‘Kuwait government keen to solve problems of Indians working here’ – Visiting Minister Singh meets with Kuwait’s FM, Labor Minister

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KUWAIT CITY, Sept 8: The government of Kuwait is keen to solve the problems of Indians working in Kuwait and at the same time protect their rights. This was disclosed by Indian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gen V.K. Singh Wednesday during a press conference at the Indian Embassy.

Singh arrived in Kuwait after paying a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He disclosed, during his visit here he met with First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Planning and Development Hind Al-Sabeeh to discuss the Indian workers’ conditions in Kuwait and their problems either in the delay of their salary or any other issues.

Of the around 900,000 Indians working in Kuwait, about 29,000 have problems with their sponsors, and the Indian government was ready to bring them back to India. He said the Indian community has been living in Kuwait for decades and the two peoples are known to have established good business relations.

On another issue, Singh said the Indian government has introduced a law that bans an unmarried woman below 30 years to work abroad, except with the approval of the government and relevant authorities. For example, he said the law, bans nurses seeking employment abroad except through official channels. Singh disclosed, the Indian embassy was closely working with the Kuwaiti authorities to address the issues faced by the Indian workers.

Following the press conference, the minister interacted with a large section of the Indian community from all walks of life and gave a patient ear to the issues raised by the community in the embassy auditorium.

The issues discussed during the interaction included air connectivity, community schools, recruitment scams, residence and sponsorship. The minister has assured the embassy will take care of all issues and find a suitable solution.

Every country has its own laws and regulations, and people must respect them. “We can only make suggestions and hope that the Kuwaiti government will take appropriate action”, minister said. Singh also paid a visit to a labor camp of L&T Group in Abdali where he met more than 1,200 Indians.

The Minister interacted with most of the workers, some of whom were taken by surprise by the minster’s presence and listened to their issues. During the visit the minister was accompanied by Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Sunil Jain, DCM Subhashish Goldar and Political Secretary Dr Sushil Kumar.

By Paul Francis X. Fernandes Arab Times Staff

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