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Free tickets for Indians returning from Saudi Arabia

  •   Wed, Apr 03 2013 09:10:55 PM

Free tickets for Indians returning from Saudi Arabia

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 3 (PTI): The Centre has responded positively to Kerala's request to bear full ticket fares of expatriates in Saudi Arabia wishing to return to the state due to the implementation of a new labour law in that country, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here today.

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting that discussed various issues faced by emigrants there, he said Overseas Indian Affairs minister Vayalar Ravi had informed the state that the Centre would take care of the expenses.

Chandy said the cabinet came up with a three pronged approach to extend all possible help to the expatriates.

An option was to explore the possibility of retaining Keralites having no valid documents in Saudi Arabia in accordance with the laws there.

The second was for the Centre to bear the cost of flight tickets of those staying in Saudi unlawfully, he said.

A rehabilitation package for the returnees was also discussed at the meeting, he added.
The government, he said, would set up help desks at four district collectorates to cross check and validate details of Keralites seeking the Indian Embassy's 'exit pass' for safe departure from Saudi Arabia due to the implementation of 'Nitaqat' as part of that country's move for localisation of jobs in the private sector.

These desks would soon start functioning in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod, from where the maximum numbers of Keralites have gone to Saudi Arabia. The Embassy would forward the details of those seeking passes to the Collectors, who would check their credentials, he said.

Chandy said a five-member cabinet sub-committee with Minister for NORKA (Non-resident Kerala Association) K C Joseph as convener has been constituted to work out a rehabilitation package for those who return from Saudi Arabia.

Discussions would be held with government officials, banks and the Centre before giving final shape to the package, he said.
  

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Comment on this article

  • ESKEY, UDUPI

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Thanks Ismail, Good details although I had to read a couple of times to understand fully (not your fault). Those who are familiar with the ground realities in Saudi will be able to understand it first-hand. However, from what I read (and understood) from your details is that
    1. This rule does not affect all expats (all Indians)
    2. This rule affects only those (although sizable in number) who have violated the rule.
    3. Affected people are the ones whose visa has expired and they have overstayed OR They have one company's visa but are working for another company OR they are not doing the same job as permitted in their visa category OR they have invested & running a business which only a Saudi national is entitled to do. If the Saudi rule says it is illegal then our ministers cannot do anything. Isn't it?
    4. You yourself do not see anything improper the way Saudi govt. brought this rule & implement it. Meaning, this new rule is not against any provisions of International Labour Law.
    5. The affected people had almost TWO years to rectify their status and still many people chose not to take advantage of the amnesty period.
    6. Our ministers will meet Saudi officials probably to request for extension of amnesty period and to help those Indians who want to get out of Saudi by arranging out-passes for those who do not have valid papers.
    As you said Saudi may (or may not) suffer initially but in the long run it will help their economy.
    I suggest that our Indian govt. should be pro-active rather than doing fire fighting. They could give compulsory counselling to those taking up job abroad for the first time rather than paying for the ticket now. Although I am sympathetic about poor people having to come back, I do not want to encourage law breaking by sympathizing with them. By the way, what happened to the immigration clearance amount or that expat insurance scheme which promised return ticket in case of any problem?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'lore / Kwt

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Hope this facility of providing free tickets to returnees is not limited to Keralites only since the costs are borne by the Govt. of India.

    As a consequence of new Saudi labour policy, there is now fear of Malabaris flooding neighbouring states in search of jobs, resulting in increasing unemployment of the natives. It is in their blood that once they get hold of a company or establishment, they would do everything within their reach to prevent the local job aspirants from entering the field. And it was the result of such situation in Mumbai in the 60's and early 70's that compelled the Shiv Sena to launch a tirade against all South Indians. We don't want such situation to be repeated in other states. Let there be an atmosphere of equal opportunities for all.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aadil Khan, Kasaragod, Saudi Arabia

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    It is astonishing that many of our fellow Indians work like a bull under the hot sun for a meager amount, that too from 6am to 6pm day in and day out in Gulf countries.

