Media Coverage & Reviews of the book "Expat Ride"

Media Coverage Reviews and Views about the book EXPAT RIDE published in various newspapers

1|Page Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

Indians in Gulf countries: Book on problems faced by Indian expatriates in Middle East

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

(An Indian Muslim Blog) For long, the Middle East, which is commonly termed as 'Gulf', has been considered an El Dorado for Indians. The first wave of prosperity came in many parts of India, particularly, in South India, when lakhs of Indians got jobs in Middle East in 70s and 80s.

It is a fact that despite 5-7 million Indians working in Gulf countries, there is not enough focus in India on either their contribution to our economy or their problems.

For the record, the number of Indians in West Asian countries is at least four times the number of NRIs in America. Mohammed Saifuddin's book Expat Ride sheds light on the issues pertaining to Indians in Gulf.

2|Page Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

Contrary to the belief that every person who goes to Gulf, manages to make moolah, it tells us how large number of people fail to save adequate money.

The semi-skilled workers face pathetic conditions, work hard by spending more hours in duty but don't get as much return for their efforts. From facing extreme weather and psychological issues due to living away from families, the book tells a lot about the situation on the ground.

The book tells us about challenges faced by expatriates in getting good education to their children. That they have to pay exorbitant fees to get admission in colleges in India and the quota initiated by AB Vajpayee-led BJP government remains limited to just a few educational institutions in India.

Saifuddin also touches the issue of taxes apart from exploitation by moneylenders and depression among Indians working in the region. As many as 70% of those who commit suicide in Dubai, are Indians! This is a shocker for everybody.

The author suggests that India should conduct surveys and take more steps to redress the issues of expatriate community. Another myth is busted in the book. Muslims are not favoured in Gulf countries. In fact, in key positions non-Muslims outnumber Muslims.

The number of Muslims among powerful Indians in GCC countries is just 18%. There are other serious issues like problems faced in repatriation of dead bodies to India.

These things need to be taken up on priority. It is true that Indian newspapers and Television channels seldom pay attention to these important aspects which affect a large number of people.

3|Page Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

But when it comes to sudden disappearance or crime against an NRI in America or Britain, our media forgets all sense of proportion and lap it up, showing it for hours.

But there is no such interest visible in Gulf. This is despite the enormous regular contribution in terms of remittances--sending money back home on regular basis, that runs millions of households in India.

Saifuddin, who hails from Hyderabad, has over the years penned articles for Yahind.com portal. The book comprises these articles. One hopes that the book would draw the attention of policy makers towards Indian expatriates in the GCC countries--United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabic, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.

4|Page Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

Expatriate exposes pathetic condition of Indian Muslims living in Middle East

Hena Farhat, ummid.com Sunday March 31, 2013 04:59:41 PM

They are no better than their counterparts back home, he says, wants from the govt. to rip off their NRI status With the news that Saudi Arabia has started implementing its new labour law reserving 10 percent of jobs for locals consequently endangering the "career" and "livelihood" of thousands of Indians of different religions and communities including Muslims working there, the focus is again on the Middle East "Non Resident Indians" who are said to be well off and earning handsomely, sending millions of rupees back home.

However, a book written by Mohammed Saifuddin - a young expatriate who is also a journalist, exposes the pathetic condition in which these "Non Resident Indians" especially the Muslims are actually living in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia.

5|Page Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

He also exposes with the help of various survey reports and research studies a seemingly unconvincing fact that the Muslim expatriates are actually poorer than the expatriates of other religions, and are living literally under inhuman condition to save a miniscule amount which can be sent back home for the education, marriage and medical aid of their near and dear ones.

"Generally it is thought that the earnings of expatriates in the Gulf countries have changed the lives of Indian Muslims in a big way. It is undoubtedly true that the economic and financial condition of Muslims in several parts of India has improved after the Gulf‟s petrol boom. But it is not correct to say that

Gulf

countries

became

pasturing

land

for

the

Muslims

only",

Mohammed Saifuddin wrote in his book published by YaHind News Network.

"The non-Muslim Indians in the six GCC countries may be lesser in number compared to their Muslim counterparts but, it is irrefutable fact that even in Gulf countries the non-Muslims are much better-off than Muslims when compared to their living conditions and standard of living", he added.

"Majority of the poor workers lives in bad conditions. More than 70 percent of the workers interviewed live in “overcrowded, unsafe, or unsanitary conditions,” the author writes quoting from a report prepared by the Middle East Regional office of the Inspector General of US Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors on the Indian expatriates working at different consulates.

"The criticality of the situation could be understood by the most shocking fact that the among 77 workers interviewed, 20 workers are provided with the quarters having a personal living space lesser than the space provided to the inmates at the security prisons in the United States", he added.

