Serve the workers Indian missions

An Indian minister has asked the nation’s Gulf missions to get aggressive with workers’ issues and signed two key agreements with the UAE on double taxation and consular issues. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna yesterday addressed Indian blue collared workers working in the UAE and said they can be assured of quick consular assistance in times of crisis. Meanwhile, according to some reports, embassies and consulates have also been told to be accessible round-the -clock for those in need. Krishna said he had advised the embassies and consulates in the GCC to remain pro-active in dealing with workers’ issues. “At least two meetings should be held every week in order to discuss their issues,” he said during his address in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening. Millions of Indian workers are employed in the Gulf and are responsible for remitting billions back to India every year. “Your interests will be of high priority,” Krishna promised the workers. He also urged the missions to engage local government in solving various issues faced by Indian workers. The minister, who was on a three-day visit to the UAE was scheduled to sign key agreements on double taxation and consular services.