Embassy News

New outsourcing centers for Indian passport and visa services

Indian Embassy Kuwait
Beginning Sunday, 3 August 2014, the new service provider of the Embassy for outsourcing of passport and visa services will be M/s Cox and Kings Global Services working in collaboration with its local partner M/s Al Qabas Assurex General Trading and Contracting Company W.L.L.

2.    Physical location of 3 centers along with their map, from which M/s Cox and Kings Global Services will operate from:

(i)    Behbahani Tower, 17th Floor, Sharq, Kuwait for passport as well as visa services - https://goo.gl/maps/MbzGZ.
(ii)    2nd Floor, Jleeb Al Shuyoukh Block 1, Street 1, Xcite building, Kuwait for passport services only - https://goo.gl/maps/UWcqE.
(iii)    Complex Kais Alghanim, 4th Floor, Mecca Street in front of Al Anood Complex, Fahaheel, Kuwait for passport as well as visa services - https://goo.gl/maps/Y6H3M

3.    For further enquiries following may be contacted:
(i)    Mr. Daud Sheikh for Sharq Center – Mobile No. 97928978
(ii)    Mr. Manohar Peter Barboza for Jleeb Al Shuyoukh Center – Mobile No. 99178302
(iii)    Ms. Ramya Jenson for Fahaheel Center – Mobile No. 97616305

3.    The new outsourcing centers will open on all days when Embassy is functional.  On working days (Sunday to Thursday), the operating hours would be from 0800-1200hrs in the first half and 1600-2000 hrs in the second half.  On weekend (Friday and Saturday) the operating hours would be from 1600- 2000hrs.

4.    Service Fee structure of various services and Value Added Services rendered by M/s Cox and Kings Global Services will be as follows:
Service Fee:
(i)    Passport Service: KD1.200
(ii)    Visa Service:  KD3.250
Value Added Services:
(i)    Photocopy:  Fils 100 per page
(ii)    Photo booth:  KD2.750 for 4 photos
(iii)    Internet kiosk:  KD1.000
(iv)    SMS Service:  Fils 400
(v)    Courier Service:  KD1.250 for Indian nationals
   KD4.500 for Foreign nationals
(vi)    Assisted Form Filling:  KD1.000 for Indian nationals
   KD3.000 for Foreign nationals
 
 
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Multiple entry 5-year and 1-year Business Visas

 Indian embassy kuwait news

The Embassy has been issuing long-term visas of 5-year and 1-year validity to all Kuwaiti nationals and expatriates residing in Kuwait.  In addition, 6-month Tourist Visas and 1-year Medical Visas are also issued to those interested.  Visas are granted on the same working day.

Those wishing to obtain 5-year or 1-year Business Visas may contact the Embassy after filling the visa form on-line at: www.indianvisaonline.gov.in, two photographs with white background and payable visa fee.  For more details please contact Embassy at 22530600 and 22530612.
 
 
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Opening of outsourcing centers for Indian passport and visa services on 3 August 2014.

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, 17th Floor, Sharq, Kuwait for passport and visa services.

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

(iii)        Complex Kais Alghanim, 4th 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

 

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

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’ Affairs (NORKA) Department to assist our community in Kuwait.

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

 

Embassy - Transportation of Mortal Remains of our Nationals to India

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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For Indian Nationals in Iraq​ - Travel Advisory

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

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).    

Indian Embassy - Advice given to the Indian Community

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.

“Parking Problems” on Indian Embassy

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

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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Advise for Parking Cars at Embassy Auditorium

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

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

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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Advisory regarding narcotics/drugs for Indian Community in Kuwait

Advisory regarding narcotics/drugs for Indian Community in Kuwait

There is, unfortunately, an increasein cases relating to detention / arrest of Indian nationals on alleged charges of carrying or possessing narcotic drugs in Kuwait. Out of 260 Indian nationals who are currently in Kuwaiti Jails, 137 persons are facing crimes related to drugs. 

2.                                It may be noted that the punishment under the Kuwaiti laws for violation of drug related crimes may lead to life imprisonment or even death.  If anybody is caught by local authorities on account of use / possession / trade / transportation of narcotics/drugs or any related prohibited item, it could be difficult for the Embassy to help/intervene in the matter as the case will be dealt with as per Kuwaiti laws.  Therefore, one must strictly obey rules and regulations regarding the laws about drugs in this country.

3.                                With a view to creating high awareness among the Indian nationals in the matter, the Embassy would like to bring the following information for their attention:

What are Narcotics/Drugs?

4.                                There are, generally, many kinds of drugs some are prescribed while others are known as club drugs, illicit or illegal substances and designer drugs, which include:

(i)                Antidepressants,

(ii)             Barbiturates,

(iii)           Cannabis,

(iv)           Depressants,

(v)             Hallucinogens,

(vi)           Inhalants,

(vii)        Narcotics[Marijuana, Morphine, Cocaine, Heroin, Dry ICE, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), amphetamines (speed)].

(viii)      Steroids,

(ix)           Stimulants,

(x)             Tobacco.

