Overseas Indian Centre to be opened in Dubai
By Riyasbabu (Our staff reporter) KHALEEJ TIMES 1 April 2008
DUBAI — India will soon open an Overseas Indian Centre in Dubai to facilitate legal, medical and financial counselling to its nationals based in the Gulf, said Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi.
Speaking to Khaleej Times over the telephone from India, Ravi said, his ministry has begun to implement the proposal and a similar centre has already started functioning in Washington.
"Dubai centre will have a director and supporting staff and it will work under the Indian Embassy. The centre will coordinate with Indian doctors, solicitors and financial consultants living in the region and facilitate services to the Indian expatriates," Ravi said.
"I cannot say when the centre will open. We are working on it at the moment and we will start operations as soon as possible. The Centre will coordinate its activities with the Indian diplomatic missions in the Gulf," he added.
"India had plans to start a similar centre in Kuala Lumpur to cater to the Indians based in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei but the plan has been stalled for now," Ravi stated.
Elaborating the aim of the centre, the minister said, the centre will educate the Indians living in the region about their rights and obligations and ensure that they are not exploited.
He revealed that six posts have been created in Dubai under the Indian consulate to operate the centre and the staff will be professionals with legal, medical and financial expertise.
"The legal cell in the centre will run awareness campaigns among Indians about their rights and give advice to Indian citizens in case of disputes with employers.
“The medical cell will provide medical support, including psychiatric counselling, while the financial cell will provide financial advice on transfer of funds, savings and investments," Ravi said.
The centre, Ravi said, will also focus on the issues of women and provide all the necessary assistance to them in times of need.
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