6|Page Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

Highlighting that the poor working condition is adding stress to the expatriates, more often creating health problems for them, the author writes, "Seventy percent of those who commit suicide in Dubai are Indians.

Indians in Gulf countries are more prone to heart diseases. Higher cost and poor standard of living coupled with the financial crisis, leads the poor Indian labors and blue collar employees in the Gulf countries to the situation of uncertainty leading to mental and psychological problems."

At the same time, the book also highlights some of Indian achievers especially women who excelled brilliantly in the Middle East. "It may tend some readers to surprisingly raise eyebrows but Indian women proved their prowess even in the deserts of Arabia. Five women became the part of the powerful Indians list. They represent Healthcare, Media and Marketing sectors", the author writes giving details of some of them including Dr. Zulekha Daud, Shobha Menon, Gulshan Kavarana and few others.

A very interesting phenomenon which the author has highlighted is of the 'Hindu Maulvis'. This is the term he used for non-Muslims who after learning Arabic language and graduating from the Madrasas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, are now working in the Middle East on plum posts.

Another very surprising thing the author writes is that the Indians in the Middle East are actually demanding from the government to rip of their NRI status. This because, the author writes, there is a lot of difference between the lifestyle and standard of living of those in the Middle East and the others who have migrated to other parts of the world.

"The major benefit to those who migrated to other countries is that they can get the citizenship of the country after spending a specific time there.

But, the situation of Indians in Gulf is different. Their condition is similar to that of the transit passengers; irrespective of the length of stay, they have to finally return home one day or the other", he writes.

7|Page Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

The author also writes in details about the poor wages the Indian workers are paid. He comes out with a little known fact about the expatriate who instead of sending money back home, survive on the money sent from India. "The poor economic and financial condition of these workers in Gulf countries was revealed in the recently published news stories about the emerging trend of Reverse Hawala", he writes.

"According to these reports the Indian workers in the Gulf countries are facing such a hard time that instead of sending remittances to their families, many of them are forced to seek financial support from their families and friends back home, in India. Their families and friends are sending them money from India to ensure their survival", he adds.

"The shocking trend of Reverse Hawala is another indicator of pitiable condition of the Indian labors and blue collar employees in the Gulf countries", he writes.

The book also educate the expatriates on various rules and acts including the importance and effectiveness of Right to Information (RTI) Act, and also schemes announced by the government.

Though the books is a collection of articles by the author published in YaHind.com and some local newspapers, and relies more on survey reports and research studies which can be debatable, it gives a good insight of the Indians especially the Muslims living in the Middle East. As Sameera Aziz, Int'l Editor Saudi Gazette puts it, "It is easily legible and well-presented. It can stand on its own merits and I can rate it on a scale leading up to "Must Read". The book can be certainly useful for NRIs as well as other expatriates living in the Middle-East to come away with some very vivid images in mind."

8|Page Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

South Asia Mail

by Mohammed Saifuddin Review by Mir Mohsin Ali “Expat Ride” a 100-pages book by Mohammed Saifuddin, Joint Editor of Yahind.com, represents maiden attempt on his part to address various concerns among the returnees, while it also updates expatriates on news of interest

to

them.

This

comprehensive

publication

is

published

by

Yahind.com.

The author is an experienced journalist, who contributed many articles on various issues. His articles were published in English and Urdu newspapers.

He is associated with Yahind since its early days. His long stay in the Kingdom, journalistic experience back home, keen observation, and an ability to read between the lines, make “Expat Ride” a roller coaster ride. It makes refreshing reading also because of some interesting nuggets of information thrown in.

9|Page Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

Let me share with you, some topics covered in the book. It will give you an idea how in-depth research and analysis was carried out by the author to bring out this important publication.

The Indian government is trying to bring NRIs under the tax net, through introduction of New Direct Tax Code, in place of old Income Tax Act. Our concerns about this issue is dealt by the author, who argues that Indians in Gulf countries should be exempted from the Income Tax. He presented the real situation of Indians here with supporting data collected by a survey.

This survey revealed that most of the Indian workers in Gulf countries return home empty handed.

Quoting the content and analyzing the data of intelligence briefing by wealth-X, titled “Ultra High Net Worth NRI Wealth by Tier”, the book reveals that the resident Indians not only outnumbers the NRIs in wealth, but they are almost double in numbers and their net worth is much higher than NRIs. The problems, working and living conditions of Indian workers in Gulf countries are different from NRIs living in other countries. Former Minister of NRI Affairs, Government of Andhra Pradesh Mr. Mohammed Ali Shabbir expressed same views after releasing this book and they should be dealt separately. The Indians working in the Gulf countries have been demanding from the Indian government since long time to rip off their NRI status. The author argues that the Indians in Gulf countries should not be referred as NRIs. Rather, they should be called Indian Contract Workers in Gulf countries.

