OPEN HOUSE FOR CONSULAR SERVICES

Celebration of India’s 68^th Independence Day

 

          On the occasion of the Independence Day of India, a Flag Hoisting Ceremony will take place at the Embassy of India premises at Diplomatic Enclave, Arabian Gulf Street on Friday, 15 August 2014, at 0800 hours. 

2.      After the flag hoisting, Ambassador will read out the message of Hon’ble President of India, followed by a short cultural function/singing of patriotic songs. 

3.      All Indian nationals are most cordially invited to attend the function.  Refreshment/tea/juice etc. will be served.

Updated Information About The Death of Indian Nationals Starting from 1/7/2014

Beginning 1 July 2014, the Embassy has been providing, on a daily basis, updated information about the death of Indian nationals in Kuwait on its website.  Details offered are: name of the deceased, date of death, date of intimation of death to the Embassy, date of registration of death in the Embassy, nature/cause of death, mode of disposal of mortal remains (local burial or flight number, destination and date of flight for those repatriated to India).

2.              During July 2014, the Embassy registered 51 deaths of Indian nationals in Kuwait.  Out of these, natural deaths registered were 31, whereas unnatural deaths were 20.  While mortal remains of 44 persons were transported to India, 7 were buried in Kuwait.  The Embassy has been extending all possible help in completion of formalities for early transportation of the mortal remains of Indians to India.  The procedure followed is as follows:

i)                    Intimation of death:  On intimation of death of an Indian national either by the employer or the relatives of the deceased, the Embassy guides the informant on the procedural requirements for: (a) burial of mortal remains in Kuwait, or (b) repatriation of the mortal remains to India, depending on the wishes of the family members.  An authority letter is issued in the favour of the informant for collection of death certificate and police report from the local authorities; 

ii)    Registration of death in the Embassy:  Once the death certificate issued by the local authorities is received by the informant, it has to be endorsed by the Foreign Ministry, translated into English and submitted to the Embassy along with the passport of the deceased.  The Embassy then issues a death certificate.

 

iii)   Burial of mortal remains:  The local authorities allow for burial of mortal remains of Muslims and Non-Muslims in Kuwait.  After receiving written consent of the family members of the deceased, the Embassy issues an authority letter to be submitted to the local authorities.  For the burials of seven Indian nationals done during July 2014, the average time taken from intimation of death and burial was two days.

 

iv)   Transportation of mortal remains to India:  The family members or the employer approaches the airline for issue of an airway bill for transportation of mortal remains to India.  On the day of transportation, the mortal remains are sealed in a wooden coffin in Sabah Hospital in the presence of a medical officer, representative of the Embassy and relatives and friends of the deceased.  The coffin is then transported to India.  For the transportation of mortal remains of 44 Indian nationals to India during July 2014, the average time taken from intimation of death and transportation of the coffin to India was four days.  There was one case of destitute Indian national, whose mortal remains were transported to India by the Embassy from ICWF. 

 

v)    Natural Deaths:  The number of natural deaths registered with the Embassy during July 2014 was 31.  The average time taken from intimation of death and transportation of the coffin to India was three days.

vi)   Unnatural Deaths:  The number of unnatural deaths registered with the Embassy during July 2014 was 20.  The average time taken from intimation of death and transportation of the coffin to India was four days.

 

3.              Nodal persons dealing with the death cases in the Embassy are:

a)    Mr. Deepak Seth, Local staff, Mobile No. 66565703; and

b)    Mr. Shakeel Ahmed, Local staff, Mobile No. 99793382

Indian Language Skills in Embassy of India, Kuwait (other than Hindi / English)

