BackKerala sets aside Rs10 crore for Nitaqat law returnees from Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is enforcing new labour law to create jobs for locals, thus forcing Keralites there to leave country
Premium
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Wednesday announced a rehabilitation package, including a self-employment scheme, at a total outlay of Rs10 crore for Keralites returning from Saudi Arabia in the wake of implementation of Nitaqat law—a new labour law in that country.
“The government will provide a 10% subsidy to 1,000 entrepreneurs whose projects cost upto Rs20 lakh and the cabinet has earmarked Rs10 crore for this purpose," chief minister Oommen Chandy said on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting.
Apart from providing free air tickets to those wanting to return from Saudi Arabia, Kerala government also plans to charter flights to bring back Keralites, he said.
A state-level banking committee would be convened to explore the possibility of extending concessional loans to returnees to start business ventures, Chandy said. Nearly 13,000 people have so far returned from Saudi Arabia after that country announced the new law, he said.
Saudi Arabia has started strictly implementing Nitaqat, a policy which is part of steps to expand job avenues for its nationals. Under the policy, 10% of jobs even in small and medium business establishments should be reserved for Saudi nationals. Chandy said the state had set up three advisory committees, one each at Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam to help Keralites, whose documents who wanted to return. Non Resident Keralites Affairs Department (NORKA) would be the nodal agency to implement various schemes for the returnees, he added.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