Quoting AICTE notification to reserve one third of the 15% supernumerary seats for the children of Indians living in the Gulf countries, author suggests to extend this quota for all the courses in Indian universities. Many people may not be aware, but the AICTE notification states that there shall be no 10 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

NRI fees for children of Indians in Gulf countries. “The Children of Indian Workers in the Gulf Countries shall be treated at par with resident citizens” says the notification. Revealing how Money lending by Hawala Rackets in Gulf countries are effecting Indian laborers Saifuddin writes that the Indian workers in the Gulf countries are facing such a hard time that instead of sending remittances to their families, many of them are forced to seek financial support from their families and friends back home, in India through illegal means like hawala.

Revealing another shocking trend of money lending by these hawala rackets, author mentions that many Indian laborers in Gulf countries have become their victims, which acting as vultures sucking the blood of poor laborers. This trend is linked to the loan sharks operating in the Gulf countries, who lend money to the laborers in Gulf countries on the higher rates of interest. The lenders pay the money to dependent in India through their agents and it is collected back here, in foreign currency. The money has to be returned in the agreed period, until then the interest should be paid regularly.

Concerned with the majority of Indians among those who commits suicide in UAE, the author tried to ponder on the reason of High Depression among the Indians. Last year the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has established the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in the 43 Indian Missions across the world, in the countries that have a significant number of Indians. Expat Ride author explains how the Indian Consulate General in Dubai has used this fund to get release of Indian prisoners from various jails. Lauding the consulate, author suggests similar steps by the Indian Missions in other Gulf countries. Those Indians who are seeking jobs in Gulf countries are much prone to exploitation by the agents at the recruitment stage itself. To curb the ill deeds of these agents, the Indian government has made some amendments in the Emigration Act 1983 by Gazette Notification in July 2009. The author describes these changes and how it will 11 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

effect the intending immigrants. Indian government has conferred voting rights to NRIs and it makes it compulsory that we should be present in India during polling to cast our vote. Stating that postal ballot, online polling or voting at Indian missions should be introduced, author gave examples of different countries which already have such facility.

The Right to Information Act was propagated as “Powerful weapon”. Later on it was extended to NRIs and we can seek information from Indian embassy. Initially we were very happy that we can use RTI at Indian Embassy. But, in reality, this act is useless for NRIs. It is impossible for us to apply for any information under RTI, reveals the book. The book also contains a write-up about the newly launched Passport Seva Kendras established under the Passport Seva Project.

Working for American Embassy is a dream of every expat in Gulf. But the contract workers at US Embassies in Gulf countries have many problems.

Quoting the findings of American inspectors from the State Department’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) author revealed that the situation of these workers is almost similar to that of contract workers at small contracting firms. After facing almost two decades of brain drain, the much developed India is now attracting its brilliant minds to return back and settle down. Author discussed this trend in an article “Reverse Brain Drain”.

Highlighting the foresightedness and long term plan of Indian Non-Muslims, to hit job market in Arab lands, author takes us to a ride of Madarsas in Bihar, where Hindus are taking up the courses of Moulvi and Alim. Their aim is to get prepared for the job market in Gulf and Embassies of Arab countries in India.

“Expat Ride” also contains an article about the Pension and Insurance scheme announced by the Indian government recently. It also covers the

12 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

steps taken by Gulf countries like putting a cap on residence of expats and their remittances.

“Expat Ride” is a useful source of information for the people interested in exploring the real life of expatriates in Gulf countries. This is a first attempt to write a book on the subject of Indians in Gulf countries.

The Indian media normally covers very few topics about the Indians in Gulf countries and mostly they use sketchy information. This book will surely provide them rich information to explore the real life of Indians in Gulf.

Expat Ride is the first publication of Yahind.com and they promised to carry forward the legacy to bring out more publications for the benefit of Indians in Gulf countries. The book “Expat Ride” has got very good coverage in different countries. Publishers got many inquiries not only form the Gulf but other countries as well. Due to the wide media coverage the first edition of Expat Ride is already sold out, and very soon the publisher will proceed for the second edition.

13 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

'Expat Ride' addresses concerns of NRIs in Gulf countries

Times of India Mir Mohsin Ali Apr 9, 2012, 11.12AM IST " Expat Ride", a book by Mohammed Saifuddin, addresses many concerns of NRIs residing and working in Gulf countries.

The Indian government is trying to bring NRIs under the tax net, through introduction of the New Direct Tax Code, in place of old Income Tax Act. Concerns of the Indians in Gulf about this issue are dealt by the author, who argues that Indians in Gulf countries should be exempted from the income tax. He presents the real situation of Indians here with supporting data collected by a survey. This survey revealed that most of the Indian workers in Gulf countries return home empty handed.

