Media Release
Dammam, Feb 26: "Several measures have been taken by Karnataka government for the welfare of Gulf Kannadiga NRIs. Rolling out NRK cards for NRI Kannadigas will be the first priority," said Dr Arathi Krishna, deputy chairman of NRI Forum, government of Karnataka, after being felicitated by Karnataka NRI Forum, eastern province.
She also stated that Karnataka government has already allocated budget this year for NRI welfare activities. The government’s official wing NRI Forum Karnataka has already set up NRI welfare centers in commissioner office at each district, and she assured that the forum will make necessary arrangements for Saudi returnee Kannadigas caught in the ongoing job market crisis.
In order to address the issues currently faced by the Kannadigas in the Kingdom, Dr Arathi Krishna is on an official tour of Saudi Arabia. For the Kannadigas living in Saudi Arabia, this was a much awaited tour of an official representative from government of Karnataka. Community leaders, business elites, organizational representatives from Eastern province were present at the event held at Hotel Holiday Inn Alkhobar. They welcomed NRI Forum’s strategies to address the Kannadiga NRI issues.
Prior to this event, to interact with the NRI Kannadigas working in industrial projects, Dr Arathi Krishna visited Expertise Co Labor Camps where large numbers of NRI Kannadigas work in Al-Jubail Industrial City. As a guest of honour of Saudi Arabia, she was splendidly felicitated by Joey Fernandes, Madhav Ameen and Women Fraternity representatives. Zakariya Bajpe Al-Muzain, president of the Karnataka NRI Forum and other office-bearers presented memento and gifts.
Addressing the event, Zakariya Bajpe Al-Muzain, president of Karnataka NRI Forum eastern province applauded the historic visit of Dr Arathi Krishna and appealed Kannadigas to join under one platform, so that NRKs can reach out to Karnataka government to take serious measures on Saudi Kannadiga NRIs issues.
KNRI Forum eastern province submitted a memorandum to the government of Karnataka asking to take pragmatic steps and draft policies and systems as the basis for improving protection and welfare of Saudi return migrants as well as the ones who continue their stay in Saudi Arabia. During the event, representatives from each organization briefed their activities and contribution for social cause in Karnataka.
Officials from ministry of labour and social development representatives Abdul Latheef Saleh Al Naeemi, Abdul Khalik Al Qasimi, and Sadik Abdullah Mud Al Abbasi were present. Also, Karnataka NRI Forum’s president Zakariyah Muzain, vice-presidents Madhav Ameen and Joey Fernandese, general secretary Mohammad Shareef, treasurer Sheikh Expertise, secretaries Qamaruddin and Salahuddin were present on the dais.
Earlier Zakariyah welcomed the attendees, Mohammad Firoz, member of Karnataka NRI Forum presented a short brief about Kannadiga NRIs in Saudi Arabia. Mohammad Shareef, general secretary, Karnataka NRI Forum delivered the vote of thanks. Arif Jokatte and Mohammad Iqbal hosted the felicitation event.
The event was sponsored by Expertise Co, Real Tech Industrial Services Co, Al-Muzain Contracting Co, Sa-ad AL Gahtani Co, Al-Manafa Transport Services and Madhav Ameen.