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this edition is also expected to have more inclination towards attracting investments from NRIs and nothing for the welfare of the Indian contract workers in Gulf countries. If at all, what we can expect is, nothing more than some assurances and promises. And surely nothing concrete is going to happen. The NGOs of Indians in the Gulf countries as well as in India should press the government to take necessary steps in this regard. As the minister has announced his intention to launch a scheme for the welfare of returning NRIs, it should be launched before the next PBD. If the scheme is not launched by that time and the Indian migrants returning from Gulf countries are left in lurch with bleak future, then the PBD will become meaningless for the Indians in Gulf countries. This is the real time for the Indian government to prove that it really concerns about the welfare of its citizens in the Gulf countries. Many Indian workers in the Gulf countries are not happy due to many reasons. They are compelled to spend months away from their families. Many of them are forced to live in poor and unhygienic conditions. On their return to India they have to face many problems; major among them is obtaining a job. After spending many years in foreign land; they are regarded as over-aged for many jobs. Age bar becomes a major hindrance in their struggle for job hunting. If they get some sort of security like what Vayalar Ravi has said, then it will become a bit easy for them to settle down in their home land. Finally, letâ€&#x;s hope that the assurance given by Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi will not remain as yet another announcement but real initiatives will be taken to provide succor to Indian expatriates returning back from Gulf countries.

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