 2022, the NCW issued nearly 3,500 letters for this cause. Additionally, the NCW offered psycho-social and legal counselling, handled 45 walk-in complaints, and conducted hearings in 20 cases.

The report also outlines plans to establish One Stop Centres and helplines in Indian Diplomatic Missions in nine countries to assist women. An expert committee led by Justice Arvind Kumar Goel provided recommendations to address the challenges tied to NRI marriages. Based on these suggestions, an Integrated Nodal Agency now handles NRI marriage disputes.