Kampala, Uganda: The Indian High Commission in Kampala has warned that the Government of India will take firm action against Indian employers abroad found confiscating workers’ passports or denying them employment contracts, describing the practice as illegal, exploitative and unacceptable.
Speaking during celebrations to mark India’s 77th Republic Day in Kampala last week, Indian High Commissioner to Uganda Upender Singh Rawat said New Delhi has directed all Indian missions overseas to crack down on labour abuses involving Indian nationals.
Rawat noted that while passport confiscation is most prevalent in the Middle East, where many Indian employers operate, the High Commission has also received reports of similar practices in Uganda and Burundi.
“The Government of India has directed all missions abroad to take stringent action against Indian employers who indulge in contract substitution and confiscation of passports of Indian employees working overseas,” Rawat said.
“Although these cases are more common in the Middle East, we are aware of incidents here in Uganda and Burundi where Indian nationals have had their passports withheld and have been denied employment contracts,” he added.
The High Commissioner described passport confiscation as illegal and exploitative, warning that it exposes workers to abuse and severely restricts their freedom of movement. He also reminded Indian nationals working in Uganda that all foreign employees, including those on short-term visas, must hold valid work permits in compliance with Ugandan law.
Rawat said the Indian government has recently reformed its overseas registration and consular systems to strengthen protection for citizens working abroad, particularly during emergencies.
“All Indians working overseas can now register through their local Indian missions. This enables us to assist them during emergencies and also feeds into policy initiatives back home,” he said.
He added that the Indian mission in Kampala has expanded consular services to improve access to passport renewals and visa-related assistance, noting that India’s Ministry of External Affairs continues to roll out digital reforms.
“Last year, we piloted electronic passport issuance for new applicants. These system upgrades are aimed at making services more accessible, secure and efficient,” Rawat said.
Labour exploitation concerns in Uganda
Concerns over labour exploitation have increasingly surfaced in Kampala, with allegations that some foreign investors bring in nationals from their home countries and employ them as casual labourers under questionable conditions.
According to accounts shared by workers and labour rights advocates, some employees allegedly have their passports confiscated immediately upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, leaving them vulnerable to poor working conditions that fall short of both international and Ugandan labour standards.
The High Commission’s warning adds diplomatic weight to growing scrutiny of labour practices involving foreign nationals operating in Uganda.
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