JEDDAH: The true strength of a nation lies not only in the opportunities it creates for its citizens abroad, but also in the dignity, security, and support it extends when they return home. Reinforcing this enduring principle, K.T.A. Muneer, Middle East Convener of the Overseas Indian Cultural Congress (OICC) and former President of the OICC Jeddah Committee, submitted a comprehensive memorandum to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan at his office in Thiruvananthapuram, outlining a series of far-reaching proposals aimed at enhancing expatriate welfare, safeguarding overseas investments, and establishing a robust rehabilitation framework for returning Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs).
The memorandum calls for the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) backed by a full government guarantee to protect the hard-earned investments of expatriates. It also advocates creating investment opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, IT, tourism, and agribusiness, while ensuring secure returns and giving employment priority to returning expatriates, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity and financial security.
Among the other major proposals are the simplification of the NORKA Care insurance scheme by introducing year-round enrollment and rectifying existing shortcomings, amendments to the NRI Commission Act, and the establishment of international Legal Aid Cells to assist expatriates facing legal challenges abroad. The memorandum further recommends the introduction of a digital global expatriate lottery to support the expatriate welfare pension scheme, the consolidation of expatriate cooperative societies under a unified umbrella organization named Pravasi Fed, the provision of an opt-out option from the pension scheme for financially self-sufficient expatriates, and the creation of a CSR-funded pension sponsorship programme for economically disadvantaged beneficiaries.
Speaking after the meeting, K.T.A. Muneer stated that the Chief Minister received the memorandum with a positive outlook and assured the delegation that the concerns and recommendations would be examined with due seriousness. He also directed that the proposals be forwarded to the concerned departments for expeditious follow-up and necessary action.
The delegation also comprised OICC leaders from Jeddah—Zakir Hussain Edavanna, Naushad Adoor, Nasimudheen Mananak, Abdul Khader Kallivalappil, and former OICC Jeddah office-bearers Abdul Rahim Ismail, Joshy Varghese, and Shukkoor Vakkam. They expressed optimism that the constructive assurances extended by the Chief Minister would soon translate into tangible initiatives, heralding a new era of security, dignity, and opportunity for expatriates and their families.
M Siraj
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