Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty has said that the Cabinet will discuss the issue of Malayali emigrants facing problems in Saudi Arabia following the implementation of the Nitaqat programme in the Gulf nation.
At a press conference here on Thursday, Mr. Kunhalikutty said the Nitaqat programme would be highly detrimental to the economic structure of the State. The issue had been discussed with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Union Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed. This would be discussed soon with Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi.
However, Mr. Kunhalikutty said that there was no need to panic at the situation. The Indian Embassy had said that there would not be a sudden impact. The issue could be bilaterally solved with Saudi Arabia.
He said the State government was committed to providing a rehabilitation package and employment opportunity to the Saudi returnees. It was on top of the agenda of the government, the Minister said.
