------------------------------------------------------- CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at: http://www.casadegoa.org -------------------------------------------------------
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=28498 ‘REPORT TO THE PEOPLE 2004-07’ – OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15:59 IST The following are the excerpts from the ‘Report to the People 2004-07’ on Overseas Indian Affairs. The report was released by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on 22nd May, 2007. The report in full and its highlights are available on PIB website: www.pib.nic.in Overseas Citizenship: The scheme for Overseas Citizenship of India has been extended to cover all overseas Indians who emigrated after January 26, 1950. Overseas Citizens have been granted parity with NRIs in respect of facilities in economic, financial and educational fields, with some exceptions, besides lifelong multi-purpose multi-entry visa and exemption from registration with local authorities. Till 2006, over 78,000 online applications had been filed and over 36,000 overseas citizenship registration certificates had been granted. Voting by NRIs: A bill has been introduced in Parliament to permit Indian citizens outside India who are absent in their ordinary place of residence to get themselves registered in the electoral rolls of the constituency of their ordinary place of residence. Social Security: A Social Security Agreement has been entered into with Belgium, exempting overseas Indians on short-term contracts of up to five years from payment of social security contributions and providing for export of social security benefits for those on long-term contract, after they relocate to India on retirement. The Government has initiated the process for entering into similar agreements with other countries like The Netherlands, Sweden and France. The Government has entered into a bilateral MoU on manpower with the United Arab Emirates on a wide range of issues concerning the protection and welfare of overseas Indian workers, including non-payment or delay in payment of wages, harsh working and living conditions, substitution of contracts, retention of passports, cheating by intermediaries, physical abuse, etc. Conclusion of a similar MoU with Kuwait has been approved, which would facilitate recruitment of manpower, prohibit changes in terms and conditions of employment contracts to the detriment of workers, lay down the procedure for authentication for employment contract place responsibility on employers to arrange the work permits, and protect workers who are otherwise not covered under local labour laws. More such MoU are expected with other Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as with Malaysia. NRI / PIO University: The UPA Government has approved a policy frame for setting up a university for children of NRIs and PIOs. PKM Cip UK 'Roman Script' is the popular computer-friendly script for written communication in most languages, including the language of our ancestors "Konkani" in the 21st century.
------------------------------------------------------- Goanet recommends, and is proud to be associated with, 'Domnic's Goa' - A nostalgic romp through a bygone era. This book is the perfect gift for any Goan, or anyone wanting to understand Goa. Distributed locally by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim & internationally by OtherIndiaBookStore.Com. For trade enquiries contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------