(The list is only indicative and not exhaustive).

Suggestions for taking precaution and/or safety tips for Indian community

5.       As per the statements of inmates, it was observed that friends or relatives of expatriate living in Kuwait, contacts the passenger and hand over packets/gifts/small bags etc in India for delivering to their relatives in Kuwait.  Please avoid such things as many times these tricks were done to use you as courier. These things may contain narcotics or prohibited medicines which would result in your arrest and punishment in Kuwait. Strictly avoid accepting any such packet or gift from strangers at airport or with a person you develop friendship during travel. Please refuse accepting any such items given by him.

6.     Further, the monetary temptation should be avoided where you are asked to visit a place, hold a packet, keep packet/friends attaché / suitcases with you for some time, etc are some of the tricks which may land you up in the police net with jail term for transporting/possessing narcotics.

Use/carrying of Prescription Medicine from India to Kuwait

7.     The general medicine should be brought with doctor’s prescription and the quantity should not exceed 2 weeks’ requirement. Further, Ayurvedic/Homeopathic medicine due to its composition can be construed as containing alcohol while narcotics can be camouflaged as white sugar pills. Hence one should be careful while bringing these medicines and must carry doctor’s prescription and possess limited quantity. One must check also with the Kuwaiti authorities about latest updates on regulations governing carrying of medicines from abroad.

8.     The above guidelines are indicative and issued in the interest of the Indian community for taking adequate precautions and to strictly observe the laws of land relating to narcotics/drugs in Kuwait.

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CONSULAR WING TO FUNCTION ON BUDDHA PURNIMA

Embassy

PRESS RELEASE

CONSULAR  WING  TO  FUNCTION  ON  BUDDHA  PURNIMA

          The Embassy of India will remain closed on Wednesday,

 14th May, 2014 on account of Buddha Purnima.

2.     However, Consular Wing  will remain open  for Passport, Visa and Attestation Services for the benefit of General Public.

 

Kuwait

11 May,2014

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Schemes of Government of India regarding admission under SPDC and DASA Programme

 SPDC and DASA Programme
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), Government of India, launched a scheme called “Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children” (SPDC), in the academic year 2006-2007, for the wards of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to assist them in pursuing Under Graduate courses in several disciplines in India. EdCIL (India) Limited, a Government of India Enterprise, Ed.CIL House-18-A, Sector-16-A, NOIDA - 201 301, UP, (India), has been designated as the “Nodal Agency” for implementation of the admission under SPDC programme  on merit basis in Ed.CIL’s associated institutions.

 

The following are the highlights of the SPDE 2014 – 15, which is being announced by MOIA :

100 scholarships are being offered for undergraduate courses in several disciplines including Engineering/Architecture/Technology, Humanities/Liberal Arts, Commerce, Management – BBA/BBM, Journalism, Hotel Management, Agriculture/Animal Husbandry, Science, Law etc.

The programme is open only to PIOs/NRIs from the specified 40 countries having a larger concentration of Indian Diaspora.

50 % of the scholarship slots would be reserved of PIOs. However, in the event of the non-availability of suitable PIO candidates, the unfilled slots could be assigned to NRI candidates.

NRI candidates would be eligible for the grant of the scholarship only if their total family income per month does not exceed an amount equivalent to US $ 2,250 (US dollars two thousand two hundred and fifty only)

Children of NRIs should have pursued at least three years of education, inclusive of 11th & 12th or equivalent (not beyond), in a foreign country during the last six years, and should have passed the qualifying examination abroad.

 PIO/NRI Students already studying in India on a self-financing basis or under any other arrangement will not be eligible under this scheme, which is open only for fresh admissions in the first semester/year of undergraduate courses.

Candidates would be selected on the basis of their performance in the qualifying examination (equivalent to plus 2 stage in India) which decides the eligibility to apply for the scholarship scheme. The candidates would also have to fulfill all the criteria prescribed for the purpose.

The amount of scholarship admissible would be 75% of the total Institutional Economic Cost (IEC) subject to a maximum of US $ 4,000 (US dollars four thousand only) per annum, in respect of NITs and othr institutions covered under DASA Scheme with effect from the academic year 2011 – 2012 and where there is no increase in tuition fees for the academic year 2011 – 2012, the existing limit of 75% of  or US$ 3600 whichever is less would continue and could be made by the MOIA, Government of India to the applicants selected for the SPDC.  IEC includes Tuition fee, Hostel fee & other institutional charges (Food charges are excluded).

The last date for receipt of duly filled-in application forms in the prescribed format by Ed.CIL is 10th June 2014.

Admission may be sought in one of the institutes/colleges/universities given in Appendix ‘C’ of the information booklet.

For more details on SPDC 2014–15, please visit their website ‘www.edcilindia.co.in’.  The registration will be done on receipt of APPLICATION FORM (Downloadable from EdCIL’s websites) along with the required documents latest by 10th June 2014, at EdCIL.  Applications received after 10th June 2014 shall not be considered and shall be summarily rejected.
 
 
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