An international helpline for Non-Resident Indians will be opened on January 8 to help them air their grievances directly to the Overseas Indian Affairs ministry.
Delivering the presidential address at the two-day 'Keraleeya Pravasi Sangamam, 2008' in Kochi on Wednesday, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said the helpline will be launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.
He said the helpline, Open 24x7, could be used by NRIs in distress to address their problems to the concerned officials in the ministry.
Taking note of the mushrooming recruitment agencies and their exploitation of job aspirants, Ravi said the Bill for the amendment of the relevant Act to control such agencies will be presented in the next Parliament session.
On the granting of voting rights to NRIs, Ravi hoped that the Bill concerned will be introduced in the next Parliament session for amending the Peoples Representative Act for the inclusion of Overseas Indians in the voters' list.
The minister also said that agreements had been signed with certain countries to ensure minimum wages, proper accommodation and medical insurance to the NRIs working there.
"As per the agreement, a consultative machinery will be formed, which will meet once in a one month; interaction at the government level will be held every six months," Ravi added.