14 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

The book reveals that the resident Indians not only outnumber the NRIs in wealth, but they are almost double in numbers and their net worth is much higher than NRIs. The problems, working and living conditions of Indian workers in Gulf countries are different from NRIs living in other countries. Mohammed Ali Shabbir, the ex-minister of NRI affairs, the government of Andhra Pradesh, expressed same views after releasing this book and they should be dealt separately. The Indians working in the Gulf countries have been demanding from the Indian government since long time to rip off their NRI status. The author argues that the Indians in Gulf countries should not be referred as NRIs. Rather, they should be called Indian contract workers in Gulf countries.

Quoting AICTE notification to reserve one third of the 15% supernumerary seats for the children of Indians living in the Gulf countries, author suggests to extend this quota for all the courses in Indian universities. Many people may not be aware, but the AICTE notification states that there shall be no NRI fees for children of Indians in Gulf countries. "The children of Indian workers in the Gulf Countries shall be treated at par with resident citizens," says the notification.

Revealing how money-lending by hawala rackets in Gulf countries are effecting Indian laborers, Saifuddin writes that the Indian workers in the Gulf countries are facing such a hard time that instead of sending remittances to their families, many of them are forced to seek financial support from their families and friends back home, in India through illegal means like hawala.

Revealing another shocking trend of money-lending by these hawala rackets, author mentions that many Indian labourers in Gulf countries have become their victims, are which acting as vultures sucking the blood of poor 15 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

laborers. This trend is linked to the loan sharks operating in the Gulf countries, who lend money to the labourers in Gulf countries on the higher rates of interest. The lenders pay the money to dependent in India through their agents and it is collected back here, in foreign currency. The money has to be returned in the agreed period, until then the interest should be paid regularly.

Concerned with the majority of Indians being among those who commit suicide in the UAE, the author tries to ponder on the reason of high depression among the Indians.

Last year the ministry of overseas Indian affairs has established the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in the 43 Indian missions across the world, in the countries that have a significant number of Indians. The "Expat Ride" author explains how the Indian Consulate General in Dubai has used this fund to get release of Indian prisoners from various jails. Lauding the consulate, the author suggests similar steps by the Indian missions in other Gulf countries.

Those Indians who are seeking jobs in Gulf countries are much prone to exploitation by the agents at the recruitment stage itself. To curb the ill deeds of these agents, the Indian government has made some amendments in the Emigration Act 1983 by a Gazette notification in July 2009. The author describes these changes and how it will affect the intending immigrants.

Indian government has conferred voting rights to NRIs and it makes it compulsory that we should be present in India during polling to cast our vote. Stating that postal ballot, online polling or voting at Indian missions should be introduced, the author gives examples of different countries which already have such facility.

16 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

The Right to Information Act was propagated as "powerful weapon". Later on it was extended to NRIs and we can seek information from the Indian embassy. Initially, we were very happy that we can use RTI at an Indian embassy. But, in reality, this act is useless for NRIs. It is impossible for us to apply for any information under the RTI Act, reveals the book.

The book also contains a write-up about the newly launched Passport Seva Kendras established under the Passport Seva Project.

Working for American embassy is a dream of every expat in Gulf. But the contract workers at US embassies in Gulf countries have many problems.

Quoting the findings of American inspectors from the State Department's Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the author reveals that the situation of these workers is almost similar to that of contract workers at small contracting firms.

After facing almost two decades of brain drain, the much developed India is now attracting its brilliant minds to return back and settle down. The author discusses this trend in an article "reverse brain drain".

Highlighting the foresightedness and long term plan of Indian Non-Muslims, to hit job market in Arab lands, author takes us to a ride of madarsas in Bihar, where Hindus are taking up the courses of Moulvi and Alim. Their aim is to get prepared for the job market in Gulf and embassies of Arab countries in India.

"Expat Ride" also contains an article about the pension and insurance scheme announced by the Indian government recently. It also covers the steps taken by Gulf countries like putting a cap on residence of expats and their remittances.

17 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

"Expat Ride" is a useful source of information for the people interested in exploring the real life of expatriates in Gulf countries. This is a first attempt to write a book on the subject of Indians in Gulf countries.

The Indian media normally covers very few topics about the Indians in Gulf countries and mostly they use sketchy information. This book will surely provide them rich information to explore the real life of Indians in Gulf. ("Expat Ride" - a 100-page book by Mohammed Saifuddin, joint editor of Yahind.com- is the first publication of Yahind.com.)

