During my recent short visit to Goa, met with the Honourable Commissioner for NRI Affairs, to personally appraise him of the difficulties faced by the Kuwait Goan Community and to seek his valuable assistance, to redress the various issues raised from time to time. Each and every issue relating to Kuwait Goans was eleborately explained so that a perfect understanding of the difficulties could be placed on record. Mr. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs, appreciated the manner in which NRI Goans are contributing towards the development of Goa and after a patient hearing of the issues, assured that all the issues will receive the desired consideration and appropriate action. It may be noted that the following issues were raised for immediate consideration and favourable redressal: 1. Emmigration Clearance relaxation for those whose qualifications are below Std XII. 2. Re-scheduling of the AI direct flights to suit the convenience of the passengers travelling from Kuwait to Goa. 3. Extend facilities to Other Airlines who wish to commence operation of their flights from Gulf/Kuwait to Goa so that the fares are made competitive. 4. Ensure that Goa University Degrees (10+2+3) are recognised worldwide without any discremination. 5. Recognition of Goa University Engineering Degrees in Kuwait by the Kuwait Society of Engineers, which is hetherto not being given due recogintion. Realising the urgency of the matter, Mr. Eduardo Faleiro, immediately made several phone calls to Heads of all the concerned Departments/Authorities at the Union and State levels and presented the issues for suitable redressals. The authorities contacted were: Protector of Emmigrants -New Delhi, Director of Civil Aviation - New Delhi, Joint Secretary Ministry of Education - New Delhi, etc. He has assured all possible help to redress the grievances of Goans, one by one, and also requested to keep him informed of other issues of the Community, that may come up from time to time. The Hon'ble Dy. Chief Minister, Dr. Wilfred D'Souza, has made considerable progress to ensure that other Airlines, namely, Emirates, Air Arabia may soon be able to fly to Goa. This is a welcome move which will certainly benefit Goans as well as Tourists from the Middle East and the Western countries. There is no doubt that once the competition grows Goans living in the Gulf and other countries will be offerred competitive air fares, like our counterparts from Kerala, Chennai, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat etc. This move will definately give an excellent filip to the Tourism Industry of Goa. May I take this opportunity to appeal to our fellow Goans who are heading Goan Organisations in UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar as well as other countries Worldwide, to put forward their issues afflicting them, for the greater interest of the Goan Community spread far and wide. Together we can work wonders! With all good wishes, Wilson Coelho.
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