    Unfortunately, if the same category of people is offered a job here in our land, at a salary on par with what they get there, they would show lot of tantrums to accept such job and if at all they accepted, he would be absent on and off without informing the employer and even the daily output would be minimum because, work starts 9am, break at 10.30, then 12.45 lunch and nap, resume job 2.00 pm and again 3pm tea and finally 4.45 quit job.

    If you talk to him bit unfriendly, next day he won't be coming to your place for work. That is our prevailing situation in our cities and towns.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE-YANBU/KSA

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    CONTD...

    The Labor rule is a cabinet decision which bound to comply by all Companies.Those Companies which are MNC or National and which well to do, established complied the reviewed labor rules.When Govt insisted 10% Nationalization jobs for SME units which were run by mostly Expats that brought ripples in market.Perhaps 60@ DHABAs/Small stores/Petty business closed down.Large scale raids were taken place and this will certainly affect Saudi economy initially but in the long run it will good for expats and Saudi Economy.Those working for others or other company away from their original sponsor got wrath of the new labor rules, which made them to either get arrested or voluntarily left the job.

    Issue is that if LABOR INSPECTION Flying squad got illegals arrested, they will take straight to detention/deportation center for deporting with allegedly RED seal on thier PASSPORT which virtually closes the door for empowerment in other GCC countries.Therefore,our ministerial delegation may focus on this and may ask amnesty period to get them voluntarily out of the country.
    10% RESERVATION FOR NATIONALS IN SME UNIT WHICH ARE MOSTLY RUN BY EXPATS IN THE NAME OF SAUDI WHICH ALSO CALLED COVER OF BUSINESS,IN TURN IT COSTS HEAVILY TO SAUDI ECONOMY.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE-YANBU/KSA

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Dear SK here we go...

    The Visa is not illegal.For instance A Saudi acquires for example 5-8 Visas and brings expats in the name of his establishment, lets say a small FCMG shop or any works or small manufacturing unit.In some cases that SAUDI in fact has no shop or it will need only 2-3 people!!!Then he asks those excess expat to work for others and gets a monthly specified remuneration from the expat!!!Now those working expats deemed illegal as they were working for other than Sponsor!!!In other words in case that excess expats explore other source of income by establishing there own Small scale industries with Sponsor's name and makes business!!!This business is called COVER UP BUSINESS and also deemed illegal.Another categories Saudi national brings people and releases officially or outsourcing labors to companies for a specific remunerations.Actually,for companies, nationalization of job & more than SME(SMALL SCALE & Medium industries.Earlier there is no Local employment quota for SMEs and now they made mandatory.There 340000 SMEs operating which has to employee @ least one Saudi.Most of these SMEs are COVER UP business operated by Expats for a specific fee..I mean it's sponsor is only name sake and virtually these business done by Expats.

    Nitaqat Systems was introduced 2 years ago and companies were asked to guidelines of Labor laws with 180 days ultimatum was issued.In that specified period all companies asked to come under GREEN area(Saudi Quota followed)but failing to do so will be placed under RED area! In the event of RED category Govt stopped renewal of residence permit of the expats.(Eventually leads illegal)But same time Govt asked Red category working expats to get another sponsor with out getting permission from RED sponsor to get themselves compliance for labor rules.But most of the expats failed to do so and automatically fallen in Illegal.As per survey Expats send 180 billion Saudi riyal in the illegal SME business!Law is a cabinet decision.

