Kerala legislators address grievances of expatriates
abu dhabi — The week has seen a paradigm shift in the UAE-Kerala relations. While His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, visited the south Indian state, a cabinet minister and eight Kerala legislators were in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday evening.
The Kerala delegation, arguably the biggest-ever to visit the UAE, addressed grievances of the expats, which ranged from repatriation of dead bodies, soaring air fares, admission to educational institutions and issues with Aadhaar card among others, at the Indian Social and Cultural Centre.
Kerala minister AK Balan, who led the delegation, listed many welfare schemes started by the state government for the NRKs, including Karunya meant for the repatriation of dead bodies, distress relief fund for the needy, pension schemes and the like.
“There are many schemes but I believe, there’s need for more awareness towards schemes under Norka-Roots,” Balan said.
The minister hailed the visit of Sheikh Sultan and lauded the amnesty announced by the Sharjah Ruler for convicts.
“Such gestures are highly appreciated and will further strengthen the bonds between the two countries. Keralites will always remember such magnanimous steps,” he added.
Members of legislative assembly Veena George, A Pradeepkumar, Chittayam Gopakumar, KB Ganesh Kumar, Sunny Joseph, VP Sajeendran, M Ummer and K Krishnankutty were all ears to the issues and promised timely action.
The visit by politicians came as part of a parliamentary study group. The minister asked the ISC members to present minutes of the entire event as an official document that could be taken up with state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Indian Embassy first secretary (Community Affairs) Dinesh Kumar, ISC president Joy Thomas John and heads of other organisations attended the event, which was moderated by ISC vice-president Jayachandran Nair.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com