To assist the distressed Indian nationals in Kuwait, the Embassy has drawn up a list of officials who can be accessed for help in different Indian languages besides Hindi and English. The list of such officials with their contact details is placed below. Members of Indian community are requested to make use of this initiative of the Embassy since one Kannada knowing official has recently been hired to work in the Community Welfare Section. Indian Language Skills in Embassy of India. Kuwait (other than Hindi/English) i)         Malayalam S.No. Name Designation Telephone No. 1 Shri Balram Kumar Upadhyay Counsellor (Coordination) 22533125 Mob:97224029 2 Smt. Sunila Krishnan Attache (Labour – II) 22530409 Mob: 97264247 3 Smt. Dhanya Nair Local Clerk Mob: 65689503 4 Shri M. Sudheendran Local Clerk Mob: 99183576 5 Shri Mujib Kollorath Local Clerk Mob: 97610246 6 Shri Justin James Local Clerk Mob: 94476852   ii)        Telugu S.No. Name Designation Telephone No. 1 Smt. Thriveni Reddy Local Clerk Mob: 97108538 2 Smt. Deena Ratnam Local Clerk Mob: 66560773 3 Shri K.S.S. Naidu Local Clerk Mob: 66442433 iii)       Tamil S.No. Name Designation Telephone No. 1 Smt. Sunila Krishnan Attache ( Labour – II) 22530409 Mob: 97264247 2 Shri Sajan Varghese Local Clerk 22550725 Mob: 99896053 iv)       Bengali / Assamese / Oriya S.No. Name Designation Telephone No. 1 Shri Shubashis Goldar Deputy Chief of Mission 22510891 Mob: 97229942 2 Shri Kalidas Roy Attache (Passport) Mob: 97295728 v)        Kannada S.No. Name Designation Telephone No. 1. Ms. Sarita Shetty Local clerk Mob. 97983059

 

Grant of Indian citizenship to a foreign national married to an Indian national

Some Indians have enquired about the grant of Indian citizenship to a foreign national married to an Indian national. A foreign national married to an Indian national is eligible for the following:

1.  Person of Indian Origin(PIO CARD):

Any person who is spouse of a citizen of India or a Person of Indian Originas mentioned below:

i.                    who at any time held an Indian Passport; or 

ii.           he/she or either of his/her parents or grandparents or great grandparents was born in an permanently resident in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 and other territories that became part of India thereafter provided neither was at any time a citizen of any country as may be specified by Central Government from time to time.

is entitled for a PIO Card. The card allows visa free travel to India and gives several benefits to the card holder. A PIO Card is valid for 15 years. The scheme is broad-based, covers up to four generations and also the foreign spouse of a citizen of India or a PIO.

2.  Indian Citizenship by Registration (Section 5(1)(C))

Indian Citizenship by registration can be acquired under Section 5(1)(C) by a person, who is married to a citizen of India and who are ordinarily resident in India for seven years before making application.

• In computing the period of seven years, any broken period of residence shall be included in the period specified therein.

3.  Indian Citizenship by Registration (Section 5(1)(d))

Minor children of a person who is Indian citizen can register for Indian Citizenship under section 5(1)(d).

• Application for registration of birth of his minor child born outside India to a person who is citizen of India has to be submitted at the Embassy within one year of the birth, for which parents have to submit a declaration that the child does not hold passport of another country. In cases where the request for registration of birth of the child is made after expiry of one year of the birth of the child, approval from Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi is required and applicant has to apply online for registration of the birth of the child. Online application can be made at the following link:

https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/ic_form_public.aspx

4.  Indian Citizenship by Registration for persons of full age:

A Person of full age and capacity who, or either of his/her parents was earlier citizen of Independent India, and residing in India for one year immediately before making application for registration.

• A Person of full age and capacity who has been registered as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) for five years and who has been residing in India for one year before making application for application of registration.

Clarification: A person shall be deemed to be a Person of Indian origin if he, or either of his parents, was born in undivided India or in such other territory which became part of India after the 15th August, 1947.

Opening of outsourcing centers for Indian passport and visa services on 3 August 2014.

 

The current service provider of the Embassy of India for outsourcing of passport and visa services M/s BLS International Services Ltd. will be close its operations from 2 August 2014 (Saturday).  The new service provider M/s Cox and Kings Global Services in partnership with its local partner M/s Al Qabas Assurex General Trading and Contracting Company W.L.L. will take over the operations from Sunday, 3 August 2014.

 

2.       Following are the locations from which M/s Cox and Kings Global Services will operate from:

(i)           Behbahani Tower, 17^th Floor, Sharq, Kuwait for passport and visa services.

(ii)          2^nd Floor, Jleeb Al Shuyoukh Block 1, Street 1, Xcite building, Kuwait for passport services.

(iii)        Complex Kais Alghanim, 4^th Floor, Mecca Street in front of Al Anood Complex, Fahaheel, Kuwait for passport and visa services.

