The Central government will set up a system to verify the authenticity of work visas issued from various Gulf countries, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said in Delhi on Thursday.
The Minister told a delegation of overseas Keralites led by Non resident keralites' Affairs (NORKA) that the matter would be discussed at the meeting of Indian ambassadors in Delhi on November 27. Establishment of a system for verification of visas at the Office of the Protector General of Emigrants could be considered.
NORKA is an initiative by the Government of Kerala to redress the grievances of non resident Keralites.
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The delegation pointed out that an online system was already in existence for verification of work visas issued from Qatar and Bahrain. Similar system should be established for other Gulf countries also.
Mr. Ravi said that the Centre would provide Rs. 1 crore as assistance next year for the training programme drawn up by NORKA-Roots for people seeking jobs abroad. Steps would be taken to introduce the proposed Bill for granting voting rights to overseas Indians in Parliament.
The Minister assured that simplification of procedures for bringing bodies of Indian dying abroad to India, arrangements to get information on Mayalalees jailed abroad and measures to check frequent increase in air fares would be discussed with Ministries concerned.
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The delegation included Secretary (NORKA) Sheela Thomas, Vice chairman of NORKA-Roots M. A. Yusufali, Directors Manjalamkuzhi Ali and K. T. Jaleel and Chief Executive Officer of NORKA K. V. Mohankumar, an official release issued here said.