Goan workers turning away from Gulf By RAMNATH N PAI RAIKAR
Principal Correspondent PANAJI — Acknowledging the observations made in the recent report by the Moody's Investors Service that the rising cost of living is making the Gulf countries less attractive for expatriate workers, the director for NRI Affairs and managing director for Overseas Recruitment Agency, Mr U D Kamat maintained that more and more "new generation Goans" are moving to places like Bangalore and Hyderabad for career in IT, rather than migrating to Gulf countries. The Moody's report which was released earlier this week, stated that most governments of the Gulf Co-operation Council have imposed price controls on basic commodities or rent caps; however, such action was making these governments rely more and more on their oil budgets. This would create problems for the GCC countries to adjust to future downturn in oil prices, the report observed. The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Speaking further, Mr Kamat said the living cost, especially accommodation in Gulf countries -- mainly Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- has shot up by 30 to 35 per cent. "The situation is so bad that when posts were recently announced for teachers in Oman, with a monthly salary of Rs 20,000 in Indian currency, only one lady teacher accepted the job," he informed, pointing out, "and the salary was supported by accommodation, that is an apartment for the teacher if his family accompanies him or a shared accommodation for a bachelor teacher." Citing the reason for increase in the accommodation cost in Gulf countries, Mr Kamat said the multinational companies opening their shops in such countries are hiring accommodations at any cost. It was also informed that there are around 40,000 Goans in Kuwait, 9,000 Goans in Qatar, another 9,000 to 10,000 Goans in Oman, and around 10,000 Goans in United Arab Emirates and Dubai, each. Mr Kamat mentioned that majority of Goans who have migrated to Gulf countries for jobs, had done so during last decade or even 20 years ago. "There are no recent large migrations from Goa to Gulf countries because these countries offer no more lucrative salaries," he pointed out. Today, India herself offers high salaried jobs, in fields like IT and the new generation is not interested in moving to Gulf countries for something which is far less than what can be earned in this country, he observed. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=062042 -- DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England
