Amendments to Immigration Act on the cards: Vayalar Ravi

Mangalore, Sep 18 (UNI) The UPA Government at the Centre is contemplating to bring in suitable amendments to the Immigration Act to curb exploitation and harassment being faced by Indians working abroad, particularly in Malaysia and the Gulf countries.

Addressing a press conference at Nadupadavu Kairangala on the outskirts of the city today, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said Indians were working in large numbers in Malaysia and the Gulf region. After being recruited either by the respective companies or agents, the Indian employees were facing a lot of harassment at the hands of their employers. The proposed amendment was aimed at eliminating or reducing this situation.

The Centre proposed to enter into an agreement with Malaysia and the Gulf countries soon, after bringing in the amendment so that instead of the companies, the respective Governments could directly appoint Indian employees. The agreement also proposed to reduce difficulties in bringing back the bodies in case of any death of Indian working in Gulf countries, he added.

Mr Ravi called upon Non-Resident Indians to invest in the country for the nation's progress, keeping in mind the vast scope available in the country.

Commending the high educational standard of undivided Dakshina Kannada district after Kerala, he urged the University Grants Commission (UGC) to set up a national library in the district.

Referring to the district's demand for opening a passport office in Mangalore, the Minister assured that he would take it up with the Minister concerned for suitable action.

Earlier, inaugurating the building of first grade college of P A Engineering college at Nadupadavu Kairangala, he asked the Union and State Governments to pay attention to start adequate number of universities for the country's huge population.

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