📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Chatham House
Politics
Shashi Tharoor calls gender bias findings on Saudi returnees 'disturbing'
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 24 Aug 2026, 03:03 PM
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Senior Minister Shashi Tharoor described recent findings on gender bias affecting Indian returnees from Saudi Arabia as disturbing and urged action.
Shashi Tharoor, senior leader of the Indian National Congress and former Minister of State for External Affairs, publicly reacted to a recent report that highlighted gender bias faced by Indian workers returning from Saudi Arabia.
The study, compiled by a research organisation, noted that female returnees encounter discrimination in employment and social reintegration compared with their male counterparts. Tharoor termed the findings "disturbing" and said they underscore the broader challenges Indian migrant workers confront abroad.
He urged the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Labour to review existing support mechanisms, strengthen bilateral dialogue with Saudi authorities, and ensure that returning women receive adequate assistance and protection.
Tharoor made the remarks during a recent interview, emphasizing that the government must act swiftly to address the inequities highlighted by the report.
The study, compiled by a research organisation, noted that female returnees encounter discrimination in employment and social reintegration compared with their male counterparts. Tharoor termed the findings "disturbing" and said they underscore the broader challenges Indian migrant workers confront abroad.
He urged the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Labour to review existing support mechanisms, strengthen bilateral dialogue with Saudi authorities, and ensure that returning women receive adequate assistance and protection.
Tharoor made the remarks during a recent interview, emphasizing that the government must act swiftly to address the inequities highlighted by the report.