MANAMA: Expect Gulf Nations To Help In Return Of Indians To Work: S Jaishankar

MANAMA: Expect Gulf Nations To Help In Return Of Indians To Work: S Jaishankar

MANAMA: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said India is fully cognizant of the employment concerns of people working abroad and expects governments in the Gulf to be helpful in facilitating the early return of those compelled to return home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a
statement in the Lok Sabha on “Recent Developments Pertaining to the
Welfare Abroad of Indians, NRIs and PIOs”, the minister said the focus of
the government’s efforts in the last few months has now shifted to Indians
going back to their usual places of work, study and domicile. To that end, air
transport bubble arrangements have been concluded with 27 countries so far.

“The
Government is fully cognizant of the employment concerns that our people abroad
have in the context of the COVID pandemic. Especially in the Gulf, there has
been tremendous economic and social disruption that has impacted them. We have
softened it somewhat but real challenges are there to be addressed. Let me
assure the House that we take this as a priority,” he said.

The
government has led the way for an economic recovery at home, and similar
untiring efforts are being made to help renew livelihoods of Indians abroad,
the minister said.

“The
air travel arrangements are a necessary enabling measure. But beyond that, we
have been active in urging our partner governments to look sympathetically at
the employment of our citizens as they chart their own recovery pathway. The
Gulf has been the focal point of our endeavours, though this is a global effort
on our part,” Mr Jaishankar said.

In recent
months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged the leaders of Saudi Arabia,
UAE, Qatar and Oman, while Mr Jaishankar has travelled to UAE, Qatar, Bahrain
and Oman to discuss the governments there the welfare of people there. “I
have recently hosted the UAE Foreign Minister in India and expect to do so with
that of Kuwait very soon,” the minister said.

“From
our recent interactions, we have reason to expect that partner governments in
the Gulf would be helpful in facilitating the early return of many who were
compelled to go back because of the pandemic,” Mr Jaishankar added.

He said
the support extended from India for the stay and travel of Indian citizens was
warmly acknowledged by the community and the governments alike.

“The
provision of medical supplies and food items from India as an exceptional gesture
to the Gulf during this period clearly had powerful resonance. So did the
arrival of health professionals and medical staff, especially the dedicated
medical team India sent to Kuwait,” the minister said.

The
minister said ambassadors and senior officials have been in regular touch with
most community organisations and get their feedback on both the health
situation and economic recovery. “We are aware that there are problems of
compensation, re-employment and re-skilling that need solutions. And these are
today the core of our agenda with our partner governments.”

The
welfare of students studying abroad has also been of particular concern and
embassies across the world have been given instructions to reach out to them,
monitor their situation and assist their return, where required, Mr Jaishankar
said.

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