Kerala CM Vijayan seeks Modi's help for stranded Gulf expats
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Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan urged PM Narendra Modi on Friday to urgently intervene as thousands of Indian expatriates, including many Keralites, remain stranded in Gulf countries due to acute flight shortages and soaring ticket prices.
In a letter sent to the Prime Minister, Vijayan spotlighted the distress from limited chartered and scheduled flights out of GCC nations, hindering returns to India—especially Tier-2 cities.
He called for immediate Centre-airline engagement to boost services, plus a centralised registration system via diplomatic missions or portals to prioritise vulnerable groups like the sick, elderly, pregnant women, children, and those in financial hardship. States should be updated on repatriation plans for smooth arrivals, he added.
Vijayan flagged exploitative charter fares—often several times normal rates—and demanded price regulation. He also sought a dedicated helpline for transit passengers stuck at hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Kuwait after cancellations, many lacking luggage, accommodation, or contacts, alongside aid for tourist/visit visa holders.
(Inputs from IANS)