Goans in plea for fair deal

Goans in plea for fair deal

By ALISTAIR BABPTISA/Monday, December 10, 2007

PENSION schemes for short-term workers in the Gulf, orientation courses for domestic workers and possible flights to Goa are among issues to be addressed by a visiting Indian delegation that arrives today.

The issues will come under the spotlight at a community meeting with a visiting Goan government delegation led by Non-Resident Indian Affairs Directorate commissioner Eduardo Faleiro.

The meeting, which is being organised by the Young Goans Club, will take place at the Karnataka Social Club hall, Manama, from 7pm tonight.

More than 150 members of the Goan community are expected to attend.

Other members of the delegation include Goa Overseas Employment Agency chairman Vice-Admiral John D'Silva and Goa NRI Affairs director Ulhas D Kamat. Indian Ambassador Balakrishna Shetty will also attend.

Mr Faleiro, who will arrive in Bahrain today from Oman, is expected to fly to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday after meeting government officials and community members here.

It is the second leg of his Gulf tour, having visited Kuwait and Qatar early last month.

Members of the Goan community are expected to discuss a number of issues related to Bahrain-based Goans including the possible creation of an NRI city in Goa, pension schemes for short-term Gulf-based employees and orientation courses for domestic workers.

The delegation is also expected to give a presentation on investments and other opportunities in Goa, as well as services offered by the directorate during the meeting.

YGC president Francis Correia, vice-president Gerard Fernandes, Migrant Workers Protection Society vice-president Alfredo D'Souza and Bahrain Goans Football League chairman G R Crasto will speak on a number of topics including reservation of seats in professional colleges and the requirements of Goan housemaids and domestic workers.

"Among the major demands that will be placed before the delegation are legislation for protection and safeguarding of our property and homes back in Goa, as current tenancy laws can render NRIs homeless when they entrust their homes and property to caretakers," said Mr Crasto.

For more information, contact Mr Correia on 39659539 or Mr Crasto on 39083239.