As Middle East tensions surge with the intensifying Israel-US-Iran standoff, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has prioritized the welfare of its massive Gulf-based diaspora. Hosting an emergency virtual session with Gulf representatives late Tuesday via Loka Kerala Sabha, Vijayan stressed that NRK safety is paramount for the state government.
Calling for solidarity, he remarked that this is the moment for the expatriate community to unite beyond divisions and collaborate effectively. Vijayan voiced cautious optimism about feedback from Malayalis overseas, tempered by ongoing worries about shifting regional dynamics.
The state has notified New Delhi about securing Indian workers abroad and easing repatriation for those requiring immediate return. Vijayan committed, ‘We will provide all feasible support under our purview.’
Prominent concerns include disrupted flights, refund delays, exorbitant fares, chartered flight options, and transit traveler woes at Gulf hubs. These will be escalated to central authorities.
Pointing to robust India-Gulf economic links, the CM cautioned against long-term disruption’s fallout on national and state-level employment and logistics.
Meeting participants affirmed that host nations are stable sans panic, but flagged real issues like urgent repatriations, exam-bound students, flight-grounded individuals, and visa-trapped transients.
Vijayan implored the diaspora to heed official guidelines from embassies and locals, shunning rumor-mongering. He vowed proactive state aid to mitigate overseas Keralite struggles amid the turmoil.