18 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride�

‘Expat Ride’ addresses concerns of NRIs in the Gulf

11 April 2012 NRI World (www.nriworld.in) Mohammed Saifuddin has written ‘Expat Ride’ a book that addresses many concerns of Gulf NRIs, in which he presents the real situation of Indians in the Gulf. The content also includes supporting data collected in a survey.

With the Indian government trying to bring NRIs under the tax net, through the introduction of the New Direct Tax Code to replace the old Income Tax, Gulf Indians are nervous about the implications. Saifuddin himself believes Indians in Gulf countries should in fact be exempted from income tax.

Obviously working and living conditions of Gulf Indian workers are different than NRIs in other countries and they have for a while been demanding the Indian government remove their NRI status, and rather, name them Indian contract workers.

19 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

Saifuddin touches on the hawala rackets in the Gulf that often victimizes Indian laborers. He also writes of the sad number of Indians who commit suicide in the UAE, attributed to depression.

‘Expat Ride’ also talks of the pension and insurance scheme recently announced by India. The book is said to be a useful source of information and is a first attempt at a book on the subject of Indians in the Gulf.

20 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

‘Expat Ride’ delves into concerns of NRIs in Gulf countries

Posted by Karthiyayini on April 11, 2012 (truthdrive.com) Riyadh, Apr 11 (TruthDive): ‘ Expat Ride’ is a 100-page book authored by a Riyadh-based Indian journalist Mohammed Saifuddin and joint editor of Yahind.com. It is the first publication from www.YaHind.com, the popular website of the NRIs in Gulf countries. The book delves into many concerns and issues of NRIs residing and working in Gulf countries.

Armed with his journalistic experience back home through his association with India’s largest circulated Munsif Urdu daily, Hyderabad and Awam Urdu Daily, Mr. Saifuddin has dealt with various issues of NRIs in Gulf countries.

The book was released here by Mohammed Ali Shabbir, the ex-minister of NRI affairs, the government of Andhra Pradesh, who expressed that the problems of working and living conditions of Indian workers in Gulf

21 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

countries are different from NRIs in other countries and they should be dealt separately.

‘Expat Ride’ covers some topics as below: The New Direct Tax Code that aims to bring NRIs under the tax net by the Indian government in place of old Income Tax Act in which the author presents the real situation of Indians here with supporting data collected by a survey. This survey revealed that most of the Indian workers in Gulf countries return home empty-handed.

The author argues that the Indians in Gulf countries should not be referred as NRIs but rather as Indian contract workers in Gulf countries.

The Expat Ride also deals with other shocking trends of Indian laborers falling prey to money-lending through hawala rackets, poor efficacy of Right to Information (RTI) Act to seek information from Indian embassy and the prevailing high rates of depression among Indians.

He suggests introducing postal ballot, online polling or voting at Indian missions during elections enabling full participation of all NRIs. The “Expat Ride” author pinpoints the efficient use of funds by the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) by the Indian Consulate General in Dubai that paved way for release of Indian prisoners from various jails. He suggests opening such Indian missions in other Gulf countries too.

The book also talks about the amendments made in the Emigration Act 1983 by the Indian government to check mistreatment by recruiting agents and its impact on the intending immigrants seeking employment in Gulf countries.

22 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

‘Expat Ride’ also has a write-up about the newly launched Passport Seva Kendras and an article about the pension and insurance scheme announced by the Indian government recently.

Highlighting the many problems faced by the contract workers at US embassies in Gulf countries, the author shows that the plight of these workers is akin to that of contract workers in small firms. being a maiden attempt, ‘Expat Ride’ also takes you through ‘reverse brain drain’, attempts by Gulf countries to put a cap on remittances of expats and the role of madarasas in Bihar where Hindus are taking up courses like Moulvi and Alim to land jobs in Gulf countries.

“Expat Ride” promises to be a useful and rich source of information for people interested in discovering the real lives of expatriates in Gulf countries.

23 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

Expat Ride — new book on Gulf NRIs released

Author: GHAZANFAR ALI KHAN | ARAB NEWS Sunday 12 February 2012 RIYADH: An important book containing substantial information about nonresident Indians living in the Gulf countries was released by senior Indian politician Mohammed Ali Shabbir at a brief ceremony in Riyadh recently.

The book entitled “Expat Ride” has been written by Riyadh-based Indian journalist Mohammed Saifuddin and published by YaHind.com, a major portal that gives detailed news and views about India.

The book covers diverse issues and problems faced by the Indian expatriates in the Gulf countries, besides the new regulations implemented by the government agencies for foreigners.

“Expat Ride” is the maiden publication by YaHind.com, a popular website for non-resident Indians (NRIs). Syed Zia Ur Rahman, YaHind’s chief executive

24 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

officer, said: “This is a small beginning of his venture and his team at YaHind, which is looking forward to climb new heights in near future.”

