Friday 5 July 2013
Azad Moopen, a Gulf-based Indian businessman, has presented two significant proposals -- setting up of cooperative societies and introduction of a health insurance scheme -- for the welfare of Gulf returnees. "The chief minister and minister of expatriate affairs in Kerala have welcomed the ideas and asked me to present details within three months," Moopen told Arab News. He said the two projects would contribute immensely to the rehabilitation of Gulf returnees. The UAE-based physician-turned entrepreneur, who won many award in recognition of his services to the community, said the two proposals could also be implemented for expatriates from other Indian states.
Moopen proposed the establishment of such cooperative societies in every village to mobilize expat funds, carry out small-scale investment projects and create job opportunities for them. "In the beginning, we would like to establish one or two pilot societies in every district to make sure it functions without hassles," he said. Referring to the insurance scheme, Moopen said it was essential for the protection of expatriates who return to India at the age of 50 and 60. "The cost of treating even a single disease may wipe out a person's lifelong earnings," he said, stressing the need for such an insurance scheme.
Moopen thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for granting a four-month extension of the amnesty and urged all expatriates, especially Indians, to either make good use of the opportunity to correct their labor and residency status or go back to their countries. "The job situation in India has changed considerably in terms of rising opportunities and salaries," Moopen said. Unskilled workers can now make good money in India. They need not work in the Gulf for low salaries, he pointed out. Shihab Kottukad, Norka consultant in the Kingdom, highlighted the importance of the two proposals made by Moopen, saying they could make significant difference in the lives of expatriates.
© Arab News 2013
