Nitaqat: Cabinet approves rehabilitation package for expats returing from Gulf

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet on Wednesday approved a comprehensive rehabilitation package for Saudi Arabian returnees following the implementation of Nitaqat in the kingdom. The package includes constitution of labour contract societies for helping them find jobs in other Gulf countries and interest-free loans.

The cabinet has approved 10% subsidy on capital investments in projects with investment up to Rs 20 lakh, for which the government has sanctioned Rs 10 crore. Chief minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after the cabinet meeting that the scheme was expected to benefit at least 1,000 entrepreneurs.

Besides, the state entrepreneur development mission will give interest-free loans for five-member groups interested in starting projects worth Rs 20 lakh through the mission. The Canara Bank will also provide Rs 20-lakh loans for those interested in starting taxi services.

The government has decided to seek the help of leading industrialists with businesses in the Gulf sector to provide employment for those willing to return to the region. "For this, we have ensured that no-entry stamp is not fixed in passports,"Chandy said.

He said as many as 13,000 had returned from Saudi Arabia so far. For those willing to go back to other Gulf countries, the recruitment system of Odepc (Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Consultants Ltd) will help them in finding jobs. It has been decided to create a data bank of those willing to go back to Gulf countries.

The Norka-Roots will conduct skill development programmes for those interested in jobs in Gulf countries. The government has also decided to help them in finding jobs here through self-employment schemes like small scale dairy units, projects of industry department, high-tech farming, greenhouse projects, floriculture, ornamental fish farming and other projects under the Kerala State Financial Corporation and Kerala State Financial Enterprises.

The government will also help in securing low-interest loans for the labour contract societies to provide small-time investments like rent-a-car business, plumbing and electrical works.

It has been decided to convene an emergency meeting of the state-level banker's committee to persuade all banks to provide loans for the returnees.

"The money of these Gulf returnees had been a source of funds for these banks all these years. They have a responsibility to help them,'' Chandy said.

"The government's aim is to ensure that not even a single person should be jobless once they are back. We have taken all steps to provide a helping hand for them and Norka will be acting as a nodal agency for them," he added.