“The book addresses concerns of Gulf returnees as well as those Indians who have been living and working in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),” said Zia. “Saifuddin’s long stay in the Kingdom, journalistic experience back home, keen observation and his ability to read between the lines, combined with his nose for news, make ‘Expat Ride’ a roller coaster ride,” added Zia. A release ceremony of the book was also organized on the sidelines of an Indian Investor’s Summit, which recently concluded in the Indian city of Hyderabad. The releasing ceremony was organized just a few days after the conclusion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Jaipur.

Author Saifuddin is an experienced bilingual journalist with an equal command of English and Urdu. He worked for India’s largest circulated Urdu dailies — Munsif and Awam.

After shifting to Saudi Arabia, he contributed many articles to English and Urdu newspapers. Saifuddin was associated with YaHind.com since its early days and contributed many articles still uploaded on the site. After launching the book, former minister Shabbir stressed on the need and necessity to attract small investors from the Gulf countries and to encourage them to invest in India.

Shabbir said: “The problems of the Indian workers in the Gulf countries are different from NRIs living in other countries. They should be dealt with separately.”

He highlighted some of the steps taken by the provincial government of 25 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

India’s Andhra Pradesh state, when he was the minister for NRI affairs. He appreciated YaHind’s team for publishing a book on such an important subject, the tale of every Indian working in the Gulf.

He also congratulated the author. The event was attended by prominent NRIs, including Nadeem Tareen, chairman of the Riyadh-based Delhi Public School; Viren Joshi of the Australian Embassy; and Mir Himayat Ali, managing director of Levtech Consulting, Riyadh. Prominent literary figures and journalists from Hyderabad such as Abid Moiz, Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez and Abdul Rasheed Junaid were also present.

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Gulf NRIs left in the lurch

Javid Hassan Deccan Herald With the financial plight of Indian construction workers in the Gulf countries forcing them to obtain remittance from home, prime minister Manmohan Singh’s announcement at the Pravasi Bharat Divas 2012 of a new Pension and Life Insurance Fund for them will come as a huge relief, but not for all.

According to reports in the Gulf news media, Indian workers in the GCC are facing a hard time forcing some of them to seek financial support from their kith and kin back home. The disturbing trend, known as ‘reverse hawala,’ underlines the plight of Indian workers and blue collar employees in that region.

The prime minister said at the Jaipur convention that the Union cabinet has cleared a proposal for setting up a Pension and Life Insurance Fund (PLIF)

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for Indians working in the Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries on January 4.

“The scheme will encourage, enable and assist overseas workers to voluntarily save for their return and resettlement and old age. This scheme fulfills a long pending demand of our workers abroad,” Singh said.

Customized services Hopefully, the scheme would become a reality and not remain a pipe dream as in the past. At the PBD 2010 Convention, for example, it was announced that there would be customized services for state-specific investment projects as well as for preparing feasibility reports, besides organizing overseas road shows to attract FDI. Other

recommendations

were

to

assist

in

business-to-business

partnerships; maintain a strong Diaspora Knowledge Network; assist states to project and promote investment opportunities for NRIs in key focus sectors. The present recommendations hark back to the same refrain in the past.

According to Syed Zia-ur-Rahman, executive director of a Riyadh-based polyclinic, NRIs from the Gulf get short-changed at the PBD conventions. He said that despite the government’s good intentions, the announcements are lost in red tape.

“The working conditions and new rules and regulations are compelling the old-timers to return home and invest their hard-earned savings either in the real estate or in setting up a small-scale venture. But in the absence of a separate NRI Desk in the Indian Embassy, it is like groping in the dark.”

These concerns of the Gulf NRIs will be discussed at a regional PBD 28 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

convention in Dubai later this year, according to Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi. Such a move was long overdue in view of the problems facing them. Recently, hundreds of workers were stranded in Dubai for nearly four weeks after the company’s owner fled last month, leaving them with five months of unpaid salaries.

Indian businessman, Joseph D’Souza, had founded a steel fabrication and engineering firm called Systems Engineering, with offices in Sharjah and Dubai in 1997. It had employed 400 men from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as helpers steel fixers. However, his businesses conked out in the wake of the economic slowdown in Dubai, leaving the employees in the lurch. Such being the situation in the Gulf, the Jaipur convention was clearly addressing the diaspora from the west when the speakers invited them to invest in India.

“We consider NRIs as National Reserve of India and this is the reason we invite you to come and invest in India which holds tremendous investment opportunities in the sectors of education, healthcare and infrastructure,” said Shashi Tharoor, MP, while setting the stage for a panel discussion on ‘partnering for prosperity.’