    DisAgree Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohan , Manglore

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Dear Candy Instead of giving free TICKET just send some ship ( VESSEL )and fill them and bring back to KERALA....Air India & Indian Airlines & Express all running in loses so don't put more burden on rest of TAX PAYER INDIAN CITIZEN.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • GERALD, MODANKAP

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    one thing i appreciate about mallus as they dont descriminate each other on the basis of religion/language/cast/creed etc etc !! only one question they love to ask any one if they see on the STREET be it ARAB/EUROPEAN/CHINESE

    " MALAYALAEE AANNOO"

    DisAgree [1] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Raju, Kerela

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    I HAVE SEEN MANY INDIANS WORKING IN GULF COUNTRIES ARE PAID VERY POOR SALARY.BUT STILL PEOPLE ARE PREFER TO GO VERY LOW SALARIES PAYING THE AGENTS EIGHTY THOUSAND TO ONE LAC/VISA.AFTER GOING THERE THEY ARE NOT GETTING THEIR SALARY FOR 5-6 MONTHS.TO SURVIVE THEY START PICKING UP PLASTIC BOTTLES PEPSI CANS WHATEVER THROWN ROAD SIDE. WHY THEES PEOPLE ARE GOING THERE TO WORK.IN INDIA DAILY WAGES LABORS ARE GETTING MINIMUM 400/500 OR ABOVE ACCORDING THEIR SKILL.& THEES SELLING THEIR WIFE GOLD OR TAKING LOAN IN HIGH INTEREST RATE FOR VISA & GOING TO GULF FOR WORK AFTER GOING THERE THEY START CRYING WHEN THEY ARE NOT PAID REGULARLY OR
    WHAT THEY PROMISED IN INDIA & NOW GOVERNMENT WANT TO SPEND TAX PAYERS
    MONEY FOR THEES TO BRING BACK TO INDIA.WHY GOVERNMENT HAS TO
    PAY WITH OUR TAX PAYERS MONEY.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peace Lover, India

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    We should appreciate of the efforts of Kerala CM. He is really worried about the people of Kerala and their welfare. But our karnataka government (leaders)are busy in filling their own pockets.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • B.Mani, Saudi Arabia

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Nothing new, its same old law but implemented strictly now. As per Saudi labor law expatriates are suppose to work only for their sponsors, and working for anybody other than their sponsor is the violation of labor law. Locals get visas by showing fake businesses and sell those visas in high prices ( visa fee is around IRS. 30,000) but they sell those visas for around 2 lacs Indian rupees.
    Since they do not have any business, upon arrival of expatriates to kingdom, they provide them resident permit (at the cost of employee) and they allow them to seek job outside, with an agreement of paying back the sponsor part of his income. Sponsors do not allow these people to transfer their sponsorship legally to any other sponsor, as they don’t want to loose their fixed income.
    Further the qualified housewives, who are under husband’s visa (sponsorship), work in schools as teachers. Since they are not under school’s sponsorship, they will be considered as illegal.
    The expatriates invested money in shops, restaurants and other petty businesses and they pay back part of their income to their sponsor (legal owner of the business though, an expat is a real owner), this is called cover up business, as only Saudi is allowed to do business. Again those expatriates are also violating the labor law.

    DisAgree Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pints, mlore

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Gud job from kerala CM, keep it up kindly give some feed back to karnataka CM aslo

    DisAgree [3] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • stan, dubai

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Even they are spending tax payers money on the kerala returnees but may be karnataka ministry may be thinking of increasing custom duty on Saudi returnees as they have to make money

    DisAgree [5] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Althaf, Kaup/Doha

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Our Karnataka Government is busy with making money...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Mr.Chandy is a clean politician like Mr.Antony (Defence Minister).If Mr.Chandy was Karnataka's CM,he would have done outstanding work.He can't implement his dream in Kerala because of many factors like Unions,adamant or tough opposition party like CPM etc..
    Note: Malayalis will never sleep unitll their work is over,that is in their blood..Mr.Chandy is not exceptional,all parties,religions support CM if there is actual crisis.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwyn D Almeida, Mangalore/Dubai

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    "UK" is great "United Kerala" ! What about other STATE CMs ? Karnataka CM ? busy in election campaign ?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • juliana, udupi

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Welcome move by Kerala govt. which should apply for the whole India. People on job should be allowed free exit if they do not need them any more. Gulf countries have adopted a reputation of leaving their employees in mid air all of a sudden which need to be looked into.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kumble Yogesh Bhat, Kumble, Kasargod Dist.

