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Charts indicating
the receipt of representations and about action
taken thereon is being documented. The
grievances broadly are of two types, individual
and institutional. A grievance about an
unjustified loss of employment, non-payment of
benefits due, and repatriation under compulsion,
are examples of the former. Delay in responding
to the grievances by the employers or by
authorities also falls into this category.
There are limitations in respect of legal
action. An individual is unable to fight
litigation in a foreign country. The grievances
against authorities have to be dealt with very
delicately and with expert diplomacy.
Difficulties about litigation arise from legal
concepts about the place to sue and the cause of
action. Even when a foreign authority is sought
to be sued, there are many obstacles such as
Section 98 CPC, which mandate prior permission
of India for Institution of the suit.
Having regard to the limited role of the State
Government, under the existing enactment, a
meaning amendment to the Act and Rules could be
suggested to the Central Government. The State
Govt. can possibly assist the Central Govt. in
this process. The Kerala Govt. is considering
the appointment of an Expert Committee which is
intimately connected with the live problems of
the Non-resident Keralites.
NORKA-NISA had been alive to study the problems
and bring them into the notice of authorities at
the highest level. Niyama Sameeksha has taken up
many matters at the level of the Ministry of
External Affairs and with the Embassies of the
Gulf Countries. The helpful replies received
from the Ministry of External Affairs, and the
Embassy of Saudi Arabia may be mentioned
particularly in this connection.
An advantageous situation has arisen with a
Minister from Kerala assuming administration of
the problems of Non-resident Keralites. The
recent announcement by the Minister of tangible
and sure steps taken to abate the agonies of
NRKs is a definite indication of the close
attention received now by the Ministry of
External Affairs and other Central government
agencies. The Minister was extremely helpful by
responding to the request made by Justice
K.Sukumaran for participation in the reception
to be arranged for the newly elected members of
Parliament in the Kerala House, where NRK
problems had been particularly stressed.
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