Speaking to reporters at the Consulate General of India, Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) Secretary T. K. Manoj Kumar said he had sought clarifications from labor officials about the implications of the initiative, which aims to improve job prospects for Saudi nationals. NORKA is a department of the Kerala state government.

Members of the community, especially those belonging to the southern state of Kerala, expressed fears about the new program and whether they would have to return home at the end of their six-year stay.

Kumar said it was clear from the discussion he had with officials at the ministry that the new program was not against expatriates, but was meant to divide companies in the private sector into four categories, red, yellow, green and premium, depending on the levels of Saudi employment in accordance with the Kingdom’s Saudization policy.

Kumar, who was accompanied by Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, said he was especially sent by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on a tour of the Gulf to study the problems faced by the community and suggest solutions. “Saudi officials recognize Indian expatriates as law abiding, sincere and honest workers,” he said. Kumar said he visited the Briman jail in Jeddah, where 250 Indian expatriates are serving time for various crimes. “My visit was to inquire into their welfare,” he said.

While in Riyadh earlier, Kumar visited the Safe House of the Embassy of India, where six women are staying. Most of them had problems with their sponsors.

He said the amnesty granted by the Kingdom for visa overstayers ended on March 23 and the embassy issued 27,000 emergency certificates (ECs) and the consualate 12,500 for their return home. “While the process of their return continued, I made an effort to understand whether those who are yet to return have to be sent back on humanitarian considerations or for health reasons.”

He added that his organization was meant to offer assistance to stranded Keralites whose complaints range from nonreceipt of salaries and nonprovision of accommodation to the problem of repatriating the bodies of workers.

They have also complained about some illegal overseas recruitment agencies. Their inquiries range from investment opportunities in Kerala to the Pravasi Suraksha Kudumba Arogya scheme, as well as claims of compensation and other benefits due from their employers.

Rehabilitation of returning Keralites has become a big issue for his department, Kumar said, adding that he has been organizing orientation programs for those leaving on overseas job visas.

“We have also been training such people so that they take up jobs or are able to set up their own businesses in the state.”