Indian expats raise welfare concerns with visiting minister

JEDDAH: Visiting Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. V.K. Singh held an interactive session in Jeddah for over two hours on Thursday with members of the Indian community on questions related to higher education for their children and steps taken by New Delhi to help non-resident Indians (NRIs) when they return home.
Mohammed Alungal, chief executive officer of Al-Abeer Group, wanted the Indian government to popularize alternative medicines by taking it up with the authorities, especially during the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia. He quoted the example of Qatar where alternative medicines were being permitted by the local government.
Alungal suggested the creation of a legal cell or center at Indian missions in Saudi Arabia that can work in tandem with Saudi legal experts to provide advice to investors of both countries.
Vijay Soni of the Saudi-India Business Network (SIBN) raised the issue of expanding community schools in the Kingdom so that all Indian children could get quality education.
Aijaz Ahmed Khan, president of the India Forum, called for the opening of the branches of renowned Indian institutions in the Kingdom.
Kader Khan and Saleem Quadri explained the work being carried out by the Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum (IPWF) and sought the intervention of the government in orienting pilgrims before their departure from India.
Consul General B.S. Mubarak recalled the contribution of the minister during “Operation Rahat” during which 4,700 Indians and 1,000 foreign nationals were evacuated from Yemen. Mubarak also highlighted the contributions of India Forum, SIBN and IPWF.
The minister elaborated on the just concluded Haj agreement with the Saudi government and steps taken by New Delhi to make the Haj more comfortable for Indian pilgrims. He also thanked the expat community for its contribution to the Indian economy and active participation in promoting the country’s interests across the outside world.
The minister also explained the increased involvement of the Indian government in getting public issues resolved, and the acceptance of various documents as proof for the issuance of passports.
While thanking people for attending the session, the minister said officials would help the community, and that he would raise their issues with concerned ministries on his return to India. He also said that all initiatives must conform to Saudi law.