Govt steps have helped reduce problems of NRIs in Gulf:Vayalar

With an aim of addressing problems faced by Indian workers in Gulf countries, the government has taken measures and as a result complaints of exploitation have come down significantly, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said today.
Listing the steps taken, he said several social security agreements have been signed with these countries.
"The first priority of the ministry has been to protect the interests of Indian workers in the Gulf. We have taken several steps. Now the complaint has come down significantly," Ravi told reporters here on the sidelines of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conclave.
India and Saudi Arabia has recently signed a "landmark" agreement to protect the rights of Indian workers there and also agreed to form a joint committee to overcome obstacles in its implementation.

The three-day conclave will also a special session "Issues of NRIs in the Gulf" which will discuss problems related to the Indians in these countries.
He also said that the government has introduced a programme named "Know India Programme" for young Overseas Indians with a view to provide them an exposure to the country of their origin so that they can understand it better.

"Under the programme, 20 young persons of Indian origin in the age group of 18 to 24 from different countries visit India extensively every year, which will provide them an opportunity to have a deeper insight into Indian people and society," he said.

Asked about the ongoiong Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the minister said that more than 900 delegates of Overseas Indians from about 50 countries are participating and Malaysia has the highest number of 200 delegates in the ongoing event.
On a question, he said that the Pravasi Bharatiya Centre in Delhi which was scheduled to be completed in September last year will be completed very soon.