Political leaders in India today reacted to the sudden tightening of labor laws in Kuwait after few Keralites deported from here landed in Delhi airport. According to Indian media reports over 25 Keralites arrested in Kuwait have been sent back to India. The returned expats complained that they were neither provided food nor water till they reached Delhi. They said they don't have a single penny to reach home and many more Indians are still in jail.
Kerala Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, who was in Kuwait, today said that he had spoken to the Indian embassy about the current situation and the embassy officials will meet the Kuwaiti officials to raise the concerns of the Indian community.
Kerala State Minister for Diaspora K.C. Joseph today said Keralites who reached Delhi from Kuwait will be sent to their native places in government's expense. Arrangements will be made to accommodate them in the Kerala House. He blamed the Kuwait government for not informing them about their return.
Kerala Chief Minister Ommen Chandy's office said: "We have been told that there has been a tightening of labor laws. Those who do not have valid documents and even traffic violators are jailed."
Rajasthan chief minister, Ashok Gehlot also asked the authorities to monitor the situation and prepare a factual report on the crisis. Congress MP from Udaipur, Raghuveer Meena had said that he will speak to the Indian Ambassador in Kuwait to take up the issue and apprise the government too.
Indian embassy in Kuwait also did not have accurate details of the deported expats.
However the Pravasi Minister Sri Vayalar Ravi, in a TV Channel interview in India, said that he is unaware of any such issues NRIs facing in Kuwait.
Many Indians in Kuwait are having a tough time following a raid conducted as part of security checking. Almost thousands have been arrested so far in the raid conducted by the government. Those arrested were staying in Kuwait illegally without valid documents. Raids are continuing in various parts of the country.
Meantime, government authorities said people were arrested as they were staying without valid documents, some were doing business illegally and some involved in crimes. Authorities hinted that steps will be taken against those involved in cases.