1,279 Indian nationals died in Kuwait in the year 2020, Ambassador Sibi George said. That was 572 more than 2019, in which only 707 deaths were reported, he said. He was talking to the community members in his monthly open house virtually organized today. Death due to Covid 19 pandemic was 334 cases in 2020. The cases due to natural causes have also gone up to 786 in 2020 from 551 in 2019, an increase of 235, Ambassador said. “The situation is not looking very good this year. In January 2021 we had 101 death cases of Indians registered in the Mission,” Ambassador said.
While expressing his condolences to the families of those who lost their family members, he reminded all Indians to adhere to and abide by the regulations and procedures announced by the Government of the State of Kuwait to combat and limit the spread of the coronavirus as part of our individual and collective responsibility to deal with the current pandemic. “The Embassy is ready to provide any assistance including meeting the medical expenses for all emergency medical cases on a means tested basis,” Ambassador said.
Indian Embassy will be organizing a special session on combating Covid 19 pandemic where a team of senior doctors from Indian Doctors Forum will speak on the pandemic and ways and means to address the situation. The event will be held on February 23.
Over One lakh eighty-five thousand Indians have travelled back to India from Kuwait using Vande Bharat Mission. The Mission is still operational and Indians can contact the Embassy or any of the associations registered with the Embassy for any support.
Embassy is in constant touch with authorities regarding the Indians who are stranded in India and in transit places like Dubai for their early return to Kuwait. The discussion will continue and we are not sure when they could come to Kuwait, Ambassador said.
Indian Embassy first secretary Shri Fahad Suri made a brief presentation of various activities at the Embassy. Embassy issued 4976 Passports in the month of January 2021. 69 Visa and 91 PCC were also issued during this time. Embassy also carried out 3807 attestation in last month. During the month of January, Embassy registered 476 labour complaints and 433 complaints received at MADA portal. While 25 casses were closed, Embassy received passport from sponsor in 50 cases.
Embassy provided Medical assistance to 9 people last month and provided free air ticket to more than 100 needy people. The distribution of lunch packets to the distressed workers continues at Embassy and last month Embassy distributed more than 1000 foot packets to the needy at Embassy.
The virtual open house was attended by more than 800 people and several queries were discussed during the event.
Ambassador told anyone with individual labor complaints to visit the labor section at the Embassy and discuss their individual cases for a speedy action. Ambassador also urge the community members to bring any common issues faced by the community during these open houses. The open house will be held on the third Wednesday of every month.