Hyderabad, October 08: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may soon set up its consulates in Hyderabad and Kerela. Addressing a press conference during his visit to the city here on Saturday, Saudi Ambassador Sagr Suleman Al-Qureshi said that the kingdom was considering setting up the consulates following repeated requests from many circles.
Al-Qureshi informed that the Saudi Government was keen to enhance business ties with India, particularly the Southern State. He informed that the government has launched a new scheme wherein businessmen would be issued multi-purpose visa for one year in just one day. He asked the Indian businessmen to avail the facility.
He said that the Saudi Government aims to promote investments from India particularly in sectors like food processing, steel, education and health. The government would provide all assistance to the Indian businessmen.
The Saudi Ambassador also clarified the new law ‘Nitaqat’ aimed at Saudisation or providing more jobs to Saudi nationals would not affect the Indian workers. He denied reports that nurses hailing from Kerela were retrenched due to the same programme. However, he said a delegation would soon visit India for fresh recruitment. He said the Indian workers have carved out a name for themselves with their hard work, dedication and honesty. That’s the reason why the Saudi government respects the Indian workers a lot, he said.
Al-Qureshi also informed that King Abdullah has increased the quota of Indian Haj pilgrims by 10,000 this year. This could increase the total number of Haj pilgrims from India to 1,75,000. He pointed out that in view of centuries-old relations, King Abdullah considers India as his second home and therefore, intends to strengthen bi-lateral relationship.
–INN