Established by the Government of India, the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) provides crucial support to Indian citizens in distress situations abroad. Learn about its purpose, eligibility, and how to seek assistance.
The vast Indian diaspora, with millions residing and working across the globe, contributes significantly to both their host countries and India’s development. However, unforeseen circumstances can leave them vulnerable. Recognizing this need, the Government of India established the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in 2009.
a program run by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to help Overseas Indians in need and promote their wellbeing.
Additionally, ICWF has provided crucial assistance in the emergency evacuation of Indian nationals from nations hit by natural disasters, conflict zones, and other difficult circumstances. Given its great usefulness, the ICWF is extended to all Indian Missions and Posts overseas.
In order to increase their breadth and broaden the range of welfare initiatives that can be expanded through the Fund, the ICWF rules have undergone additional revisions. They are anticipated to give Indian Missions and Posts overseas more latitude in responding to aid requests from Indian nationals living abroad in a timely manner.
What is the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)?
The ICWF is a government fund managed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to assist Indian citizens facing distress and emergencies overseas. It operates on a “means-tested basis,” prioritizing those in the most critical situations and with limited financial resources.
Who is Eligible for Assistance from the ICWF?
The ICWF extends support primarily to Indian citizens residing in a foreign country or those encountering difficulties while visiting abroad. It’s important to note that:
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are not eligible for individual financial aid from the ICWF.
- Assistance is granted on a case-by-case basis, considering the severity of the situation and the applicant’s financial limitations.
- Generally, only Indian nationals who have entered the host country legally can receive benefits.
What Kind of Assistance Does the ICWF Provide?
The ICWF offers a vital lifeline to Indian citizens facing a variety of challenges abroad. Some of the key areas of support include:
- Emergency Medical Care: The ICWF can help cover medical expenses for those in urgent medical situations.
- Boarding and Lodging: In cases of job loss, exploitation, or other situations leaving individuals with no secure housing, the ICWF may provide temporary shelter.
- Air Passage to India: The fund can assist stranded or critically ill Indian citizens with airfare back to India on a means-tested basis.
- Legal Aid: The ICWF offers some initial legal assistance in deserving cases, such as those involving wrongful detention or contractual disputes.
- Repatriation of Mortal Remains: If an Indian citizen passes away overseas, and the sponsor or family cannot afford repatriation, the ICWF may facilitate the return of the mortal remains or contribute to local cremation/burial costs.
- Support for Community Centers: The ICWF can provide financial aid for establishing and running Overseas Indian Community Centers in countries with large Indian populations.
Eligibility
- An Overseas Indian must be the applicant.
- The candidate needs to be in a distressed condition (as specified under the advantages of the scheme)
.Not Included
- ICWF does not provide coverage for people of Indian descent.
- The ICWF does not offer individual financial aid to “Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) Card Holders.”
How to Apply for Assistance from the ICWF
There is no centralized application process for the ICWF. Indian citizens in need of assistance should contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate in their host country. The Embassy/Consulate will assess the situation, collect necessary documents, and guide the applicant through the process. Required documents may include:
- Indian nationals’ compensation claims for deaths they suffered abroad:
- Every country has a different application procedure and set of documents needed for compensation claims. The following link will provide you with the comprehensive information by country: https://www.mea.gov.in/images/pdf/compendium.pdf
- Example Financial Assistance Application Forms under ICWF –
Embassy of India, Kuwait:
https://indembkwt.gov.in/pdf/Application%20for%20seeking%20financial%20assistance%20from%20ICWF.pdf
Embassy of India, Jeddah:
https://www.cgijeddah.gov.in/web_files/779810210-Form%20for%20ICWF%20assitaance.pdf
Important Considerations
- The ICWF prioritizes urgent and critical cases.
- Approval for assistance is discretionary and depends on the available funds.
- Applicants are expected to explore other avenues of support, such as personal savings, employer assistance, or insurance coverage, before seeking aid from the ICWF.
Documents Required
The following paperwork is needed to file compensation claims for Indian nationals who passed away overseas:
- Death Certificate
- Bank details of the deceased
- Insurance Number of the deceased
- Marriage Certificate (spouse) and Birth Certificate (of children)
- Original Passport of the deceased along with a photocopy
- Power of attorney from next-of-kin in the name of Embassy or any individual residing in Austria whom the deceased’s family would like to appoint.
- Legal Heir Certificate, to be obtained by the next-of-kin through the concerned Taluk/Thasildar or through the District Civil Court of the concerned area in India.
- Any other document that seem relevant depending upon the death case, such as police report (from the local police), medical report (from the hospital)
- NOC from other Heirs (in case of multiple heirs)
Source – https://www.mea.gov.in/images/pdf/compendium.pdf
FAQs on the Indian Community Welfare Fund
Q: Can I get financial help from the ICWF for travel expenses back to India?
A: The ICWF primarily focuses on assisting those in distress situations. Airfare assistance may be offered in critical cases, such as medical emergencies or extreme financial hardship after job loss.
Q: Does the ICWF provide legal aid for all types of legal issues?
A: No, the ICWF offers limited initial legal assistance in specific situations, such as wrongful detention or contractual disputes related to employment.
Q: How long does it take to receive assistance from the ICWF?
A: The processing time varies depending on the complexity of the case and the verification of documents.
Conclusion
The Indian Community Welfare Fund serves as a beacon of hope for Indian citizens facing unforeseen difficulties abroad. By providing essential support in critical situations, the ICWF embodies the Government of India’s commitment to the welfare of its overseas diaspora.
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