Abu Dhabi: The Government of the Southern Indian State of Kerala will provide flight tickets to Keralite amnesty seekers in the UAE, based on the recommendation of the Indian Embassy here, a top official told Gulf News yesterday.
UAE | Visa
Kerala to provide out-pass for amnesty seekers
If embassy not involved, out-pass fee will be reimbursed in Kerala
- By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
- Published: 19:32 December 11, 2012
The state has informed the embassy of its decision to bear the costs of out-passes of Keralite amnesty seekers and a response is awaited, said Noyal Thomas, Chief Executive and Ex-officio Director of Norka-Roots, the field agency of the Department of Non Resident Keralites Affairs of Kerala Government.
About one million Keralites constitute the largest expatriate community in the UAE.
But less than 25 Keralites approached the diplomatic missions for an out-pass during the first week of amnesty.
If the embassy cannot waive the out-pass fee only for Keralites, the money can be reimbursed to the returnees at the help desk to be opened soon at the Kerala airports, Thomas said over phone from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
M.K. Lokesh, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, has requested the Government of India to expedite its decision on waiving out-pass fees so that the embassy does not need to make special arrangements for Keralites.
The Kerala official said flight tickets can be given to only deserving people who have been identified by the embassy.
Kerala Government has not taken any decision on the number of air-tickets to be provided because it is not clear how many Keralite illegals arein the UAE, the official explained.
“Deserving candidates have to give an application to the embassy that will give us the number of tickets to be sponsored by the state,” he said.
Last month, UAE authorities announced a 60 day amnesty, which started last week, during which illegal immigrants can leave the country without penalty.
Latest news
- Man alleges wife ran him down after quarrel
- Jail term upheld for gang who hid 50kg of heroin
- Searing punishment costs woman son’s custody
- New uniforms to be introduced at public schools
- Three men accused of stabbing victim to death
- Businessman loses appeal, gets 7 years in jail
- Shaikha Jawaher launches donation for refugees
- Good deed marks first anniversary
- Spitting in public is as bad as vandalism
- Billing issue over TV packages
- UAEU students raise funds for needy families
- Rehabilitation centre for recovering addicts
- Dar Al Ber Society outlines Ramadan programme
- Pakistani community gives envoy fond send-off
- UAE Brotherhood trial: 30 referred to top court
Community Reports
-
Good deed marks first anniversary
Serve the Heroes group provides refreshments to construction workers to mark first anniversary
-
Spitting in public is as bad as vandalism
Habit damages public property while also being a health hazard
-
Noise pollution haunts Abu Dhabi residents
COMMUNITY REPORT Inconsiderate motorists turn Khalifa Bin Zayed Street into a parking nightmare
-
School awarded for a green initiative
Delhi Private School in Sharjah gets awarded for green measures
