Govt mulling framework for protecting women Gulf employees: Ravi

Kochi, Jan 13 (UNI) Union Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi today said the Ministry was considering putting in place regulations to protect the interests of women employees in Gulf countries.

Speaking at a book release function here, Mr Ravi said the Ministry was planning to draft a policy whereby immigration and attestation details of each woman working in any of the Gulf countries should be given to the Indian Embassy concerned.

He said there should be a clause in the job agreement that the employee would be provided leave to visit her native place once a year.

The woman employee should also give current details of her work status to the embassy at a fixed period of time, he added.

Mr Ravi said the Ministry would also talk with the Union Aviation Ministry to reduce the air fares in the Gulf sector to make it more affordable to women NRIs.

The Minister said the Ministry in consultation with the National Women's Commission would take adequate steps to protect the interest of women NRIs.

Plans were on the anvil for setting up a welfare fund for Gulf NRIs with the participation of the state governemnts so that they can be disbursed to deserving people.

'Pathu Laksham Bhryamarude Shapametta Keralam' a book by Mr K M Roy potraying the trials and tribulations of NRI wives in the state was released by the Minister.

UNI