A recent survey by the Centre for Indian Migrant Studies (CIMS) had shown that in Kerala alone nearly 11 lakh people had come back home during the pandemic due to job loss. Additionally, another limited survey showed 397 NRIs had been deprived of pending dues, estimated at around Rs 62 crore
Taking the factors of job losses, salary cuts and huge loss in businesses due to Covid-19 pandemic into account, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on urged the Union government to take steps to make airfares affordable for flights to the Gulf.
A recent survey by the Centre for Indian Migrant Studies (CIMS) had shown that in Kerala alone nearly 11 lakh people had come back home during the pandemic due to job loss.
Additionally, according to another limited survey, 397 NRIs had been deprived of pending dues, estimated at around Rs 62 crore.
The chief Minister stressed in his letter: “As our people are trying to get their livelihood back on track, your kind gesture in this regard will be much appreciated”
In a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Chief Minister said that expatriates are one of the worst affected due to Covid-19. Many had remained jobless all this time.
With various air routes opening up, these NRIs are keen to return to their workplace. But airfares have skyrocketed in various sectors, especially to the Gulf making it impossible for these people to resume work.
The chief Minister stressed in his letter: “As our people are trying to get their livelihood back on track, your kind gesture in this regard will be much appreciated”.
“More people being able to travel abroad at affordable airfares, will also mean that the country will earn more money by way of foreign exchange and hasten its economic recovery”, he added.
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