Referring to the chosen theme, ‘Global Indians – Inclusive Growth,’ Vayalar Ravi spoke in a similar vein when he said the diaspora could play a constructive role through PPP initiatives for the promotion of philanthropy and entrepreneurship.

The upcoming PBD convention in Dubai should map out a strategy for the diaspora struggling with salary dues. And in Saudi Arabia, they face nonrenewal of job visa after six years under the new Saudi labour law.

“After putting in place a six-year cap on the stay of expatriates, Saudi Arabia recently unveiled its plan to limit their number to 20 per cent of the 29 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

population,” says journalist Mohammed Saifuddin from Riyadh. “If this proposal goes into effect, nearly 3 million expatriates will have to leave the Kingdom.

The Saudi population was 18.7 million at the end of 2010, while the Kingdom hosts 8.42 million expatriates, accounting for 31 per cent of the population,” he adds. With the Indian news media preoccupied with NRIs from the west, those from the Gulf find a passing reference as a matter of record at the PBD conventions.

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The NR EYE: Pravasi Divas should address pravasi concerns

Friday, 07 January 2011 (The Peninsula, Qatar)

by Moiz Mannan Amidst all the brouhaha of the diaspora conclave later this week in New Delhi, some real concerns of overseas Indians are likely to be sidelined unless forcefully emphasized upon.

As has been happening each of the past eight years or so, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas this time too will roll out the red carpet for NRI investments and participation in the country’s development. According to the Minister for Overseas Indians Affairs, Vayalar Ravi, the focus this year will be on showcasing the investment opportunities available in India’s near-forgotten North Eastern states.

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It is understandable for the home country to look to its wealthy and resourceful diaspora for assistance, but this is not likely to happen as desired unless the overseas Indians feel involved with their homelands affairs.

Two of the real issues concerning non-resident Indians (NRIs) worldwide at the moment are the voting rights and the direct tax code.

It is expected that these issues would be raised at a special session on the Gulf region on Saturday. The session will be chaired by Vayalar Ravi.

Minister of State for Railways, E Ahamed, will deliver the keynote address and former minister in the Kerala government, M M Hassan, will be the moderator. The Panelists include Yousuf Ali of the OIFC Governing Council, C K Menon of the India Development Foundation Governing Council, Ram Buxani, President, International Traders (ME) Limited, UAE, and Ravi Pillai, MD, Nasser Al Hajiri Corporation, Saudi Arabia.

Buxani was quoted by the media in Dubai as saying he would highlight the voting rights issue at the meet. Indian delegations from across the world are likely to chime in. Discussions and debates have been raging among Indians globally on the importance of voting rights.

More than 25 million Indians are living overseas, according to the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs 2009 to 2010 report, and the right to vote has been a long-standing issue with them.

According to media reports, Indian associations in the UAE are demanding easy

enrolment

to

enable

larger

NRI

participation

in

state

and

parliamentary elections.

The lower house of the Indian Parliament passed the Representation of the People [Amendment] Bill 2010 in August, allowing overseas Indians to vote.

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However, they would be required to register in India only during times specified by the election commission, and would have to travel again to cast their vote, an option many could not afford.

The

Sharjah-based

Pravasi

Bandhu

Welfare

Trust,

a

community

organization, has already requested that the election commission allow NRIs to register all year round in an effort to simplify the process. Demands and suggestions flowing in from across the globe include on-line voting, postal ballot and voting at embassies and consulates.

Several NRI bodies and individuals have further demanded representation for the overseas Indian community in Parliament and state legislatures. If these pro-active steps are taken by the Indian government, NRIs would truly feel wanted and involved and then efforts like the PBD at garnering their support would be more successful.

Indian authorities are yet undecided even on the half-hearted measure that has been taken. According to the latest reports from New Delhi, two rounds of discussions were held between the Ministry of Overseas Indians Affairs, the External Affairs Ministry and the Election Commission to finalize the modalities of enrolling overseas Indian voters but consensus eluded them.

The other important issue before NRIs is that of the Direct Tax Code. News of likely passage of New Direct Taxes Code Bill has created lot of unrest among Gulf NRIs as their economic condition necessitates closer contact with the nation for social, educational and medical purposes.

There are many low income workers like construction workers, helpers, drivers and maids who can’t afford to go on holiday ever year. They travel once every two or three years and stay for as long as three months. The new DTC will force NRIs to count the number of days they live in India and, in fact, discourage them from travelling to India.

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As the stage is all set by the Indian government to implement the new tax code, the Indian expatriates working in the Gulf countries have raised their concerns on the government’s intention to bring them under the tax net.

As columnist Mohammed Saifuddin rightly argues, “Some companies facing financial problems send their employees for unpaid vacations for as long as six months. Few others are forced to lengthen their vacation due to their health problems. It will be unfair to ask such poor workers to pay tax if they spend long vacations at home.”

