Gulf Retirees Association Karnataka raises returnee issues in high-level meetings
Bengaluru: The Gulf Retirees Association Karnataka, under the leadership of former NRI Shahul Hameed, met with Arathi Krishna, Deputy Chairperson of the Karnataka State NRI Forum, at her office in Vikas Soudha to discuss the challenges faced by Gulf returnees.
The meeting included a detailed interaction with individuals who had spent several years working across Gulf countries and have since returned to Karnataka. Discussions centered on a range of pressing concerns, including financial instability, employment challenges, social reintegration, healthcare access, and educational needs.
The Association highlighted the acute financial difficulties experienced by many returnees, noting that despite decades of overseas employment, a significant number return without adequate financial planning or viable job opportunities. This mismatch between their experience and available employment has led to widespread economic insecurity.
Social isolation and health-related concerns were also raised. The lack of access to affordable healthcare and social support has contributed to the struggles faced by many returnees. In response, the Association has undertaken various initiatives, including awareness programs, health camps, and counselling services to aid in the reintegration process.
The Association urged the Karnataka State NRI Forum to take concrete steps toward policy intervention and support mechanisms tailored to Gulf returnees. A formal memorandum outlining these concerns and proposed solutions was also submitted to L.K. Atheeq, Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, at his office in Bengaluru.
Distinguished Toastmaster Shameer Ahmed, himself a former NRI, conveyed his best wishes to the Forum and assured his continued support for future initiatives aimed at improving the lives of returnees.
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Had a very good conversation with friend Modi: Trump
Washington (PTI): US President Donald Trump on Friday said he had a "very good conversation" with his "friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He was referring to the talks the two leaders had on Tuesday.
"I had a very good talk with him, and he's a friend of mine from India, and he's doing great. We had a very good conversation," Trump told reporters here as he headed to Las Vegas to address a roundtable on tax cuts.
Trump had called Modi on Tuesday to discuss the bilateral relationship and share perspectives on the situation in West Asia, where the US and Israel have launched a war on Iran.
The US and Iran declared a two-week ceasefire on April 7. They engaged in peace talks with Washington, insisting that Tehran give up its pursuit of nuclear weapons and uranium enrichment.
The war with Iran has sent gas prices soaring as Tehran blocked the sea lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow gateway for a fifth of global oil supplies.
During the Trump-Modi phone call on Tuesday, the two leaders stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.
According to the US Ambassador to India Sergei Gor, the 40-minute conversation ended with Trump telling Modi, "we all love you".
Tuesday's phone call was the second between the two leaders since the US-Israel war with Iran began on February 28.