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    I think Omman Chandy plans to hire A 380's to bring his flock home. Sadly, his State does not own an airline called KERALA AIRWAYS.

    DisAgree [20] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • RD, Mangalore

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Instead of all these silly issues. Indian Govt. has to restrict Saudi Govt. Not to use RED stamp in their passport. Are they criminals. If Saudi Arabia not need them they can travel to other GCC countries. Please act on this point on priority basis.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    It is sad to note that India is Kerala...!!!???????

    DisAgree [7] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Balan, Cochin/Dubai

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Keralites are paying they earned but state is isolated because unions, Kerala highest per capita but poorest state in India, its time to pay your CPM

    DisAgree [3] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Indian, Mexico

    Wed, Apr 03 2013

    I can already smell corruption in this financial package . Mr chandy please pay the tickets with your OWN state governments money and not at the TAX payers expense .

    DisAgree [6] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

    Wed, Apr 03 2013

    Mr. Henry Misquith: Who will dare to start a business in Kerala which is infected the with the chronic communism virus of strikes-lockouts-unions-go slow and class war? Many foreign companies were almost ready to start in Kerala like the BMW company, but at the last minute, they felt to move to Tamilnadu and other states of India. The Kerala politicians have not yet sensed the critical economic crisis to be encountered when the doors in the gulf countries are gradually closed.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • GERALD, MODANKAP

    Wed, Apr 03 2013

    chandy is not concern about keralites. he is concerned about the problems which will be arise in future days as every one knows about their character!!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Wed, Apr 03 2013

    Whole of Kerala economy depends on foreign funds. Keralites eager to take up what ever available job in GCC countries but do not want to work in Kerala. One should think why Keraliest migrate and why no big industries in Kerala? This is failure of Kerala governement and thinking of Keralities. This dependency will be very fatal in coming years.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [60] Reply Report Abuse

  • Allan Dcosta, Kinnigoli / Abu Dhabi

    Wed, Apr 03 2013

    I bet if there were no malyalis in Saudi, chandy would never had put pressure on the central govt and never gone to delhi. he and also other kerala ministers would never have fought for other fellow Indians or non keralites.
    but we have to appreciate one thing, if any problem happens to keralites any where in the world their politicians would fight for it until they would get the result. our ministers from Karnataka have a long way to go.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [66] Reply Report Abuse

  • subash Pai, Mangalore/Dubai

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    U are out of focus why Mr.chandy should go other states,when other state ministers are there and sleeping.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • subash Pai, Mangalore/Dubai

    Wed, Apr 03 2013

    It should be for every Indian why only Keralites. But i salute Mr.Chandy for his initiative towards his statesmen, other ministers should learn. Do we have any government in Karnataka?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE-YANBU/KSA

    Wed, Apr 03 2013

    No comments for Oomen Chandy's free ticket those who returns India for good.

    FREE VISA RETURNEES......

    Those who are worked in free visa minimum 5 years able to bear their return ticket but thing is they need help from Indian missions as allegations of corruptions are aired in the TV media. Counseling in detention Center and facilitation for clearing out passes in a specific time Etc.

    Rehabilitation

    It is very much required as they (deportees)are coming with out any liquid cash on hand(for new entrants in Free Visa).

    Another important thing is their(deportees) pass ports are stamped in RED which create hurdles in getting employment in other GCC countries in future.

    Above two issues are more important than other small issues and Govt of India take initiative rather than limiting to KERALA STATE ONLY .

    DisAgree [4] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • ESKEY, UDUPI

    Thu, Apr 04 2013

    Dear Ismail, please take some time out and explain what is this new labour law of Saudi and how it is affecting the migrant workers? I read confusing reports. If Saudi wants to implement 10% min job reservation for their nationals how anybody can object? Why our govt should think of sending two senior ministers to discuss this rule with Saudi Govt? Sorry for my ignorance on the matter but why Govt should give free tickets to return for people who chose to stay illegally in another country?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse


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