A solution has to be found on the rehabilitation of expatriate Keralites, especially unskilled workers, returning home, Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala has said.
Speaking at the first edition of the Loka Kerala Sabha (LKS) here on Friday, Mr. Chennithala, who is the Deputy Leader of the LKS, said the return of expatriates was a big issue and needed to be addressed in all its seriousness.
He said strengthening of labour laws in Gulf countries was a threat to those seeking jobs, especially the youth. Mr. Chennithala said that reports of migration of Keralites abroad was coming down was a big concern. The fall in prices of crude oil and the influence of IS were creating hurdles for expatriates, he said.
There was dearth in skilled workers in countries such as Germany and the State should tap this opportunity, he said. Raising concern over the exploitation of those seeking job abroad, especially in the nursing sector, Mr. Chennithala called for more intervention in the recruitment sector.
Mr. Chennithala said that expatriates should be able to adopt to the global economic changes and face the challenges. He called for creating a Kerala brand action plan for skill development and steps for effective utilisation of the remittances of expatriates.
Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha P.J. Kurien said it was the first time that a meeting of elected representatives and expatriates was being held. The initiative would be a big success if the action plan being discussed was rolled out, he said.
Former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said the LKS would turn the engine for the future development of the State. Kerala cannot think of development without expatriates. The LKS would pave the way for exploiting new opportunities, he added.
Non-Resident Malayali businessman Yusuf Ali called for better interest rate for the remittances of expatriates than that being offered by banks.
The three-hour inaugural session concluded with a song rendered by playback singer K.S. Chitra.
