JLT help centre for Indian expats to be moved to consulate

dubai — The Pravasi Bhartiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK), a help centre for the Indian expat community, will be relocated from Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) to the premises of the Consulate-General of India (CGI) in Bur Dubai, the mission has announced.

Previously known as the Indian Workers Resource Centre, PBSK was inaugurated in 2014 and set up at Silver Towers in Dubai’s JLT Cluster I.

Starting November 1, the welfare centre will officially be moved to the premises of the Indian Consulate. An inauguration will be done on Sunday, to be led by Indian Ambassador to the UAE Pavan Kapoor and Consul-General of India in Dubai Dr Aman Puri.

“The government of India has decided to shift the operations of PBSK to the premises of the Indian Consulate from November 1 while assuring that all duties and responsibilities entrusted with erstwhile PBSK managed by Alankit Assignments are continued to be carried in letter and spirit,” the consulate said.

The welfare service had a second branch in Sharjah, but the facility had to be shut down because of the low footfall amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Plans to expand the scope of work of the PBSK are being explored, according to the mission’s official statement.

“The Embassy of India, Abu

Dhabi and CGI Dubai remain deeply committed to the welfare of all Indians living in UAE with an assurance that whatever problems an Indian national is facing, we are just a phone call away, or a visit (in case of need) to the PBSK Centre in Dubai. It is located in heart of the city, well connected by public transport and Metro and also inter-emirates bus services,” it added.

Though the centre is easily accessible to all, the consulate advised expats to continue using the helpline and avoid physical visits amid the pandemic.

“All attempts will be made to minimise the requirement of physical visits for any Indian national in distress. 24X7 Toll-Free no. of PBSK 80 04 6342 (800-INDIA) will continue to be the best way to approach the PBSK in case of any need.”

The missions remain committed to the welfare of all Indians, with an assurance that whatever problems they face, we are a phone call away.” Indian Consulate in Dubai