JEDDAH, 24 August — A delegation of the local central committee of Indian Cultural Congress recently pleaded with Consul General Syed Akbaruddin to waive the fee charged for issuing no-objection certificates and attesting papers related to the death of community members locally.
The team, led by committee’s President C.M. Kutty, and consisting of P.K. Muhammad, Western Region president, A.S. Chenganassery, chief coordinator, A. Alavi, treasurer, and K.P.M. Sakeer, coordinator, also urged him to expedite the issuance of emergency certificates to those awaiting deportation.
Easing of the procedure for issuing duplicate passports and miscellaneous services, and introduction of the courier service for consular services especially for those residing in far-flung areas not covered by visiting consular teams were also emphasized. The representatives also sought the appointment of Malayalam knowing staff to deal with expats from Kerala who constitute the bulk of the local community and a social worker at the consular section assist illiterate expats.
Kutty said the consul general assured the team that all of their demands would be given due consideration and steps taken in the larger interest of the community.