 

3.       The new outsourcing centers shall be open on all days, except when specified by the Embassy of India, Kuwait.  On working days (Sunday to Thursday), the operating hours would be from 0800hrs to 1200hrs in first half and 1600hrs to 2000hrs in second half.  On weekend (Friday and Saturday) the operating hours would be from 1600hrs to 2000hrs only.

 

4.       It is anticipated that the transition of passport and visa services from M/s BLS International Services Ltd. to M/s Cox and Kings Global Services in partnership with its local partner M/s Al Qabas Assurex General Trading and Contracting Company W.L.L. will be smooth and without any disruption of services.  All passports and visas applied for with M/s BLS International Services Ltd. during end of July and before 2 August 2014, may be collected from the Embassy, if not obtained at M/s BLS International Services Ltd..  However, in the event of any delay in opening of the new centers beyond 3 August 2014 by M/s Cox and Kings Global Services in partnership with its local partner M/s Al Qabas Assurex General Trading and Contracting Company W.L.L., the passport and visa services shall be provided by the Embassy of India, Kuwait at its premises at Diplomatic Enclave, Arabian Gulf Street, 13015, Safat, Kuwait until such time that the new service provider is able to take up the outsourcing services on its own.

INDIA PERSPECTIVES

 

India Perspectives, a magazine published by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi once in two months, provides to the readers a rich collection of articles pertaining to current events, art and culture, besides an update of India’s relations with its neighbours and beyond. It also covers famous places of scenic beauty in India. The e-magazine available in 14 languages in digital format, can also be read on the Web as well as mobile devices to those interested readers of the above magazine through the following link: www.indiaperspectives.in/magzter.   

Growing economic and commercial ties between India and Kuwait

 

            India and Kuwait enjoy historically close, warm and friendly ties.  The visit of H.H. Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait to India in November 2013 has imparted a new thrust to the growing India-Kuwait relationship.  The bilateral trade turnover has crossed US$ 18 billion mark during the last financial year (April 2013 - March 14).  Kuwait is India’s leading supplier of crude oil and LPG.  Both countries have longstanding ties in the arena of energy security. 

2.         The current year is witnessing award of several big contracts in Kuwait to Indian companies.  Shapoorji Pallonji, Mumbai has signed a contract in April 2014 with the Ministry of Public Works for the Al-Sabah Hospital Project worth US$ 640 million and its execution would start soon. This company is also L1 as per the Central Tenders Committee (CTC) for one of the Kuwait University Projects which is worth US$ 525 million. 

3.         Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) has confirmed that one of the Gas Gathering Centres EPC project worth US$840 million is being awarded to Larsen & Toubro, Mumbai while another Gas Gathering Centre worth US$ 810 million would be awarded to Dodsal.  L&T, Mumbai is also L1 for a feed pipeline project worth US$ 1 billion of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). Punj Lloyd, New Delhi  has bagged US$ 236 million KNPC’s project of revamping the Ahamadi Fuel Depot which includes design, detailed EPC and commissioning of 11 new floating roof product tanks with a capacity of about 228,000 cubic meters. Simplex Project Ltd, Kolkata has secured a subcontract worth US$ 84 million with Combined Group of Companies of Kuwait under which the Indian company would construct some service centres in Sabah Al-Ahmad City. The Energy Resource Institute (TERI), New Delhi  is already doing a pilot project worth US$ 39 million in the field of soil remediation with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).             

4.         As regards foreign direct investment (FDI) from Kuwait to India, Kuwait investment Authority (KIA), which manages the sovereign wealth funds of Kuwait, has already made an investment of about US$ 2.7 billion in India.  KIA has further invested US$ 5.37 million in the Power Grid Corporation of India in December 2013.  Some Indian private companies such as GMR and Kotak Mahindra are in touch with KIA for attracting investments into India. 

5.         The relationship between India and Kuwait is on an upward growth trajectory.  The Government of India is keen to further strengthen and widen this special relationship with the State of Kuwait, in the coming months.       

Non-Resident Keralites

 

The Government of Kerala has provided contact numbers of key persons in Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NORKA) Department to assist our community in Kuwait.

