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Won't do anything that may affect relation
with Saudi Arabia: Chandy
Monday April 01, 2013 01:13:23 PM,
IANS
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Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Monday told the state assembly that
the concerns of Kerala on the strict implementation of the new
labour policy in Saudi Arabia were being conveyed to that
government.
He cautioned, however, that nothing could be said or done that
would affect the good relations that the state enjoyed with Saudi
Arabia.
"We have no right to question the laws in Saudi Arabia... all what
we can do is to tell them that if they go very strict, it would
affect our state badly. We already have initiated steps to see
that there are more high-level diplomatic talks to tell (them) our
viewpoint," Chandy said.
The chief minister was replying to a leave sought for an
adjournment motion moved by the Left opposition to discuss the new
labour policy in Saudi Arabia, requiring every establishment there
to offer a minimum number of jobs to Saudi nationals.
Nearly two million people from outside Saudi Arabia working in
that country stand to lose their jobs, among them thousands of
people from Kerala.
"Both the central and state governments have miserably failed to
come to the rescue of the hapless Keralites who are on the verge
of losing their jobs on account of the new labour laws," said K.V.
Abdul Khader from the Left opposition, who moved the motion in the
assembly.
Speaker G. Karthikeyan emphasised that speeches in the assembly
should not attack the Saudi laws.
"I am only saying this because it is quite natural that when a
motion is moved, the rival fronts blame one another. Also, there
is likelihood to even blame the laws of other countries," said
Karthikeyan.
Chandy also told the opposition that while they are free to trade
charges against the state and centre, no reference should be made
against Saudi Arabia.
"I have requested the centre to see that they put up a request
with the Saudi government to provide a six-month amnesty for
Keralites before implementing their law in letter and spirit. This
gap will enable our people to get their papers right and make it
possible for them to find new employers," Chandy said.
"Another request to the centre is to see that all those who have
to leave that country do not get banned for employment in other
Middle Eastern countries. The state government has also asked the
centre to see that all those who have to return are brought back
free of cost. From our side, we will see that a rehabilitation
package is provided to returnees," Chandy said.
State Minister for Diaspora K.C. Joseph asked the media not to
exaggerate reports, calling it an "exodus".
Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan said: "The need of the
hour is that our people should be given a chance to remain there
and work. We pledge all our support and we are prepared to join
you when you go to meet the prime minister."
In the wake of the Arab Spring, Saudi authorities, concerned that
the large army of unemployed young people could foment internal
revolt, introduced changes in labour policy to ensure jobs for
Saudi nationals. The Saudi Arabian government estimates
unemployment in the country at 12.2 percent.
Under a new labour policy, called Nitaqat (naturalisation)
programme, all firms employing more than 10 people are required to
recruit a minimum number of Saudi nations. Firms have been
colour-coded on the basis of their compliance with the new law,
and strict action has been announced against violators.
Labour inspectors and police officers have been conducting raids
on enterprises employing illegal workers.
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