India has stepped up efforts to protect its nationals working in Uganda after reports emerged of employers confiscating passports, a move aimed at safeguarding migrant workers’ rights and curbing potential exploitation, officials said on Monday.
The Indian High Commission in Kampala announced a series of measures targeting companies and organizations found holding employees’ passports against their consent, a practice long criticized as a form of forced labor. The initiative follows complaints from Indian citizens employed in sectors including hospitality, manufacturing, and information technology.
“Passport confiscation is illegal and unacceptable. The High Commission is committed to ensuring that all Indian nationals in Uganda have full access to their personal documents,” the mission said in a statement. Authorities stressed that employers are now required to return passports to employees immediately and refrain from retaining them under any circumstances.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of expatriate workers in East Africa. While Uganda hosts a relatively small number of Indian nationals compared with countries in the Middle East, reports of document retention and related workplace abuses have prompted diplomatic intervention.
Indian diplomats said they will conduct regular inspections and maintain a hotline to receive complaints from affected citizens. They also plan awareness campaigns to inform workers of their rights and provide legal guidance in cases of coercion or mistreatment.
“We have zero tolerance for employers who withhold passports or engage in exploitative practices. Workers must be able to access their documents freely at all times,” said Ranjit Sinha, Deputy High Commissioner for India in Uganda. “Our mission is working closely with Ugandan authorities to ensure compliance and protect our citizens.”
Ugandan labor authorities have welcomed the collaboration, promising stricter enforcement of regulations related to employment contracts, workers’ documentation, and workplace conditions. The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development highlighted ongoing efforts to inspect companies employing foreign nationals and to educate employers on legal obligations.
Experts say passport confiscation is a common tool used by unscrupulous employers to control migrant workers, often restricting their mobility and limiting their ability to report abuses. While most Indian workers in Uganda report fair treatment, incidents of coercion and document retention have drawn attention to the need for diplomatic oversight and legal safeguards.
More Read
The Indian High Commission also emphasized that the crackdown aligns with broader government efforts to protect migrant workers worldwide. Since 2015, India has established systems to monitor overseas employment, provide pre-departure training, and offer consular assistance to nationals abroad.
In addition to enforcement measures, the mission is encouraging workers to report grievances promptly and has outlined a clear process for the safe return of passports. Legal action against non-compliant employers is under consideration, and authorities said repeat offenders could face sanctions or business restrictions.
“The safety and dignity of our citizens abroad remain a top priority. No Indian worker should fear harassment or coercion in a foreign country,” the High Commission said, urging employers to comply with regulations and respect international labor standards.
The initiative signals a strengthened diplomatic approach to protecting expatriate workers, reflecting India’s commitment to upholding labor rights while fostering strong bilateral relations with host countries such as Uganda.