Sl No	Name	Designation	Contact number	Fax Number	Mail ID
1.	Shri K.C. Joseph	Minister, NORKA	Ph.0471-2333176 Mob.9495106600	0471-2320600	ministerkcjoseph@gmail.com
2.	Smt. Rani George	Secretary, NORKA Department	Ph.0471-2518002/2339182 Mob.9447753565	0471-2327270	sec.norka@kerala.gov.in
3.	Shri R.S. Kannan	Addl. Sec. NORKA Department	Ph.0471-2518129 Mob.9495569036	0471-2327192	addlsec.norka@kerala.gov.in
4.	Shri P. Sudeep	Chief Executive Officer, NORKA Roots	Ph.0471-2330530/2770501 Mob.9447009907	0471-2326263	ceonorkaroots@gmail.com

 

Transportation of Mortal Remains of our Nationals to India

 

During the current calendar year from 1 January - 30 June, 2014, the Embassy has registered 258 deaths of Indian nationals in Kuwait. Out of this, 203 Indian nationals died due to natural cause (such as heart attack, sickness, age etc.) and 55 unnatural deaths (16 road accident, 13 work-site accident, 10 suicide, 6 murder, 3 gas inhale, 3 drowning, 2 fire accident, 1 fall from height & 1 unknown reason).  The mortal remains of 62 deceased Indian nationals were buried in Kuwait as per the wishes of their family members, whereas, the mortal remains of 196 Indian nationals were sent to India by air. The Embassy’s efforts are to help in early transport of the mortal remains to India. The procedure followed and time taken is as under: 

 

i)         Intimation of death: When an Indian national dies in Kuwait, the Embassy receives the information about the death from the employer/relatives of the deceased.  Accordingly, the Embassy issues an authority letter in favour of the informer/relative, for collection of death certificate, police report from the local authorities. 

ii)        Registration of death: Once death certificate is collected, it has to be endorsed by the local Foreign Office, translated into English and submitted in the Embassy along with the passport of the deceased for registration of death. The Embassy issues death certificate.

iii)      Burial of mortal remains: The cremation of mortal remains is not allowed in Kuwait.  The local authorities, however, allow permission for burial of mortal remains of Muslims/Non-Muslims in Kuwait. The family members who wish to bury the mortal remains of the deceased are generally advised by the local authority(s) to obtain an authority letter from the Embassy for the burial of the mortal remains in Kuwait.  The Embassy issues an authority letter after receiving the written consent of the family members for burial of the mortal remains in Kuwait. 

iv)      Transportation of mortal remains: After the registration of death, if mortal remains have to be transported to India, the relatives/employer is required to approach the airlines for issue of airway bill for transport of the mortal remains to India. The procedure is simple and not long drawn.  The mortal remains of the deceased are sealed in a wooden coffin in the Sabah Hospital only (as per the specifications of the Ministry of Health of the State of Kuwait) in the presence of a medical officer, representative of the Embassy and relatives / friends of the deceased.  Thereafter, mortal remains are sent to India by air.

v)        Time taken: The time taken for transporting mortal remains depend upon the nature of death and time taken in completing various formalities by Kuwait authorities and the availability of flights to the destination.

a.    In case of natural death(such as heart attack, sickness, age etc.), the mortal remains are sent to India generally within two to ten days depending on the time taken by the Kuwait authorities for completing various formalities and availability of flights. 

b.    In case of unnatural death(such as suicide, drowning, fire, traumatic injury, inhalation of gas, fall from height, work place, criminal activities etc.), the local authorities take considerable time for completion of their investigation into the case and give clearance for transportation of the mortal remains.  In such cases, it generally takes two to four weeks for transportation of the mortal remains from the date of intimation of the death. As disposal of mortal remains other than burial is not allowed in Kuwait, in majority of cases, the mortal remains are transported to India. In cases of destitute Indian nationals, the Embassy arranges the airlifting of the mortal remains of the deceased to India by Air India (or other airlines) and the expenditure is met from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).

vi)      Embassy Support: The Embassy guides informants/company on procedural requirements for the repatriation of the mortal remains. During the first half of 2014, the Embassy paid for air transport of the mortal remains of 16 deceased Indian nationals from Kuwait to India, while mortal remains of 180 deceased Indian nationals were sent to India by air by the employers/relatives of the deceased. The Embassy provides air tickets to destitute Indian nationals to return to their homeland, as well as pay for air transportation of mortal remains of destitute Indian nationals to India.

vii)     The details of the deceased Indian nationals, whose mortal remains were airlifted to India, with air transportation provided by the Embassy, are provided for information of Indian community in Kuwait, for the period 1 January - 30 June, 2014.

