PM Modi's Saudi Tour Open New Doors for Indian Migrants, Businesses: Zafar Sareshwala

Jeddah, April 21 (IANS). Before Premier Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Indian businessman Zafar Sareshwala, described it as important from a strategic and cultural perspective and said it would be a new era in the relationship between the two countries. Sarshwala said it was the prime minister’s third visit to Saudi Arabia, and this time he came to Jeddah, who is considered the entrance to the Holy City of Mecca. This journey will not only strengthen bilateral relations, but will also open new opportunities for Indian migrants and businesses. The prime minister went to Riyadh in his last two visits, but Jeddah’s visit has a special meaning in cultural and religious context. He said the number of Indian migrants in Saudi Arabia is about 28 lakhs, and it is constantly increasing. Under the strict labor laws implemented by the Saudi government, unskilled workers also receive a minimum of 1,600 Riyal (about Rs 35,000) salary, housing and food. This enables each laborer to save an average of Rs 25,000 monthly. He said that in the past nine years there has been a significant improvement in the situation of Indians in Saudi Arabia. Earlier, where most Indian workers were of Kerala, people from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and West Beenal also come here in large numbers. Apart from the blue caller, Indians also work on mid-level and senior positions. Sareshwala said more than 1,000 Indian businesses have erected their offices in Saudi Arabia since 2016, especially in areas such as construction, infrastructure, information technology and artificial intelligence. The economy of Saudi Arabia creates new opportunities for Indians, especially in construction and IT sectors. He revealed that his business is planning to introduce domestic gas distribution networks in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the Navratna Company Indraprastha Gas Limited. A sleeve will be signed for this project soon. Sareshwala said the visit of Premier Modi is seen as the beginning of a new era in India-Saudi relations. PM Modi’s vision is to promote economic and cultural collaboration with Saudi Arabia. The migrant businessman expressed concern about the negative remarks against Islam and Muslims by some people in the country. They believe that such groups are weakening the vision of the prime minister. There is a group in India that abuses Islam as soon as it wakes up, Muslims abuse. If you open Twitter, Facebook, every day, there is a group of people whose day starts with this work. As for the WAQF Act, he said that if there is any concern, then he should speak directly to the Premier Modi. He said: “Instead of talking in the media or here and there, I think the best way to move forward is to talk to them directly. I think that’s the way to go forward. Of course you can go to the Supreme Court, that’s your fundamental right. This is also an option for peaceful achievement. -Ians Aks/AK