Only 12,000 undocumented Indians opted or general amnesty in Kuwait

Mangalore: Only 12,000 undocumented Indian expatriates availed the general amnesty announced by the Kuwaiti government, according to the data shared by the Indian Embassy in Kuwait.
The Indian government had expected 25,000 people from India to opt for the scheme. The last date to avail amnesty ended on April 30.
About 6,000 Indian nationals, who opted for amnesty, have been shifted to special camps. “They will be flown to India once the flight operation commences,” said Sibi U S, second secretary (labour), Indian Embassy, Kuwait.
The majority of those who availed general amnesty were blue-collar workers and had been staying in Kuwait without valid documents. The general amnesty allows undocumented expatriates to leave Kuwait without fine. They also get free flight ticket to return home. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has also approved waiver of fee for emergency certificates.
Another official, who wished to remain anonymous, said many did not come opt for amnesty as India was under lockdown and airline services are suspended.
Most of these blue-collar workers came to Kuwait through the typical system of sponsorship. However, due to various issues they lost their visa and documents. Some of them had their documents allegedly seized by the employers.
In the previous amnesty in 2018, about 15,000 Indians returned home and another 5,000 regularised or adjusted their status of residency in Kuwait.