 

S.No.	Name of the deceased	Name of the petitioner / associations who approached for free transportation of the mortal remains	Whether or not the deceased Indian national was working with sponsor	Cost incurred on transportation of the mortal remains	Airlines/City
1.	Ms. Nagamani Yalla	Ms. Kancharla Emeliyamma	Not working with sponsor	KD. 97/-	AirIndia / Hyderabad
2.	Mr. Jaspal Singh	Unclaimed body	Not working with sponsor	KD. 265/-	Qatar / Amritsar
3.	Ms. Narasamma Jonnala	Mr. Jayasankara Budda	Working with sponsor	KD. 92/-	AirIndia / Chennai
4	Mr. Shaik Haneef	Mr. Shaik Raheem Basha	Working with sponsor	KD. 92/-	AirIndia / Chennai
5.	Mr.Muraleedharan Pillai	Mr. M.Krishna Pillai Balagopal	Not working with sponsor	KD. 275/-	Jet / Trivandrum
6	Ms. Rahamath Bee Shaik	Unclaimed body	Not working with sponsor	KD. 92/-	AirIndia / Chennai
7	Mr. Chinna Narasimhulu Lagimi	Mrs. Lagimi Sarjamma	Working with sponsor	KD. 92/-	AirIndia / Chennai
8.	Mr. Durai Anthony	Mr. John Xavier	Not working with sponsor	KD. 310/-	Sri Lankan /Trichy
9	Ms. Ramanamma Akki	Mr. Mani Kurumutla Narasayah	Not working with sponsor	KD. 92/-	AirIndia / Chennai
10	Mr. Mahe Ravat	Unclaimed body	Not working with sponsor	KD. 275/-	Oman /Lucknow
11	Mr. Vetrivel Karuppaiah	Frontliners Association Mr. K.V. Mathi	Not working with sponsor	KD. 310/-	Srilankan /Trichy
12.	Mr.Pradeepan Chaudrambatyh	Mr. Sumod Perinkotra	Not working with sponsor	KD. 92/-	AirIndia /Calicut
13	Mr.Biju Sekhar	Mr. Poulose Rajan Francis	Not working with sponsor	KD. 275/-	Jet / Trivandrum
14.	Ms. Sujatha Matta	Mr. Ranga Rao Billadi	Working with sponsor	-	AirIndia / Hyderabad
15.	Ms. Palagolla Narasamma	Abhaya NRI Foundation Mr. Girish Lal Parsi	Not working with sponsor	KD. 92/-	AirIndia / Chennai
16	Mr. Nageshwara Rao Ponna	Abhaya NRI Foundation Mr. Girish Lal Parsi	Not working with sponsor	KD.92/-	AirIndia / Hyderabad

 

2.       For any further information or assistance in the matter, please contact on 24x7 basis to the following officers in the Embassy;

i)     Mr B K Upadhyay, Counsellor

Tel: 22530600 Extn 203,   Mob: 97224029

ii)    Mr M K Xaxa, Attache, Welfare

Tel: 22530600 Extn 277,   Mob: 97291468

 

iii)  Mr Deepak Seth, Local staff

Tel : 22530600 Extn 271,   Mob: 66565703

 

3.       Your suggestion in the matter may please be sent to the Ambassador of India, Kuwait at amb.kuwait@indembkwt.org, ambss@indembkwt.org,

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Travel Advisory for Indian Nationals in Iraq​

 

The security situation in Iraq continues to be fragile. A travel advisory had been issued on 15 June 2014 for Indian nationals in Iraq.

Due to the uncertain and difficult security environment, Indian nationals in Iraq are again advised to remain indoors if they are in conflict-prone areas and to leave the country on voluntary basis by commercial means, in areas where it is safe to do so. Indian nationals are advised to refrain from undertaking travel to Iraq until further notice. Airports in the cities of Erbil, Baghdad, Basra and Najaf are reported to be operational at present.

Indian nationals in Iraq who need assistance in this regard may wish to contact the Indian Embassy in Baghdad on the 24 hour helpline as per the contact details indicated in the previous travel advisory of 15 June, 2014.

