Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Wednesday announced a rehabilitation package, including a self-employment scheme, at a total outlay of Rs 10 crore for Keralites returning from Saudi Arabia in the wake of implementation of the new labour law in that country. "The government will provide a 10 per cent subsidy to 1000 entrepreneurs whose projects cost upto Rs 20 lakh and the Cabinet has earmarked Rs 10 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, 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. Although the amnesty period ended Sunday, nearly 13,000 people have so far returned from Saudi Arabia, he said. Saudi Arabia has started strictly implementing Nitaquat, a policy which is part of steps to expand job avenues for its nationals. Under the policy, 10 per cent 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. "We wish the returnees to get in touch with Roots-Norka officials who have with them small scale projects in various sectors and will help to set up units. Those who wish to buy vehicles for operating rent-a-car services will get loans at subsidised rates. Those who wish to start a venture in groups also can explore options. All of them can look forward to up to 10 percent subsidy in the capital cost and up to five percent in interest," the chief minister said.
Speaking to reporters, Chandy said his government would take up the matter with cash-rich Keralite businessmen in the Middle East, to see if they might be able to accommodate those from the state who are forced to leave Saudi Arabia on account of the new law. "Already, we have had one round of sitting with these business houses. It looks promising, and very soon we will have a final round of sitting where concrete job offers from their side are expected," Chandy said.
