Global Pravasi Association Urges to Bring Back Expatriates

KOCHI:
Global Pravasi Association has urged the Union and State Governments to take necessary steps to bring back the expatriates who are stranded in various Gulf countries due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Association chairman Salam Pappinissery submitted memorandums to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithal and Deputy Opposition Leader M K Muneer to take immediate steps to bring back the expatriates free of cost. They are not able to return to their native place due to travel restrictions.

He also pointed out the grave situation of these people who are suffering from various illness and those who are aged. There are several people who do not have regular income.

Most of them are facing difficulty to get medicines and foods. There are also several people stranded in Gulf countries who came to find a job in visit visa.

Salam Pappinissery said that due to the restrictions several people lost their jobs. Though some airlines have started bookings, the people in Gulf countries are not sure when they can return home.

Salam Pappinissery suggested that Government should allow restricted entry into the country and ensure quarantine facilities for returning expats. And once the lockdown is lifted, government should facilitate tests to ensure only Covid-19 negative individuals enter the country, he said.