It is hoped that while having high expectations of the ‘sons of the soil,’ the Indian government would also pay heed to these pressing concerns if it is sincere about strengthening relations with them.

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Grammar of immigration: Present Perfect

Submitted by admin on 5 December 2012 - 8:57am

By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net Hundreds of thousands of Indians live and work in Emirates, more than half of them are Muslim. How is their future being shaped by past and present of India relations with this region? A three part series.

Part 1: Past Continuous Part 2: Present Perfect: India-UAE trade today is worth US$67 billion. These billions are the work of many small, medium and big business-men, women, and families. Indian Muslims have been an integral part of the business environment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

I asked S. M. Syed Khalil, Group Director of Jashanmal Group why is that Indian Muslims seemed to have done very well in Emirates but we don’t see 35 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

similar level of success by Muslim businesses back in India? He says “In India, we suffer from discrimination by the government officials.” He also attributes success to no-tax regime of Dubai and relatively hindrance free business environment.

Salman Siddiqui, who is in perfume business and a long-time resident of Dubai, agrees with Mr. Khalil that business-friendly culture of Emirates does not discriminate and hence Indian Muslims just like others found it easier to establish and grow their businesses here.

But it is not just businesses and their jobs that keep these NRIs occupied.

There are a number of cultural organizations that are very actively keeping the traditions and culture alive. Dubai Mushairas have been very popular since 1990s among both Indians and Pakistanis for quality of poetry recited as well as a way to bring finest poets from both nations on one platform year after year.

Mushairas have become so popular that now there are a number of mushairas throughout the year. Farhan Wasti is the General Secretary of Hamari Association, they have been organizing mushairas for the last three years. Mushairas in Dubai depend on corporate funding; does this mean that only famous poets get the invitation? Wasti informed me that there is lot of planning that goes on into organizing a mushaira including careful selection of poets by scanning literary journals and recommendations.

But it is not just mushairas, plays, classical dances, and cultural programs in different languages that are patronized and appreciated by the Indian Diaspora that makes Dubai an important cultural center. When it became difficult for M.F. Hussain to live in India, he chose Dubai as his base. Dubai gave him freedom to work while remaining close to India in spirit and distance.

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Journalist Mazhar Farooqui was close to MF Hussain and has many stories to share of the famous painter. He is writing a book but not about Hussain. In this day when everything is for sale, Farooqui has no intention to cash in on his time spent with Hussain. In fact, he is spending his spare time and money to give back to the community. Farooqui is the leading force behind Aaghaz Foundation, a group that is working in the field of education and empowerment in Lucknow.

Farooqui is not alone; many from Gulf countries actively participate in social work back home. They not only send money for social work but are really involved in grass-root level work trying to socially and economically uplift the community. I had the opportunity to sit in meetings of two organizations working in the interiors of Bihar & Jharkhand. Bihar Anjuman’s monthly meeting was held at a banker’s home, the organization is provided guidance by well-established professionals but I was happy to note that majority of the participants were young and recent arrivals to the Gulf. Bihar Anjuman through its online forum and offline meetings makes it possible to channelize the resources for supporting educational and economic needs in places whose names you will never hear in your life.

Their coaching centers in remote areas are helping fulfill an education gap that is helping not just Muslims but also dalits and poor of the area.

People who established Bihar & Jharkhand International Forum (BAJI Forum) have been active in social reform movement since 1990s. I saw a bit older crowd in this meeting but enthusiasm was no less. Members of BAJI forum are active in anti-dowry and anti-drug campaigns. They are also financially supporting coaching centers helping stem the high drop-out rates.

There are similar organizations set up by people from Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, etc. concerned about their community back home and spending time and money to help in the social and economic upliftment of 37 | P a g e Media Coverage of “Expat Ride”

their community. This is not to suggest that regional affiliation dominate social gatherings, Dubai Indian Islamic Centre brings all Indian Muslims on one platform and works with both Government of Dubai and Indian Consulate serving the needs of Indian Muslims in Dubai.

But this present is not perfect for others who came here as laborers or lowskill workers and with dreams to earn some money. Thousands of these workers work long hours and live in inhuman condition working to make the Emirates what it is today. Journalist Mohammed Saifuddin has looked at the problems of migrant workers in his book “Expat Ride.” According to him, seventy percent of those who commit suicide in 2009 in Dubai are Indians.

Thus the story of Dubai is stories of many who succeeded and also many who have lost. But it is also encouraging to see those that have done well in life thinking of the less unfortunate ones and trying to do something for them.

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Reference book for PBD 2013

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Title Page of the Theme paper for PBD 2013

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Appreciation by Bank Al Bilad

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