Tel. No. +964 770 444 4899 (Mobile)

Tel No. +964 770 484 3247 (Mobile)

Email: amb.baghdad@mea.gov.in

hoc.baghdad@mea.gov.in
cons.baghdad@mea.gov.in
edubaghdad@yahoo.com
Website: www.indianembassybaghdad.in

 

The Indian Embassy in Baghdad will shortly open camp offices in Najaf, Karbala and Basra for the convenience of Indian nationals in Iraq. Details will be intimated once these offices are set up.

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) 2015

 

The Government of India has decided to hold the next Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD-2015) at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat in January 2015.

The effort would be to have more meaningful and interactive sessions that would address the issues and concerns of the overseas Indian community effectively. Since 2015 marks the hundredth anniversary of the return of the greatest “PRAVASI” of all, Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa, it is desired that PBD-2015 would be celebrated in a grand way.

The detailed programme of PBD-2015 is being prepared and will be uploaded on the Embassy’s Website in due course.

More detailed information on Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD-2015) can be accessed at the Ministry of Overseas India Affairs’ website (https://www.moia.gov.in).    

Advice given to the Indian Community

In our effort to reach out to the local police authorities to develop link between Indian Community and Police, Counsellor Shri B K Upadhyay in the Indian Embassy along with community representatives recently met the Officer-in-charge of 4 police stations where the Indians are residing in large numbers i.e. Abbasiya, Fahaheel, Farwaniya, and Salmiya. During the interactions, a wide range of issues were discussed to improve security and better coordination.

2.     Based on discussion with the police officers, following advice is given to Indian community:-

(i)     The major issue which was highlighted by community related to checking by persons impersonating as police officers. It was informed that Indians are being duped by using the confiscated civil IDs by way of making big purchase. It is advised to seek the police ID from the persons posing as policemen. During the meeting, the police officers informed that the real police would always show the Police ID and in case of any resistance, chances are that the persons are impersonating. As a standard practice worldwide, the police must show ID when in civil dress and even in Uniform.  In case of doubt, one is advised to approach the concerned police station and verify the fact.

(ii)    Whenever one is visiting Police Station related to reporting of crime and any follow up, an Arabic knowing friend should be taken along. The Indian community representatives have been requested to give list of Arabic speaking Indians, who can volunteer to help an Indian when such a need arises.  

(iii)      Various instances have come to notice when Indian nationals were duped for signing in Arabic written papers. Police authorities have advised that if those who do not know Arabic language, should not sign any paper which is in Arabic. It is advised to take an Arabic-knowing person with you who can inform you about the content of the letter. The law authorizes a person not to sign if he/she is not aware of the content of letter. Similarly giving blank signed bank cheques and one’s passport as surety to someone else is improper.

(iv)     Several instances have come to notice in Khaitan, Salmiya, Shuwaikh, etc when the workers were waiting on footpath for daily wages work. Such persons are generally detained during security checking by the police and deported. Such persons are generally on domestic visa and working outside is illegal. If someone is not getting job, better remain in the house. Don’t roam freely for searching jobs on road.

(v)         Police authorities are ready to meet community representatives at regular intervals. Hence Indian embassy would like to advise the Indian community representatives to meet regularly with the police authorities which would create better understanding and coordination. Embassy would be happy to coordinate such efforts of the Indian community.

(vi)           All must abide by the local laws and regulations regarding prohibition of alcohol in the State of Kuwait.

Indian Embassy on “Parking Problems”

 

We are aware of the parking problems faced by the visiting Indian community to the Embassy premises. For Community events held at the Embassy Auditorium our Security Guards are helping and guiding everyone in parking of their cars in an orderly manner. Malaysian Embassy, which is only 50 meters away from the Indian Embassy, has free parking space for all those visiting the Embassy.

Letter to Associations in Kuwait

Amid reports of security raids on 6/6/2014 in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Murghab, Fahaheel, Abu Halifa, Al-Rai, Friday Market and some adjacent areas in Shuwaikh wherein approximate 820 expatriates were rounded for violating various Kuwaiti rule and regulations, Counsellor  B K Upadhyay has met  Maj Gen Abdul Fatah Al-Ali, Assistant Under Secretary, Public Security Affairs, MOI, Kuwait on 10/06/2014 to discuss the issues involved and appraise few complaint received from Indians. Following advice is given to Indian community to avoid them get involved in illegal activities and later being deported.

