Educationists and reformists have called upon non-resident Indians and those living as illegals in Saudi Arabia to take advantage of several government schemes in India for their rehabilitation.

Addressing a gathering of non-resident Indians (NRIs) at a meeting organized by the Socio-Reforms Society in Jeddah, several speakers including Sajid Baig, an educationist, Mohammed Haseebullah, an ex-NRI and Aleem Khan Falaki, chairman of the society, told their fellow countrymen not to disheartened at the prospect of returning back to their homeland. They explained to the attendees that there are several avenues for NRIs to choose from for them to lead a life of dignity and comfort back home.

Haseebullah emphasized that India is a land of many opportunities. An ex-NRI himself, Haseebullah, who worked as a commercial officer in the US Embassy, now runs a successful management and educational consultancy firm in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad and a business management college.

Citing lack of awareness among NRIs about the opportunities back home as the basic reason behind their concern, he asserted that are several government schemes to help expatriates to set up small and medium scale industries. Besides becoming entrepreneurs in their own right, educational institutions were also good options for those opting to return home, he said, pointing out that small scale industries could be set up with initial investment ranging from just Rs 50,000 (SR 4,000) to Rs 10 lakh.

“There are over 17 government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) willing to assist by way of arranging subsidy, interest free loans, low interest term loans and providing land at very nominal rates,” he said.

He elaborated further saying leather manufacturing, consumer goods, chemical production, ancillary units, private label processing units are some of the key areas in the small industries sector which can be explored.