PM vows to take up problems faced by Indian workers in Qatar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday assured Indian workers in Qatar that he will take up problems faced by them during his talks with leaders of this Gulf nation.

Addressing Indian workers at a medical camp in downtown Doha, Modi said he is aware of the issues being faced by Indian workers and the companies that bring them here.

"I am aware of the issues you are facing. I will talk about it when I meet the authorities,” he said.

Modi will hold detailed talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on Sunday.

Modi noted that his first engagement during his two-day visit to Qatar on the second leg of his five-nation tour was a visit to the camp of Indian workers in Doha.

"I came to Doha in the evening and the first programme on my schedule was to meet you all,” he said. Qatar is home to over six lakh people of Indian origin.

Modi also interacted with workers after his brief address and shared refreshments with them.

He shook hands with several workers during his 30-minute stay at the camp.

The prime minister said he wants to congratulate doctor friends for the good work they are doing in Qatar.

“Happy to see regular health check ups being conducted here,” he said.

Modi also struck a chord with the Indian workers when he said, “When someone from your land, speaking your language comes, I am sure that would make you very happy.”

“If you have some issues on changing some rules and regulations, I will work with you all to bring about these changes,” he told the audience.

Modi said he believed that the leadership in the Gulf has a lot of love and belief in the Indian community in the region.

In this context, he spoke about the visit of Qatar’s Emir to India last year and referred to his praise of the ‘unmatched contribution’ of the Indian community to the development of his country.

Modi also said India’s global image is not made by its prime minister or its ambassador but, “It’s all of you through your behaviour, who earn India a good name.”

“This global goodwill is the biggest international reserve currency,” he added.

“If you have some issues on changing some rules and regulations, I will work with you all to bring about these changes,” he told the audience.

Modi told the Indian workers in Qatar that monsoon this year will be good.

“This year the best news is that it is going to be a good monsoon. When such news come, they bring with them a lot of happiness,” he said.

India Meteorological Department had said earlier this week that there is no possibility of a ‘deficient’ monsoon this year and 96 per cent chances are that the rainfall would be ‘normal to excess’.

The PM also appreciated the wellness centre for the workers, saying that it offered facilities like yoga and relaxation techniques.

At the event, Qatar’s Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohammad Al-Kuwari and Finance Minister Ali Shareef Al Emadi were also present.

Modi said he enquired about the health problems being faced by the workers and found that counselling and diabetes were the two main issues of concern.

“Do work hard, but while doing so, please do focus on keeping your health and body fighting fit,” he said.