1.     Recent raid was conducted based on complains received from various Ministries particularly Municipality, Commerce and Labour that expatriates were involved in selling used clothes, waste vegetables, expired food products etc at cheaper rates  in the residential colonies and side of cooperatives. Such street type vendors are unauthorized and creating problems affecting the functioning of above ministries. 

2.     Before making raids, the residences, market area, outside cooperatives, etc were photographed and the activities of such persons have been so that such persons could be segregated from casual visitors. So details were collected in advance by police before planning raids.

3.     Those who are detained due to case lodged by their sponsor could be released by their sponsor only. It was informed that details of cases against individual have been computerized and one can get it checked oneself. In case of absconding cases, any individual can visit the Ministry of Labour and submit that one is not absconding. He is working out because the sponsor failed to give him work. He can insist that Sponsor may be called and he is ready to go back with him.

4.     Maj Gen Abdul Fatah Al-Ali He further said that let these people have an authorization letter from the Sponsor that he is permitting them to work outside.

5.     On query regarding fear of night checking, it was informed that there would be no night checking and public need not to fear from it. In case anybody coming for night checking in civil dress, please ask for identity card and inform on number 112 of such checking. Police would help is such cases.  

Please avoid spreading unsubstantiated rumours and do not create panic situation. Out of 820 expatriates who were rounded up on 6/6/2014, 720 were released after verification.  Out of these 60 who were rounded for the above mentioned illegal activities, only 15-20 are Indians.  That too there are photographs and video recording of their illegal activities. The Embassy will continue to render all help to the members of India community.

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Parking Cars

In view of various social and cultural events now being held at the Embassy Auditorium, some members of the community had raised concerns about parking their cars.Visitors who are attending the events organized by various Indian Associations, may park their cars in front as well as rear of the Embassy premises in an orderly manner.About eighty cars can easily be accommodated for parking within the Embassy premises. In addition, near the Malaysian Embassy, there is free parking space available for all. The Embassy Security Guards will guide and advise members of the community so that the community events at the Embassy Auditorium are held as smoothly as possible.

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Availability of the Embassy Auditorium

 

You are aware that the Auditorium in the Indian Embassy has been  available to all Indian Associations/nationals to organize their social/cultural events since January 2014. 

2.       As a special gesture, during the summer months of June, July and August 2014, the Auditorium will be available at reduced charge of KD100/- per event.

3.       Please note that on working days, the Auditorium will be available from 1830hrs to 2200hrs and on holidays/weekends, it will be available from 0930hrs onwards till 2200hrs.  For early booking of the Auditorium, please contact:

Mr. Shiv Sagar

Second Secretary (Community Affairs and Education)

Phone No. 22562151

Mobile No. 97229915

E-mail:  fscce@indembkwt.org

 

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Setting up of Non-Resident Indian Forum, Karnataka

 

1. The Embassy is happy to inform that a Non-Resident Indian Forum Karnataka has been established by the Government of Karnataka.  Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka is the Chairman of this organization. 

2.       The key objectives of the organization are as follows:

(i) To encourage and promote all the activities those are in line with the interests of NRIs residing overseas;

(ii) To provide assistance to NRIs residing overseas in promoting literary and cultural activities of Karnataka, thus building a bonding between the countries;

(iii) To promote, formulate and implement programs of interest to NRIs in the field of Education, Technology transfer, Science and Research;

(iv) To establish a platform of Skill Bank and Knowledge for the benefit of society; and

(v)  To assist NRIs working overseas in moments of crisis in close coordination with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, New Delhi and respective Embassies.

3.       The contact details of Non-Resident Indian Forum, Karnataka are as under:

 

Shri V.C. Prakash,

Deputy Chairman,

Non-Resident Indian Forum,

Karnataka Government of Karnataka,

R.No. 6&7, Vikasa Soudha,

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi,

Bangalore – 560001 Karnataka,

India, Phone No. +91 80 22374818 Fax No.     +91 80 22374708

E-mail:   info@nriforumkarnataka.org Website:  www.nriforumkarnataka.org

 

4.       All Indian Associations, particularly those from Karnataka, are requested to send their particulars directly to Non-Resident Indian Forum, Karnataka at the earliest convenience.

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