KTR meets migrant workers in Dubai
Hyderabad, Dec 15 (INN): Information Minister K Tarakarama Rao on Monday met migrant workers from Telangana who are working in Dubai.
Migrant workers from Telangana constitute the second largest group of migrant workers after those from Kerala. It is estimated that there are about a lakh workers from Telangana in Dubai.
The Minister visited Sonapur camp in Dubai where about 20,000 workers from Telangana live. He inspected their living facilities, kitchen, dining hall, and bathrooms. He then conducted detailed interaction with them about their problems.
Many workers face a number of problems that start from when they are in India itself, and continue after their arrival in Dubai and during their employment. They get exploited by agents first and then by some of the employers. They face very difficult living conditions. Non-payment of minimum wages is another common issue.
KTR discussed the possibility of organising skills training for workers planning to work overseas, registration of workers, regulation of agents, preparing literature on rights for workers' awareness, deploying Telugu speaking staff in Indian Consulate, legal assistance, designing an insurance scheme for migrant workers, assistance in relocating willing workers back to Telangana by identifying suitable local jobs, and so on. He assured the workers that the government will soon bring out a detailed policy which will help the migrant workers overcome these problems.
Earlier in the day, the Minister visited the Dubai Central Jail in Awair where a few persons from Telangana are serving prison sentences. He has been making an effort to secure their release for the last two years.
For five of them, the efforts made are bearing fruition and they are likely to get released shortly. He also learnt about the cases of some other detenues and assured them of help from the Indian Consulate to get their matters attended to on a priority basis.
The Minister, accompanied by Special Chief Secretary of Industries Pradeep Chandra and Commissioner of Industries Jayesh Ranjan, visited Dubaitech complex where a number of biotechnology laboratories are located. The delegation called on the Dubaitech Director Marwan Abdul Aziz.
The possibilities of setting up a similar facility in the new Pharma City coming up in Hyderabad was discussed. Abdul Aziz promised to participate in the forthcoming Bio Asia summit being organized by the State Government in Hyderabad during February 2015 and explore the discussed opportunities further.
News Posted: 15 December, 2014
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