Gulf migrants now on parties radar

NIZAMABAD: Political parties are concentrating on votes of Gulf migrants from north TS districts. There is sizable population of Gulf migrants in composite Nizamabad, Adilabad, Karimnagar and Medak districts. In few of the villages, each household has at least one relative working in the Gulf.

But, the lack of an Gulf migrant policy in TS has resulted in a number of these Gulf migrants facing numerous problems. To woo these voters, the TRS, Congress and the BJP are assuring financial aid, pensions, housing scheme and self employment. In addition, Gulf migrants are being promised, that stringent action would be initiated against erring Gulf travel agents. 

Numerous semi-skilled and unskilled workers have been cheated by agents and middlemen with assurances of employment in Gulf countries. 
In addition, a number of Indian workers are stranded in Gulf countries, due to lack of visa, passport and other documents. To rescue them is turning out to be a tough task for authorities.

TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, had announced that Rs 500 crore would be allocated in the annual Budget for Gulf migrants.